What are common types of boat accidents in Florida?
On behalf of Eisenmenger, Robinson & Peters, P.A. posted in Boating Accidents on Friday, April 24, 2015.
Florida’s residents have a lot of access to water, which is very nice in the hot, long summer. For many people, Florida’s proximity to water has led to an interest in water sports — particularly boating. In order to boat safely, people must follow the rules. This includes avoiding drunk driving and following other regulations. Sadly, not all boaters are safe and many cause accidents.
These accidents have a variety of causes. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are common types of boating accidents in Florida. In the 2013 Boating Accidents Statistical Report, the Commission examined both primary and secondary accident causes.
According to this data, the most common type of boating accident was a collision with another vessel. This cause contributed to 187 accidents in 2013. Other common accidents including hitting a fixed object, the boat flooding, people falling overboard and grounding. Colliding with a fixed object was responsible for 142 accidents that year. Other causes of boat accident in Florida included hitting an underwater object, falling in the boat, skiing accidents, fires and colliding with floating people.
Capsizing, sinking, falling overboard and falling in the boat were some of the major secondary causes for accidents. In particular, falling overboard was the largest secondary accident with 100 incidents in 2013.
No matter how an accident occurs, or why, the accident victims can suffer serious injuries. When people are injured in a boating accident caused by someone’s negligence, they should make sure to understand their legal rights. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more may be recoverable in a personal injury suit. This post can only provide basic information about boat accidents in Florida, however, an attorney can give accident victims specific legal advice.
