Boat Accidents
Boating accidents happen more often than most people think, especially here in Florida where we enjoy optimal boating conditions almost year-round. In fact, Florida leads the country in boating accidents and fatalities, according to WUSF News, with 57 deaths and close to 300 serious injuries in 2018, as well as seven million dollars in property damage. If you were involved in a boating accident, contact our office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC can help.
What Damages Can I Sue For?
By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you can sue for the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages and lost earning ability;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Wrongful death, which may include loss of consortium; and
- More.
Top Causes of Fatal Boating Accidents
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the following are the top causes of boating accidents:
- Operator inattention—Like most traffic collisions, the primary cause of boating accidents, is operator inattention, otherwise known as distraction.
- Improper lookout—Having a lookout is crucial when out on the water because vessels can be approaching from 360 degrees. A lookout can be the operator alone, or another party that assists.
- Operator inexperience—If you were injured by a boat operator who apologized for “being new to this” or for “not having a lot of experience” operating their vessel, that is no excuse for causing the collision.
- Machinery failure—A defective boat part could be grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
- Excessive speed—Florida waterways have speed limits, just like our roadways. Unfortunately, many boat operators figure that because they’re on the open water, no speed limit applies to them.
- Alcohol use—Alcohol and boating are a deadly combination. Operators need their full wits about them, and alcohol has the same negative effect on a boat operator as it does a driver—it dulls the senses, reduces reaction time, and causes a false sense of security.
- Force of wake/wave—Wake-caused accidents occur when a large wake causes a boat to capsize or the operator to lose control. Large wakes can be a sign that the other operator was speeding.
- Navigation rules violation—Lakes, rivers, harbors, and oceans all have their own navigational rules. Operators who violate these, such as navigating into a shipping lane, put everyone at risk.
- Hazardous waters—If the operator of the boat of which you or your loved one were an occupant took the vessel out in dangerous conditions, that could be negligence, particularly if the victim was a child.
Top Types of Fatal and Non-Fatal Injuries in Boating Accidents
- Drowning;
- Non fatal drowning resulting in brain damage or other physical and psychological injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury;
- Fractured limb;
- Cardiac arrest;
- Hypothermia;
- Lacerations;
- Contusions;
- Internal organ injuries;
- Burns;
- Whiplash;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Facial injuries; and
- More.
Call the Tampa Boat Accident Lawyers at the Office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC
Whether you believe the at-fault party caused the collision due to operator inexperience, intoxication, reckless operation, an improper lookout, or for some other act of negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. Call the office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC today at 813-425-2020 to schedule a free consultation.
