Common Causes Of Boat Accidents In Florida
Florida continuously has the highest number of registered boating vessels in the country and with so much congestion on the water, accidents are bound to happen. Boating accidents are just like car accidents in the way that injured individuals can hold negligent individuals liable for paying damages after a crash. To determine which party to hold liable, you must first determine what caused your accident. In Florida, there are many common causes of boating accidents, and they are listed below.
Distracted Operators
Distracted operators cause the majority of boat accidents in Florida. Not only do boat operators have all the same distractions as drivers, such as smartphones and loud music, but if there are many people on the boat, that is also a distraction.
Inexperienced Operators
Operating a boat takes specialized knowledge and skill, and boat operators do not always know how to operate their vessel safely. Inexperienced operators may not know the navigational laws and rules they must follow, and they may also not know how to react to certain conditions.
Improper Lookouts
All boats should have a lookout, which is a person that watches for storms and potential threats. If the lookout acts negligently and fails to detect danger, it places everyone on the water at risk.
Impaired Boat Operation
Everyone knows the dangers of driving under the influence, but they do not think the law applies when they are on a boat. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a boat with an open container of alcohol. However, if a boat stops on the water or the owner uses a boat to host a party, boat operators are allowed to consume alcohol. Unfortunately, too many boat operators stop to have a drink and when they start operating the boat again, they are impaired and cause a crash.
Speeding
Just like the roads in the state, waterways in Florida are also governed by speed limits. When boat operators do not abide by these speed limits, it takes them longer to slow down and come to a stop. Due to the fact that boat accidents are typically much more serious than car accidents, the forceful impact of a boat crash caused by speeding will result in very serious injuries.
Defective Equipment
If a boat, its parts, or any of its equipment is defective, it could cause an accident that results in severe injuries. When manufacturers create defective or faulty products, manufacturers can be held liable.
Lack of Maintenance or Proper Equipment
All boat operators should perform a full inspection of their boat before heading out on the water. They should also ensure they have all the necessary equipment, including flotation devices for everyone onboard. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable for any accident they caused.
Our Boat Accident Lawyers in Port St. Lucie Can Determine How Your Crash Happened
If you have been involved in a boat accident, our Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyers at Eighmie Law Firm, P.A. can assist with your case. We will determine how the crash happened and hold the negligent party liable for paying damages. Call us today at 772-905-8692 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/0768.html
