In Florida, numerous waterways are great for fishing and leisure boating. However, injuries and fatalities from boating accidents have also been rising in Florida over the past few years. It is critical to identify the factors causing the rise in accidents because this pattern is concerning. Hire a boating accident attorney if you have been involved in such an accident to recover the damages and punish the at-fault party.
Here are seven reasons why boating accidents are on the rise in the Sunshine State.
Increased Boating Activity
Florida is a well-liked destination for boaters who want to appreciate the state’s waterways. The danger of accidents rises as boating activity does. It may be more difficult for boaters to prevent accidents due to congestion caused by more boats in the area.
Inexperienced Operator
Lack of experience may prevent a boat operator from knowing all the navigational rules or from knowing how to respond quickly and safely to sudden changes in the boat or water. Serious accidents may result from these mistakes as more and more inexperienced operators try and sail in Florida waters.
Lack of Education
Many Florida boaters lack the formal education and experience required to sail a vessel securely. According to Florida legislation, anyone operating a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more must have a boating safety instruction ID card. However, a lot of people continue to handle boats without any necessary training, which causes accidents.
Speeding
Speeding on the water can prevent the boat’s operator from responding to a sudden event or situation promptly. And speeding increases the risk of severe accidents with other boats or objects, which puts everyone on board as well as other people in the water or at a nearby dock, at serious risk for injury.
Equipment Failure
Regular maintenance is required to maintain boats in excellent working order. Accidents may result from defective components like the steering, engine, or guidance system. A boat’s lack of essential safety gear, such as life jackets or fire extinguishers, can also result in more serious injuries or deaths.
Alcohol Abuse
There is a good chance that the lookout person or boat driver’s judgment will be impaired if they are affected by drugs or alcohol, which could result in poor choices. The outcome might be unnecessary harm to you or others, as well as damage to the watercraft.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can rapidly and dramatically change when you’re out on the water. Boaters must be conscious of the weather conditions before they sail, as Florida is known for its unpredictable weather. Boating can become more hazardous and result in accidents if there are powerful currents, lightning, or high winds. If you or another person is hurt as a result of a boat operator making the mistake of setting sail into hazardous waterways despite storm warnings, you may be entitled to compensation.
Boaters must be properly educated and trained, adhere to laws and regulations, maintain their boats correctly, and be conscious of the dangers associated with boating in Florida to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities. Boaters can contribute to keeping themselves and others on the water secure by taking these precautions. If the boating accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you must establish the other party’s negligence to be awarded damages for your injuries. Your attorney will look into your case and identify the party or parties who are accountable, as well as estimate a fair compensation amount.
