Recreational water sports are one of the most popular activities to do while visiting Miami. Whether deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, or enjoying the company of friends on a boat, there is always something fun to do on the water. However, sometimes accidents on these boats happen, causing severe injury and even death to some. Accidents can range from drowning due to a lack of water safety education or not wearing a life jacket or boat drivers not having the proper training to keep others safe while operating.
Florida leads the country in boating accidents and fatalities, with Miami-Dade county ranking second for the county with the highest reports. Depending on the type of situation in these accidents, a civil or criminal lawsuit could be filed against a boat driver. Similar claims to car accidents apply – negligence or operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Boating accidents can often resemble the personal injury claims of car accidents, so contact car accident attorney Florida, James Piccolino, for legal help following a boating accident.
In Florida, boat drivers must take specialized training and have the proper safety equipment on their vessles. They must also practice safety measures when boating near others. Common boating accidents are the result of:
- Speeding
- Ignoring adverse weather conditions
- Failing to avoid big waves that could cause harm
- Ignoring rules of the road as it concerns boats
- Allowing too many passengers aboard the boat
- Operating under the influence
- Reckless operation
Liability can hinge on the negligent operator’s role on the boat – employee, owner, or guest. To file a claim, injuries must be directly linked to the accident.
