Boating accidents occur year-round in Florida. Every day across the state, people take to the water for recreation and sport.
In spite of time in the water being such an important part of everyday life, safety still falls by the wayside and people are frequently injured while in boats.
Boating Accidents Happen for a Variety of Reasons
Boats and boat safety should be treated the same as automobile safety, and many of the same safety precautions you take when driving a car should also be a part of your time operating a boat.
Unfortunately, this is often not the case and boaters tend to overlook the rules of the water. Not to mention getting caught up in social activities and taking risks they’d never dream of when behind the wheel of a car. Every time you’re out on the water you’re at risk. You don’t even need to be in a boat – if you’re near a waterway with boaters, you face risks.
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Operating a boat while distracted
- Inclement weather or water conditions
- Lack of safety equipment, including life preservers
- Failure to properly maintain the boat
Boating accidents can be minor, but they can also be serious and fatal. It’s also important to note that not all boating accidents involve a collision. Often, people are injured on their own boats because they slip and fall, or fall overboard. And drowning is always a concern any time you’re participating in recreational activities.
It’s your responsibility to observe proper boat safety, but it’s the responsibility of the person operating the boat you’re on, and the responsibility of all boat operators sharing the water with you, to observe the same rules. If you’re injured in a boating accident of any kind, whether it involves a collision with another boat or not, you could be eligible for compensation.
Boating Victims Deserve to Be Compensated for Their Injuries
Have you or a loved one experienced any of the following injuries while on a boat…
- Concussion
- Fractured or broken bones
- Drowning or nearly drowning
- Loss of a limb
Injuries that occur during a boating excursion can result in massive medical bills and time away from work. Many boating injuries are just as bad as what you would experience in a serious auto accident. If you’ve been injured while on a boat and your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a right to financial compensation.
We understand how difficult the days, weeks, and months after a boating accident can be for someone injured. Not only are you forced to deal with medical issues and physical rehabilitation, you might also be juggling calls from insurance companies and medical bill collectors. We can help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact the Law Office of Robert M. Geller at (813) 337-7798.
