Common Causes and Types of Florida Boating Accidents and Injuries
A disastrous vacation is something no one wants to experience. However, it happens more than we know. Dealing with the catastrophic effects of boating accidents will leave you financially depleted, physically debilitated, and mentally traumatized.
If you frequent a boat for whatever reason, you must understand the different scenarios that could cause these accidents. Additionally, we’ll discuss the different types of boating accidents you could encounter and how a lawyer can protect your rights.
What You Need To Know About Boating Accidents in Florida
Nationwide, Florida produces the biggest turnout of boating accidents in 2021, with over 804 documented boating accidents, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
As one of the states lying near the Gulf of Mexico, Florida accounts for over 1 million registered boats across the country. The current fatality rate of the state is at 6%, with 69 confirmed deaths related to boating incidents.
The number of boating accidents has been steadily increasing over the years. However, it still doesn’t make the activity any less dangerous.
Most of these fatal accidents happen during the summer when people are off from work and school. The peak months are from May to August. December also has a significant number of boating accidents, most likely due to the holiday season.
The top three counties in Florida with the most boating accidents are Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach. The leading causes of these accidents are passengers falling over the board, vessel collisions, capsizing, collisions with a fixed object, flooding, and others.
What Are the Common Causes of Boating Accidents
The FWC used the following categories to classify the leading causes of boating accidents in Florida:
Inattention
No proper lookout or inattention is Florida’s primary cause of boating accidents. Most boat operators are unaware of their surroundings, which often leads to collisions with other vessels, running aground, or hitting a fixed object.
Operator Inexperienced
Inexperience is the second most common cause of boating accidents in Florida. Many boat operators do not have the proper training or experience to operate a vessel safely.
Careless/Negligence
Careless or reckless operation is Florida’s third most common cause of boating accidents. This includes speeding, operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
Hull Failure
Hull failure is the fourth most common cause of boating accidents in Florida. This can be due to design defects, poor maintenance, or structural damage.
Machinery Failure
The fifth most common cause of boating accidents in Florida is machinery failure. This includes engine failure, steering failure, and propeller failure.
Equipment Failure
Equipment failure is part of the top ten leading causes of boating accidents in Florida. This can be due to defective or improperly used safety equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers.
Alcohol Use
The use of alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in Florida. Alcohol use impairs an operator’s judgment, balance, coordination, and vision.
Occupational Behavior
The way an operator behaves on the job is also a common cause of boating accidents in Florida. This includes fatigue, inattention, and careless operation.
Standing/Sitting on the Gunwale
Standing or sitting on the gunwale is not only dangerous but also illegal in Florida. This action can lead to someone falling overboard and being injured or killed.
Navigation Rule Violation
Violation of navigation rules is another leading cause of boating accidents in Florida. This can include failing to yield the right-of-way, improper lookout, and improper course.
Different Types of Boating Accidents
FWC also documented the most common type of boating accidents reported in the state. Outlined below are the top seven common types of Florida boating accidents.
Collision With Vehicle
One of the most common boating accidents in Florida is a collision with another vessel. These accidents often happen due to operator inattention or negligence.
Collision With Fixed-object
Hitting a fixed object is the second most common type of boating accident in Florida. This can be due to operator inattention, careless operation, or navigation rule violation.
Falls Overboard
Falling overboard is the third most common type of boating accident in Florida. This can be due to careless operation, standing or sitting on the gunwale, or waves/swells from another vessel.
Flooding or Swamping
The fourth most common type of boating accident in Florida is flooding or swamping. This can be due to operator error, hull failure, or taking on water from waves/swells.
Struck by Skeg/Prop
A skeg or propeller is the fifth most common boating accident in Florida. This can be due to careless operation, operator inattention, or swimming near a vessel.
Vessel Wake Damage
The sixth most common type of boating accident in Florida is damage caused by waves or swells from another vessel. This can be due to operator negligence or navigation rule violation.
Sinking
The seventh most common type of boating accident in Florida is sinking or capsizing. This can be due to hull failure, taking on water from waves/swells, or flooding/swamping.
Avard Law’s Team of Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Although not always brought to the spotlight, boating accidents frequently happen in Florida. Because of the environment and the people involved, these accidents can often result in serious injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one was involved in a boating accident around Florida, it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
A boating accident attorney will investigate the accident and work to hold the responsible party accountable. They will also help you recover the compensation you need to cover your medical expenditures, lost income, and other sustained damages.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation if you have been injured in a boating accident. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options.