Boating is considered safer than driving. Ships, ferries, boats, and jet skis may have boating accidents.
In a recent year, the US Coast Guard reported over 4000 watercraft accidents, 2613 injuries, and 626 fatalities. Boat owners and operators may cause tragedies by not taking precautions.
Common Boating Accidents
Boats may burn or run out of gas like vehicles. Collisions between boats or immovable objects cause the greatest boating accidents. These crashes may cause lifelong injury. They’re too common.
Other common boating accidents include:
- Capsizing.
- Flooding.
- Falling overboard.
- Injury to a swimmer or water skier.
Common Causes and Contributing Factors of Boating Accidents
- Alcohol Impairment
The most common – and fatal – cause of boating accidents. As it does to car drivers, alcohol impairment causes deficits in a boat operator’s skills to steer the boat safely, including their:
- Concentration.
- Ability to control the boat’s speed.
- Ability to see and respond to hazards appropriately.
- Ability to make the right decisions.
Other causes of boating accidents include;
- An inexperienced or inattentive operator.
- Defects.
- Improper lookout.
- Lack of maintenance.
- Inclement weather.
- Operating in a larger boat’s wake.
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one get involved in a boating accident, it is possible to collect a settlement from the insurance company. However, you may need the assistance of an experienced attorney to have a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve to get back to your normal life.
Dangers of Boating Accidents
Drowning
This is the most common cause of boating accidents. Boaters are required by law to have Coast Guard-approved, properly fitting life jackets aboard their watercraft. Most states require only children aged 13 and under to wear life jackets when the boat is in operation; in the meantime, they should be kept accessible and out of their packaging.
Exposure to the Elements
Boating accidents can need lengthy rescues. Hypothermia may occur in cold water, even on warm days. Sun tiredness might also occur. Passengers may be hit by lightning in a stormy boating accident.
The Propellers
According to the Coast Guard, there were 158 incidents reported in which at least one person was struck by the boat propellers. More than 50 people were injured and 27 died as a result of boat propellers.
Carbon Monoxide
Boats in an accident can produce dangerous levels of carbon dioxide, and passengers exposed to it can get ill or die.
Explosion or Fire
Typically, flammable fuel is used in boats. Furthermore, some passengers may be carrying explosive or flammable items. Explosions and onboard fires frequently result in serious injuries and even death.
Injuries
Common boating accident injuries include;
- Broken bones from the collision or propeller impact.
- Amputation from jagged objects or the propeller.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Burns from Caustic or flammable fuels.
- Electric shock.
- Hypothermia.
- Lacerations.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Internal organ injury.
Reasons You Should Consider Hiring a Boat Accident Lawyer
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If The Boat Owner Does Not Have Insurance
Even though boating and kayaking are popular in Palm Bay, boaters’ insurance is not legally required in Florida, though it is strongly recommended. If the boat owner is not insured, you may need the services of an experienced legal team to fight for your rights and file personal injury cases.
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If the Settlement by the Insurance Company is Too Low
It is common knowledge that insurance companies strive to pay nothing or very little in order to maximize profits above all else. After filing an insurance claim, injured boating accident victims may encounter resistance from the insurer in many cases. The insurance company may try to pay out an amount that is insufficient to cover the costs of your injuries, such as lost wages and medical care.
If what the insurer is offering is not enough to cover your injury expenses, you may need a qualified personal injury lawyer. Doing this will send the insurer a clear message that you are serious about obtaining your rightful compensation.
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When Negligence Was Involved
Accidents occur even when a boat operator follows the necessary rules to ensure everyone’s safety. However, if they were not performing their duties when you were injured, you will require the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. They will argue your case to ensure you receive the personal injury claim you are due.
They may have been distracted by a conversation or mobile phone while guiding the boat. They might have been inebriated or sailing in a risky location or in terrible weather.
To win your personal injury claim in this event, you will need to prove that the boat operator was negligent and that this caused your injuries. When you hire an experienced personal injury law firm, they will conduct a thorough investigation and gather all of the evidence needed to prove strict liability, thereby strengthening your personal injury case.
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If The Boat was Poorly Maintained
You are injured in a boat malfunction due to a lack of maintenance. As a result, you will require the assistance of an experienced personal injury law firm to pursue compensation. Even though the operator did everything right, the boat was carelessly built, causing the disaster.
In such a case, you can sue the manufacturer, but you will still need skilled trial lawyers to prove product liability for the best possible chance of winning your injury claim.
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If You Have Severe Injuries
Legal representation may not be needed if your injuries were minimal. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, you need justice. Boating accidents may cause severe neck and back injuries including torn ligaments, herniated discs, or worse.
Such injuries need extensive medical care and impair everyday work. You need a competent personal injury lawyer that will represent you. They will help you get a fair settlement to cover your medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering damages.
Trust Us as Your Boating Accident Personal Injury Lawyers in Palm Bay, FL, Today
Alpizar Law Trial Attorneys is a Brevard County law firm with a team of highly skilled, qualified, and experienced personal injury and trial lawyers. We have handled personal injury claims in Florida for boating and workplace accidents. We will investigate, preserve evidence, and argue your case to get you the fair compensation you deserve.
For more information and to request a free consultation, you can visit our law office at 1528 Palm Bay Rd. N.E., Palm Bay, FL 32905. You can also reach us by calling 321-676-2511.
