Boating is an essential commercial activity and a popular recreational activity in Florida.
With all the boats in the state comes an unfortunate reality. In 2022, Florida had more boating-related deaths than any other state nationwide.
Boating accident injuries in Florida are abundantly common and can have devastating effects.
Understanding the most common causes of boating accidents can help you avoid being injured in an accident.
In this article, we will cover some of the most common causes of boating accidents around Florida and what to do if you become a victim of a boating accident.
Speeding
Most common boating accidents in Florida involve boaters who drive at excessive speeds.
Speed limits and no-wake zones are utilized in some water regions in Florida to promote safety under congested circumstances.
Though no speed limits exist on open waters, operators should safely captain their vessels. Failure to do so can lead to severe accidents and devastating injuries.
Distracted Boating
Like distracted driving, distracted boating is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in Florida. Distracted operators can fail to see other boats or stationary objects before it is too late to avoid them. When operating a vessel on Florida waters, paying attention to the task at hand is essential.
Reckless Behavior
Unfortunately, some boaters engage in reckless behavior. Boating too close to other boats or objects, making unpredictable turns, and performing dangerous maneuvers are all common sights on Florida waterways. Jet skis and other small vessels also pilot far too close to swimmers and man-powered crafts. If you see dangerous boating behavior, it is vital to avoid it.
Inexperienced Operators
Waterways near Florida beaches are inundated with inexperienced vessel operators. Rental jet skis and boats are a significant part of Florida’s tourism industry. Many of these renters have little experience operating a vessel and can act erratically with little regard for the safety of those around them.
Intoxicated Boating
An operator who is drunk or otherwise intoxicated while piloting a vessel is a serious problem. A single drink can impair a person’s ability to pilot a boat, and many go far further than that. Unpredictable maneuvers, excessive speed, and reckless behavior are signs of intoxicated boating. It is best to stay away from vessels displaying these behaviors. Those operating a vessel should avoid any form of intoxicating substance.
Bad Weather
Storms often appear quickly in the Sunshine State. For this reason, bad weather causes a significant amount of boating accidents every year. If a storm rolls in, knowing what to do and operating your vessel with great caution is critical.
Common Boating Accident Injuries
The nature of boating accidents means they can lead to several common injuries. Typical boating injuries include:
- Broken bones,
- Severe lacerations,
- Amputations,
- Deep contusions,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Back injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Drowning, and
- Death.
While most boating injuries are minor, severe injury and death are possible outcomes of even small boating accidents.
What to Do After a Boating Accident
If you are involved in a boating accident, you should take emergency precautions and ensure everyone involved is safe. Contact an experienced boating accident attorney from Johns Law Group, PLLC, if you suffer a significant injury. Our firm handles a broad range of cases concerning boating accident injuries in Florida. We will help you hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Jeremiah Johns is a former insurance defense attorney who now represents plaintiffs in bad faith insurance, catastrophic injury cases, and commercial disputes. He has a unique perspective from his experience representing some of the nation’s largest insurance companies.
Jeremiah is licensed to practice law in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia (though he is presently inactive in Georgia). He is also admitted to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. For his education, Jeremiah earned an LL.M. in Admiralty from Tulane University, a J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University, and both a B.A. and B.S., magna cum laude, from Georgia State University.
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