Lake City Boat Accident Lawyer
It’s no surprise that Florida is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. In some cases, it’s even a main form of transportation for residents. The large number of boats on Florida’s waterways and the Atlantic Ocean means an increased risk for accidents. Unfortunately, boating accidents tend to involve serious or catastrophic injuries. A boating accident can involve more than just two vessels colliding; it may be a boat crashing into a personal watercraft or even a swimmer.
If you or a loved one were injured in a boating-related accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important you speak with an experienced Lake City boat accident lawyer. The team at Douglas & Douglas have decades of experience helping victims get medical care and the compensation they deserve.
Statistics on Boat Accidents in Florida
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida leads the nation in boating-related fatalities. In 2017, the majority of fatalities occurred in July, followed by April and May. The majority of these fatalities happened between 4 pm – 5:59 pm. 52% of the fatalities were due to drowning while 43% were due to trauma.
Some people mistakenly assume that inexperienced boaters are the ones that cause the majority of accidents, but statistics show 67% of accidents are caused by operators with over 100 hours of experience. Boaters who are 51 and older make up just over 50% of the boating fatalities in 2017, followed by operators aged 36-50.
Florida Boating Accident Causes
Most boating accidents occur while cruising and can be caused by a number of factors. Some of these include:
- Falling overboard
- Collision with another boat
- Collision with objects in the water, like a platform or buoy
- Collisions with recreational watercraft like a jet ski
- Collisions with swimmers, water skiers, or kayakers
- Capsizing the boat
- Falling in the boat and striking an object
- Loose object flying on deck
- Swamping/flooding
- Struck by prop/skeg
- Struck underwater object
- Fire or explosion on the boat
- Renting a boat to someone inexperienced or obviously intoxicated already
- Renting a watercraft that has not undergone a safety inspection or is missing required safety gear
- Renting a watercraft that is not properly maintained or is defective
Types of Injuries Seen in Boat Accidents
Injuries in a boating accident can range from minor soft tissue damage to severe and permanent damage, or even death. Some of the more serious injuries commonly seen in boating accidents include:
- Bone fractures or torn ligaments: Broken bones or torn ligaments are among the more commonly seen injuries. While some fractures may heal and cause little to no long-term problems, others may involve a lengthy recovery period.
- Spinal cord injuries: Boat passengers are at risk for spinal cord injuries, which can cause permanent damage in some cases. Temporary or permanent paralysis is not uncommon with a spinal cord injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Boat collisions or the victim striking his or her head can easily lead to the brain hitting the inside of the skull, causing a traumatic brain injury. Even a seemingly minor fall overboard can cause a minor concussion if the victim hits the water hard enough.
Retaining a Lake City Boat Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating-related accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact the skilled team of personal injury attorneys at Douglas & Douglas at 386-752-5511 to schedule a consultation. Let us protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
