Boating Accidents
According to 2006 statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the total number of registered boating vessels is at an all-time high. In 2006, there were 1,024,375 registered – more than 14,000 more than in 2005. The number of boating accidents has increased as well: 671 in 2006, up from 667 in 2005. However, those numbers more accurately reflect the fact that the reporting threshold for property damage accidents increased from $500 to the current figure of $2,000. In other words, the number of actual accidents has likely been underreported because the estimated cost of damage to each boat did not meet the $2,000 threshold.
Monroe County (county seat is Key West), reported the highest number of boating accidents and injuries – 75 accidents, 35 injuries. Other 2006 statistics by FWC:
- Only 29 percent of operators and occupants involved in a boating accident were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident, while 88 percent of those involved reported that they could swim
- While fatal boating accidents dropped in 2006, the majority of the fatalities occurred in the falls overboard category
- None of the fatal falls overboard accident victims that drowned were wearing or using a life jacket
- The leading cause of death in fatal boating accidents was drowning (62%), followed by trauma (32%)
- Alcohol contributed to 15% of all fatal boating accidents.
Boats are supposed to be fun, recreational vehicles for you and your family to enjoy, on fishing trips, diving expeditions, water skiing, or a weeklong cruise on a luxury ship. If you have been injured in a boating accident, call the boating accident attorneys of Gordon & Doner. When there is a boating accident, a report must be filed when:
- A life is lost due to the accident.
- Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid.
- There is damage by or to the vessel and other property of at least $2,000.
- Any person on board a vessel disappears (under circumstances indicating possible death or injury).
Failure to remain on the scene, provide aid, and report the accident in a timely manner is a crime. We also recommend that you report the incident to your insurance company. This is a requirement if a state or federal report was made.
Recreational boat crashes are governed by a number of city, county and state laws. Most boat operators have a legal obligation to operate their watercraft in a safe manner. If they do not, there may be criminal charges, and the people who were injured may be entitled to sue for damages. Boat owners also need to be careful about allowing other people to drive their boat. No matter who is driving, if the boat is in an accident, the boat owner may be liable for the damages.
Talk to the lawyers of Gordon & Doner. No matter what careless actions the other boater took that led to your Florida boating accident, you may be due compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability among other possible factors. By consulting with a Florida boating accident attorney at Gordon & Doner, you can rest assured that we will advise you on your options for moving forward. We offer a free initial consultation during which one of our lawyers will evaluate your claim and answer your questions.
At Gordon & Doner, we believe our system of justice works best when skilled attorneys that have the resources to fully prepare and try a case represent both sides. Please complete our online contact form or call us toll free at 1-888-ForTheInjured (1-888-367-8434).
