If there is anything ubiquitous to Florida, it is water and boats. Regardless of whether or not we are discussing personal watercraft or recreational water vessels, many people come to Florida to relax on the waterways or the ocean. Unfortunately, there are also times when boat accidents caused by the careless or negligent actions of others lead to serious injuries. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our award-winning personal injury team is here to help if you need a Florida boat accident attorney by your side. We have the resources necessary to fully investigate these cases and help injury victims recover the compensation they are entitled to.
Boat accident injuries in Florida are often devastating
The attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson have experience helping clients who have sustained a wide range of injuries as a result of a boating accident. It is important to understand that even relatively “minor” boating accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Very rarely are boat occupants restrained in any way, so mistakes often lead to victims being thrown around inside the boat or even overboard. Some of the most common types of injuries that boat accident victims sustain include the following:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Drowning or near-drowning incidents
- Injuries to children
What are the main causes of boating accidents in Florida?
If we turn to data available from the United States Coast Guard, we can see that they have listed the top ten contributing factors to boating accidents throughout the US. This includes the following:
- Operator inattention
- Operator lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speeding
- Alcohol use
- Machinery failure
- Navigation rules violation
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Dangerous water conditions
- Excessive force of wave or wake
When we begin examining liability for a boat accident, we often zero in on the owner or operator of the vessel. Boat owners have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those allowed on board. This includes private boat owners who let friends and visitors ride on the boat. This also includes recreational water vessel companies.
It is crucial for recreational boat owners and operators to ensure that their boats are properly inspected and maintained and that any operator is adequately trained. Additionally, all boat owners should ensure that there is enough safety equipment on board for every passenger, including life preservers.
Call a Florida boat accident attorney immediately
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a boat accident in Miami or throughout the state of Florida, reach out to the team at Colson Hicks Eidson for help immediately. Our attorneys have the resources necessary to investigate any negligent party in these cases in order to help injury victims recover the compensation they need. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Florida boat accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.