Boating Accidents May Be Preventable With These Tips
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
Boating Accidents
Many Punta Gorda residents own boats and hit the open water in them as much as possible. Meanwhile, others that don't hold titles to vessels often rent them from various organizations or people. Tourists also hit the open ocean in watercraft to go fishing or just have some fun in the sun. The point is that there are plenty of boaters in these parts. They can be found out on the water during the day and at night. There's certainly nothing wrong with that, but because navigating the sea is so popular in Florida, boating accidents have become all too common. When collisions between vessels happen, occupants can get seriously injured. Those who get ejected could drown, experience hypothermia, or get struck by another boat. Did you know that if someone's recklessness or negligence led to your injuries or a loved one's death, you might be entitled to fair compensation?
If not, it's true. You will need to file a lawsuit and prove negligence occurred. That sounds like a pretty tall order, doesn't it? It can be when you take DIY legal action. However, the injured in Punta Gorda don't have to face these situations alone. Instead, they can put our firm in their corner to handle things. The consultation is free. That means you can find out where your claim stands without spending a dime. Also, there's no fee unless compensation is recovered.
Since we got all that good stuff out of the way, you now know who to call when disaster strikes on the water. Therefore, it's time to take this post in a different direction. How about we discuss some safety tips to prevent boating accidents in the first place?
Don't Speed
We get it; fully opening the throttle on a boat could be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Flying through the water can turn into a nightmare if there's a sandbank below your craft. It could bottom out and come to an abrupt stop, ejecting you and your passengers. Speeding can also cause your boat to come up on objects quicker than you anticipate, causing you to strike them. You may be able to avoid such issues by sticking to a leisurely pace.
Don't Consume Alcohol
Alcohol and boating, just like driving, don't mix. Operators who consume alcohol can get buzzed and make mistakes. For instance, they could get too close to another boat and side-swipe it. Individuals could also go a little too fast and strike swimmers or surfers. The list can go on and on, but you get the gist. Boating accidents may be preventable if skippers don't drink alcohol and keep their wits about them.
Ensure Your Boat Is Properly Maintained
When it comes to boating accidents, fires aren't the first things that come to mind. However, they are possible, and they can leave passengers with severe burns or cost them their lives. Flames can also make people have to go overboard, exposing them to drowning and hypothermia. Thus, you should make sure your boat is properly maintained and in tip-top shape before taking it out. The last thing you need is for flames to erupt because of a dry-rotted fuel line or something else.