Some Useful Boating Accident Data
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
People can become injured in plenty of different ways. They can sustain damages via car, motorcycle, or truck accidents. Of course, folks also regularly get hurt on the job or while slipping and falling on someone else's property. However, there is one place where persons can get injured, which people often let slip their mind. It is possible for men, women, and children to receive wounds through boating accidents.While all of the incidents mentioned above can be catastrophic, when dealing with open water, the matter can turn that much worst in a hurry. Aside from having to worry about hypothermia and infections, operators and passengers must also fret about drowning and loss of life if the vessel capsizes. Many people believe that boating accidents don't happen all that regularly, but yet, they do, and the outcome is not always pleasant.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, there were 59 fatalities in the Sunshine State in 2016. That number increased to 67 in 2017. These figures for this single place are enough to show that dangers exist out on the water. Some of the factors that contribute to the accidents are...
• Alcohol
• Inexperience
• Speeding
• Recklessness
Why Is This Information Important?
Many people are already starting to hit the coastline with their boats and jet skis. As the weather continues to warm, more and more individuals will be taking their crafts out and about. Hence, with a substantial amount of vessels congregated in one location, accidents are sure to happen. With any luck, by being mindful of the events, our friends, family members, and visitors can avoid them. So, be prepared and know what to do for those just in case moments.
Should You Hire An Attorney?
If wrongful death arises or a person becomes injured due to the negligent or careless acts of a boat operator, the victim, or their family, may be able to receive compensation from the at-fault party. Proving who is to blame is sometimes easier said than done though. In other words, yes, it probably is a good idea to hire a lawyer. Our firm has over 30 years of experience representing Florida's injured. The team will build a strong case by obtaining witness testimonies, police reports, insurance documents, purchasing evidence as necessary, and more.
Interested residents should contact our office for a free case review. This action will tell them where their claim stands without having to spend a large sum of money. Additionally, these types of proceedings are paid on a contingency fee basis. Thus, you only pay if compensation is recovered. Don't get stuck paying medical costs, funeral expenses, and experience other financial losses from injuries that were no fault of your own. Instead, put a proven, reputable legal team in your corner to help you obtain the settlement that you deserve.
A Few Boating Safety Tips
Inspect Emergency Equipment And Safety Gear
Boating is supposed to be about having fun out in the sun. However, the craft owner must take the time to inspect items such as running lights, life jackets, and the vessel itself. The last thing they want is to get out in the lake, river, or ocean only to find out something doesn't work right, fit, or has a hole in it. So, before launching your boat, be sure to give everything a once over to ensure that it is in tip-top shape.
Check The Weather
Watching the weather before boating may seem like a no-brainer, but anxious persons may inadvertently forget to do so. Most folks don't want to be out in a boat on the coast with a hurricane or storm coming in. Make it a point to watch the news or check the conditions on your phone ahead of getting out in the water. In turn, the action will assure that nobody has to call the coast guard to come looking for you.
Take A Safety Course
According to the National Safety Council, operator error causes 7 out of 10 boating accidents. If a craft owner wants to be sure that they are prepared for whatever happens in the water, they should think about taking a safety course. They will learn valuable information about proper boat conduct, things to do in an emergency, and more.