3 Common Causes of Florida Boat Accidents
Residents and tourists alike love Florida for its many water activities and accessibility. The ocean is a short drive from virtually anywhere, but there are also many venues available for boaters.
While boating is a favorite activity, there are also a number of boating accidents that occur more often than one might think.
In 2013 alone, there were 896,632 registered vessels in Florida. With that many boats, there are bound to be accidents.
There were also 736 reported boating accidents in that year alone. The causes of these accidents vary, but there are a few that reoccur very often.
Causes of Florida Boat Accidents
- Alcohol
Did you know that alcohol is involved in roughly one-third of all boating accidents? Operating a boat while under the influence is still illegal under federal law, just like driving a car.
In addition, intoxicated passengers also have a higher risk of falling overboard. When passengers fall overboard, there is a much higher risk of drowning, head trauma, broken bones, and even hypothermia.
- Inexperienced Boat “Drivers”
In Florida, you must be over the age of 14 to operate a boat. If you were born after January 1, 1988, then you must also pass a boating safety education class. However, those are the only real requirements to operate a boat in Florida.
That means that there are many inexperienced boat drivers on Florida waters at any given time. Younger boat operators are also more likely to be distracted while they are driving and fail to provide the proper forward watch to control the boat.
- Weather
Florida weather can be volatile, and clear skies now may not mean clear skies when you get out on the water. Never ignore bad weather and assume that it will “clear up.” Bad weather that leads to choppy water can cause the boat to capsize or even sink.
A sudden gush can affect the boat’s stern (rear), which can cause the boat to take on water very quickly and capsize. Capsizing is the leading cause of boating deaths.
Call Leifer & Ramirez for Your Boating Accidents
Boating accidents are often caused by the negligence of another person—they were not looking out properly, they were intoxicated, or they did not perform proper maintenance on the boat before they took it out.
If you have been harmed in a boating accident, then call the Leifer & Ramirez today.
Your Boca Raton boating accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you determine if suing is the right option for you. Call 561-660-9421 for a free consultation.
