Boating Accident

Were you injured in a Fort Lauderdale Boat accident? If so, you should call the Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Wolfson & Leon in Fort Lauderdale. All consultations are free and confidential so call (954) 530-3918 today and get the answers that you need.

Vast open waters and warm weather make boating a popular pastime in South Florida. On any sunny weekend, you will see thousands of boats scattered throughout the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Popular with both residents and tourists, boating is a relaxing way to spend the day fishing or taking in the scenery.

Yet as relaxing as this leisurely activity can be, boating brings with it many dangers. Vessel operators that don’t know or ignore maritime rules and regulations can put others in harm’s way. Couple that with excessive speed, alcohol, and inexperience, boaters face many hazards on the open waters.

The State of Florida leads the nation with the highest number of boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In 2018, Florida logged 607 boating accidents, which resulted in 57 deaths, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard. While Florida law offers guidance for boaters to abide by, enforcement does not always happen. The state laws in place dictate;

• Lifejackets are required for children six years and younger if they are on a boat that is 26 feet long or less. These lifejackets must be USCG-approved personal flotation devices that are Type I, II, or III.

Yet, the absence of other regulations can put operators of boats and personal watercraft, such as jet skis, in harm’s way. For example, there is no requirement that an adult is present if the craft is operated by a minor, nor is boat operator licensing mandatory in Florida.

Operators who disregard safety regulations and maritime rules place those around them in harm’s way. Given the excessive speed, sharp objects, and the lack of protection for passengers, injuries sustained in boating accidents can be devastating. Unsuspecting boaters can be violently thrown into the water or knocked about when boats collide or hit another object. Collisions cause catastrophic head injuries, broken bones, organ damage, loss of limbs, spinal cord damage, or deep cuts and lacerations. Injuries are not limited to those who are on a boat. Swimmers and operators of small personal watercraft can sustain serious, even fatal, injuries if hit by a boat.

If a boating accident injury has impacted your family, reach out to the Fort Lauderdale Boating Accident Attorneys at Wolfson & Leon for help. Most of us are unaware of the regulations and rules that govern boating operators. You need a skilled personal injury attorney that can navigate through the specifics of your case. Accidents involving boats offer a different complexity in that there are separate regulations that govern boat operators, in addition to those that cover boating accidents. Boat operators who violate state rules may be subject to citations, fines, and even jail time.

Such violations include;

• Failing to report a boating accident resulting in death or injuries beyond first-aid to the county sheriff, police chief, or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Also, operators are required to notify the authorities if the damage to the craft exceeds $2,000.
• Leaving the scene of a boating accident without notifying the authorities or giving aid to victims
• A boater that operates their craft without regard for keeping others or their property safe may be ticketed for reckless operation of their vessel.
• Operators that fail to follow maritime laws, traffic, and other restrictions may be cited for careless operation and fined between $50 and $80.

Also, operators violate state regulations if they do not follow Federal Navigation Rules. Penalties for such violations can range from fines to jail time.

People injured in boating accidents can sustain life-altering injuries. Serious injuries can result in pain and suffering. Traumatic brain injuries can impact your memory, motor skills, and ability to process information. Loss of limbs, permanent disfigurement, and damage to internal organs can change the trajectory of your life. You may not be able to work or provide for your family. You may not be able to perform basic household chores without assistance.

For over 55 years, Wolfson & Leon has helped families whose lives have been impacted by a boating accident. People injured by another boater’s negligence or inexperience have rights. The fact that the accident occurred on the water does not lessen the other party’s responsibility. Maritime rules and regulations protect the welfare of others on the water.

To best represent an accident victim’s interests in a boating accident, the Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorneys at Wolfson & Leon review the specifics of your case and the regulations that apply. Our primary goal is to get the maximum monetary damages possible to help you recover from your injuries. Accident victims may be stuck with more than just high medical bills. They lose wages when they can’t work. They have to deal with the traumatic effects of being hurt in an accident. In some cases, injured victims may need outside help and continuing care.

If a boating accident has impacted your family, call the Fort Lauderdale boating accident lawyer today at Wolfson & Leon. We offer a free consultation where we review your case, answer your questions, and advise you of your legal options. Find out how we can help you and your family by calling (954) 530-3918 today.