Crucial Factors of Boat Safety and Responsibility
Every year, the state of Florida reports the highest numbers of boating accidents, with tragically high numbers involving death or severe long-term injuries. Miles of beautiful coastline and inviting waters create an ideal spot for locals and tourists to enjoy breathtaking scenery, but without responsible attention, innocent people can fall victim to negligent accidents. Many experienced personal injury attorneys in Orlando are familiar with the shocking results of boating accidents.
Boating accidents are often responsible for many of the following injuries and more:
- Drowning
- Head Trauma
- Electrocution
- Lacerations
- Spine and Neck Injuries
Sadly, many of these harmful incidents are the result of reckless and negligent behavior. Victims of such accidents may rely on the assistance of an Orlando personal injury attorney to ensure that their injuries are fairly compensated. Local and state laws and regulations specifically address the prevention of boating injuries. Many knowledgeable boaters will complete appropriate training and create a “float plan” before taking passengers out on the water. If for some reason, such precautions are not followed, then you may require the aid of an Orlando accident attorney.
3 Main Causes of Boating Accidents
1. Negligent Operation
Be prepared to contact an Orlando personal injury attorney if you were harmed by the errors of an inept boater. Most boating accidents occur late in the day, caused by hapless operators of such vehicles that are simply too fatigued, inexperienced, or unable to make competent decisions. Alcohol is a contributing factor in over a tenth of boating accidents and injuries. You would never operate a car if you were unqualified to do so, and operating a boat is no less dangerous.
2. Capsizing
A capsized or overturned boat can result in serious injuries and even death as passengers are thrown from the vessel or trapped beneath it. The most common cause of capsizing is improper loading and unloading that can cause the boat to be too heavily weighed down in one area. Capsizing can also occur when a boat is improperly anchoring to the stern. Boats are designed to cut through the water with the bow, and an incorrectly placed anchor will allow waves to overtake the vessel. An experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer will be showing culpability when a boat is unexpectedly capsized like this. Any experienced boater should be trained and knowledgeable in proper procedures to prevent incidents like these and ignorance is no excuse for such negligence.
3. Failure to Recognize Foul Weather
Weather in Florida may often seem sometimes unpredictable to those not watching closely, but anyone about to take to the water knows to keep watch for potential warning signs. TV, radio, and internet reports are always readily available, so there is little to no reason to be entirely unprepared for major storms. Furthermore, experienced boaters should all be familiar with telltale signs of cloud formations and weather conditions to predict oncoming weather problems. Contact an Orlando accident attorney if you or a loved one is harmed at sea amidst foul weather.
