On Sunday April 1, a boater near Miami went missing from the Miami Vice, a 91-foot combination yacht and speed boat that can be rented by the hour or day. At the time, there were seven guests aboard the yacht, which was operated by two crew members. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a call regarding the missing boat passenger that afternoon. By Monday, officials confirmed that the passenger had been killed. Preliminary information determined the passenger was in the water when the yacht captain put the vessel in reverse and was struck by the propellers. No charges have been filed yet and FWC is investigating the incident. Did you recently lose someone in a boating accident? If your spouse, parent, or child was killed in an incident with a yacht, ferry, commercial ship, or another type of vessel, do not hesitate to contact a Miami accident lawyer at Gerson & Schwartz P.A.
Florida Boating Accident Statistics
In Florida, a state surrounded by beaches and open water, personal and commercial boating accidents are not uncommon. According to FWC statistics, there were 714 reportable boating accidents in 2016. These led to 421 individual injuries. Additionally, 56 accidents were fatal, leading to 67 deaths. The main cause of fatal accidents was falling overboard. Sixteen individuals were killed after falling overboard, which was 29 percent of all fatal accidents. Whether or not the Miami Vice passenger fell overboard or intentionally jumped has yet to be determined. The most common reason for death after falling overboard is drowning (60 percent). However, other issues, such as being struck by propellers, can also be at fault.
Alcohol and drug use is sometimes a factor. In 2016, alcohol or drugs were reported in 24 percent of fatal boating accidents. So far, in regard to the Miami Vice, alcohol and drugs have not been indicted. However, the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation is not complete. It is too early to tell why the passenger was in the water and the factors involved.
Fatal Boating Accidents May Result in Wrongful Death Suits
Many boating accidents that result in one or more fatalities lead to surviving family members filing wrongful death lawsuits. However, the legal basis for a potential wrongful death claim depends on the factors involved in the maritime accident. Where the accident and fatality took place, the type of vessel, and the parties involved dictate whether Florida’s wrongful death law or a different Maritime law applies. Maritime accidents may involve federal laws and even international treaties. No matter the governing law, most wrongful death claims arising from a boating accident include claims that some other party was negligent. In the wake of such tragedy, the family may pursue compensation for their financial losses and mental anguish.
Let Our Miami Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Help You
If your loved one was seriously injured or the victim of wrongful death in a a boating accident, you should speak with an experienced injury law firm that with experienced maritime accident attorneys as soon as possible. The only way to determine the law governing your situation and whether you have a valid injury claim is to contact an experienced lawyer to investigate and analyze the situation. The personal injury lawyer at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. are ready to speak with you and do what we can to help.
Call us toll free at (877) 475-2905. You can also reach us at our Miami office location by calling (305) 371-6000. Se Habla Espanol.