Despite the fact that the weather in South Florida allows boating enthusiasts to hit the water all year long, there is definitely an increase in traffic from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Unfortunately, the higher volume of boaters enjoying the state’s waterways also means that boating and marine accidents are on the rise. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), more than half of all boat accident fatalities occur during the summer months.
May 24 will kick off the social summer season, so it is important to be aware of some of the safety issues that could affect your fun. There are risks that exist during this time period that are not as prevalent as at other times of the year. Some information on the dangers should help you avoid Miami boating and marine accidents, while other details will guide you in what to do if you are injured in one.
Factors That Impact Boating Collisions
The top reason people head out to one of South Florida’s many waterways is pleasure, fun, and entertainment. With kids out of school and a general sense of vacation vibes, there are a lot more watercraft of all types on the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and up the coast.
Combined, these and other factors lead to a higher risk of boating and marine accidents. Some of the exact causes include:
· Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), either by alcohol or drugs;
· Lack of experience;
· Not complying with right of way rules, posted signage about wakes, and related activities;
· Not understanding aids to navigation; and,
· Boating on a watercraft that is not seaworthy.
What to Do if You Were Injured
Your first priority should be getting to safety, whether that means getting back on the boat or onto shore. Then, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. You may need to head to the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your primary care physician.
In addition, boaters are required to exchange contact and insurance information after a boating accident, just as you would with a traffic crash. In the days after the incident, when you are on the mend, make sure to contact a boating accident lawyer about your legal options.
Compensation for Victims of Boating Accidents
You may recover monetary damages for your injuries, and the amount is based on the physical, emotional, and financial losses you sustain. For example, compensation in boating accidents may include:
· Costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and other medical care;
· Lost wages, if you miss work because of your injuries;
· Pain and suffering; and,
· Emotional distress.
Consult with a Miami Boat Accident Attorney About Your Rights
Considering the severe losses you could suffer after being injured in a marine collision, it is critical to retain legal counsel. To learn more about your legal remedies, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, at (305) 371-6000 or via our website. We can set up a no-cost case review with a Florida boat crash lawyer at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.