St. Petersburg Boat Accident Lawyer
Serious injuries from collisions do not just happen on the roads. Florida’s waterways are some of the most crowded in the entire nation, and with water vessels of all shapes, sizes, and speeds, being piloted by people of all ranges of experience, accidents are all too common. Injuries sustained by watercraft users caught up in collisions with others often include broken bones, severe abrasions, burns, hypothermia, scarring, traumatic brain injuries, and even paralyzation if severe back trauma occurred. Death from downing is also not uncommon. Our lawyers handle cases in which clients have been seriously injured as well as clients who wish to file wrongful death lawsuits against the negligent party. If you or a loved one was injured or lost their life in a boat accident, call the St. Petersburg boat accident lawyers of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian today at 1-800-227-2275.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in St. Petersburg
While the overwhelming majority of car, truck, and other motor vehicle collisions are caused by driver inattention, the causes of boating accidents is more spread out. It is true that operator inattention is still the predominant cause of boating accidents, but having an improper lookout as well as operator inexperience are not far behind. Without any predetermined lanes or directions of travel, boaters often cross paths, and closely at that. Without having someone designated as a lookout, or without the operator’s full attention to the front, left, and right of them, collisions are almost bound to happen. Inexperience was the leading contributor of 44 deaths in 2104, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. There is no license necessary to operate a jet ski for those under the age of 21 in Florida, and when jet skis or other high power boats are driven recklessly at fast speeds in the proximity of kayakers, stand up paddle boarders, and small fishing boats, entirely preventable “accidents” occur. During such a case, the negligent party may be held financially accountable for the property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other economic damages of the injured victim or victims. One thing that fatalities on the water have in common with car crash fatalities is alcohol. In 2014 there were 108 fatalities in which alcohol was the leading cause of the collision or accident.
Waterway Rules Must be Obeyed
The bay and ocean may not be the highway, but there are rules and regulations just the same. Speed limits must be obeyed and rules must be followed. And, similar to the rules of the road, according to Florida Marine Guide, those who operate a vessel with “willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation,” which is a first degree misdemeanor. Our St. Petersburg boat accident lawyers have a long history of success in fighting for fair and substantial compensation for our clients. Contact the law offices of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian today at 1-800-227-2275 if you were involved in a boating accident that was caused by another and sustained injuries.
