As Palm Beach County personal injury lawyers, we regularly represent individuals who have suffered serious injuries in boating accidents. Sadly, many of these are accidents that could have been avoided – if only someone had exercised better judgment or operated their boat with a little more care.
If you have been injured in a boating accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation for your losses. The following are seven of the most common causes of boating accidents that can justify claims for financial compensation in Florida:
1. Boating Under the Influence of Alcohol
We all know the risks of drinking too much and getting behind the wheel of a car. Those same risks apply to boating under the influence as well. In fact, alcohol intoxication is one of the most common causes of boating accidents. If you were involved in a boat collision caused by a drunk operator, we can help you stand up for your legal rights.
2. Inexperienced Operators
Inexperience is a common factor in boating accidents as well. Many recreational boaters spend very little time on the water, and without much experience, they often put themselves and others at risk for being injured in an accident.
Read more: Inexperienced vessel operators involved in a reportable boating accident
3. Excessive Speed and Reckless Operation
Of course, even experienced boaters can make mistakes. Going too fast, turning too sharply, creating too much wake around others, and not paying attention to other boats on the water are all common causes of boating accidents both off the coast and on the inland waterways of Palm Beach County.
4. Too Many Passengers
All boats have weight limits. Exceeding a boat’s weight limit does not necessarily mean it will sink, but it does generally mean that the boat will not be able to operate as intended. A boat that is overloaded with too many passengers will generally have limited maneuverability and take longer to stop in the event of an emergency.
5. Distractions
Distracted driving is an epidemic; and, unfortunately, it seems that people just can’t put down their phones on the water, either. Boat operators who use their Smartphones and tablets at the helm are a major problem on the waters in and around Palm Beach County.
6. Passenger Behavior
Onboard passengers, as well as those being towed on skis, and other recreational equipment can often play a role in causing boating accidents as well. From distracting drivers to making unpredictable maneuvers, in some accidents, it can be a passenger’s conduct that is to blame.
7. Crowded Waterways
Finally, just like congestion on I-95, congestion on waterways can lead to an increased risk of collisions. Weekends, holidays, and special events are all times when boaters most often operate in close proximity to one another. In close quarters, one boater’s intoxication, inattentiveness, or inexperience can be particularly dangerous for other boaters on the water.
Have You Been Injured in a Boating Accident in Palm Beach County? Today
If you have been injured in a boating accident in Palm Beach County, the experienced legal team at Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers will Demand More® for your losses. To find out if you have a claim, our firm online or call me, Brian D. Guralnick, at 561-202-6673 for a free consultation today.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.
