There are countless lakes around Melbourne, Florida, and boating is a popular activity. However, one thing to know is that negligence exists even on the water. Boating accidents can be some of the most severe because of where they occur. An injury that occurs in the water can leave the person who suffers harm being unable to swim.
Unfortunately, it’s crucial to recognize how problems can arise. After a boating accident, proving fault can help you seek compensation for the severe injuries that often arise. Here are some of the things you should know about the fault in boating accidents and your rights moving forward.
Common boating accident causes include, but are not limited to:
- Intoxication
- Distraction
- Not following boating rules
- Inexperience
If you suffer an injury in a boating accident, call our firm at 321-777-7777.
Intoxication
Intoxication is one of the most common problems on boats. Many people enjoy the recreational activities with friends or family, spending time on the lake, and potentially drinking. Just like when driving a passenger vehicle, intoxication can cause severe decision-making problems, vision issues, and more. The boat operator may become more fatigued and struggle with operating the boat safely.
Boating under the influence is a crime in Florida. When it results in serious injury, it’s even more devastating. Anyone who suffers an injury because of an intoxicated boater can pursue the compensation they deserve.
Distraction
Distractions are plentiful on a boat. The boat operator may be speaking with others on the boat, looking at a cell phone, or otherwise causing themselves to look away from the open water. Inattention on the task at hand makes it easy for the boat operator to miss someone else in the water or another boat or watercraft.
Lakes are full of boaters, people on jet skis, swimmers, and more. The boat operator must pay close attention to what’s in front of them and around the boat in order to keep themselves and others safe. If they look away for too long, it can cause some severe problems.
Not Following Boating Rules
Just like there are laws on the road, there are rules for those on the water as well. For instance, you must stay a specific distance away from other watercraft so that there’s room to navigate in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the rules and operate however they please.
In these cases, boat operators can cause significant injuries. For instance, if the boat operator gets too close to another boat, they can cause panic or sideswipe the other boat. As a result, people can suffer the most severe injuries.
Inexperience
It can sometimes take a lot of experience to operate a boat safely. Someone who doesn’t have enough experience may struggle with evasive maneuvers, the rules of the water, and problems they might encounter. Once the inexperienced driver encounters an issue, they might panic and cause a crash or injure those in their own watercraft.
Unfortunately, boating accidents can cause some of the most devastating accidents because the passengers are susceptible to the elements. They don’t have seatbelts keeping them on the boat, and an accident can launch passengers into the water. They might be vulnerable to drowning if they have a severe injury. Boating accidents can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and bruising
- Drowning
At Nance Cacciatore, we care about protecting you through all legal matters that lie ahead. Our Melbourne boating accident attorneys work to gather the evidence necessary to prove your case. If you suffer injuries in a boating accident, we’re here to answer your questions in a free consultation and give you peace of mind when you need it most.
