The state of Florida is a popular destination location for many recreational travelers. A peninsula surrounded by beautiful seas, vacationers sometimes enjoy their time in the state on jet skis or fishing or pleasure boats. A recent article suggested that some parts of the Sunshine State may prove dangerous for boaters. Those considering a Florida vacation might want to take note of recently released statistics concerning boating accidents and personal injury.
The recent article stated that there have been approximately 73 boating-related deaths in Florida in the last year. The Keys area seems to be a location that is at high risk for boating accidents. An information officer stated that there have been more people and more boats in the past several years, which, apparently, has led to an increase in accidents.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show Florida is the state that ranked highest in the nation for boating deaths in 2014. Other reports suggest that an increase in the number of boating incidents is typically seen in the month of May. Whether a person is injured on a private or commercial vessel, sometimes the owner of the ship is liable for damages suffered in an accident when negligent or dangerous conditions aboard result in an injury.
Boating accidents and injuries on board smaller boats will most likely continue to occur as vacationers take to Florida waters for recreation. If a personal injury is believed to have been caused by a boat operator or owner’s negligence, the injured person has a right to file a legal claim against the negligent party. In the case of a death, immediate family members who survive the loss of their loved one may take legal action on behalf of the deceased. A successfully litigated case can lead to compensation that can help alleviate the cost of funeral expenses or medical bills incurred in the aftermath of a boating accident.
Source: keysnet.com, “For boating mayhem, we’re No. 2 in Florida“, Kevin Wadlow, May 16, 2015
