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Hit and run accidents are frequently in the news and are often about vehicle accidents. However, these accidents also happen on our waterways. NBC-2 reported, after a May 29, 2016 Cape Coral boat crash, that authorities were investigating an accident where two juveniles were fishing when a speeding boat hit their boat near the Cape Coral Yacht Club. The boat causing the accident left the scene. 

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 2015 Boating Accident Statistics, there were 572 incidents where the boat operator failed to report an accident and fled the scene.

Florida has laws regarding leaving the scene when involved in boating accidents. Under Statute 327.30, the operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident where there is significant personal injury, death, disappearance of any person under circumstances which indicate death or injury, or damage to the vessel or vessels of at least $2,000, must, “by the quickest means possible,” give notice to one of the following: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred or the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, if applicable.  It is unlawful to leave the scene of a boating accident in which a boater is involved without rendering “all possible” aid to the involved persons. The penalties if found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident that results in personal injury involve a third degree felony. 

“With many summer vacation plans revolving around boating, being safe and responsible on our waterways should be of utmost importance. When a boater leaves the scene of an accident, the chances of recovery of those injured diminish. Getting help quickly can make the difference,” said Fort Myers Boat Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

In September 2014 The Miami Herald reported on an accident occurring in 2012. After a leisurely afternoon grilling, a man left on his 13-foot Boston Whaler to return to a Coconut Grove marina. He remembers leaving, but nothing else until he awoke in the hospital. He later found out that a hit-and-run boater had plowed into his vessel, stopped for a short time and even though there were desperate cries for help from his girlfriend, the boat sped off. The injuries were catastrophic. He had a broken knee cap and jaw. Six metal plates were inserted into his face, and he suffered nerve damage to his eye. After a long investigation, authorities arrested the boater who caused the accident and fled the scene in September 2014. 

“Whenever you or a loved one is involved in a boating accident caused by another boater, after seeking medical attention, contact the experienced boating accident team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.