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Speeding and colliding with other vessels are two of the most common accidents caused by reckless Florida boat operators. When boat operators speed on our waterways, they create significant waves that can cause passengers to be ejected resulting in injuries or drowning. Other boats in their wake may capsize and injure occupants.

Speeding while driving a boat is just as dangerous as speeding on roads. However, boats do not have brakes, and it is virtually impossible to stop suddenly. Reaction time is limited, and evasive action time is reduced.

The most common vessel types that are involved in reported boating accidents are open motorboats (45 percent), personal watercraft (19 percent), and cabin motorboats (16 percent).

Florida boat operators are required by law to operate vessels with regard to the safety of persons and property.  Florida statute § 327.33 and Federal Navigation Rules apply when boating. Boat operators are to follow the “rules of the road” and the Federal Navigation Rules. Should they fail to do so and an accident occurs, they may be held responsible for any injuries and/or fatalities resulting from speeding and other reckless and careless behaviors.

 “So many people get comfortable on the water because it’s not in the same type of setup as driving a vehicle,” said Lt. Seth Wagner of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to USA Today, “where you’re having to maintain lanes and you have traffic lights and intersections.”

When boating accidents occur, boat captains are required to:

• Safety: Make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe, and seek medical attention if required.
• Accident Reporting: Boating accidents that result in serious injury, death, or damage to the vessel(s) and/or personal property of at least $2,000 are required to be reported. 
• Gathering Information: Take photos, record details of the accident, and get personal and insurance information from the operator of the boat.
• Record Keeping: All medical bills and financial costs that are associated with any injuries should be kept to substantiate any future personal injury claims.

“There are a variety of factors involved in receiving compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. can determine the options available to you and the possible ways that you can receive compensation for your injuries. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. Please review the 10 Important Considerations When Selecting a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you, and we are available 24/7 to assist you,” said Fort Myers Boat Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Boat 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 at 239.793.7748.