Hollywood, FL Boating Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents might be frightening and catastrophic, often resulting in costly and compensable economic and non-economic damages for victims.
Boating accidents happen at high rates in Hollywood, often because of operator inattention. Not paying attention to the surrounding water, changes to the weather, or possible mechanical issues could cause serious incidents, including collisions with other vessels. Another common cause is operator inexperience. Boater education is mandatory for many, and lacking the qualifications or experience could endanger passengers or other boaters in the water. Other commonly cited causes of incidents include machinery or equipment failure, weather, speeding, and alcohol use. When investigating why a recent accident happened, our lawyers will consider the liability of all parties. For example, while the boat operator might be liable, so might another party, like the owner if they were not operating the vessel then, or a manufacturer if the accident happened due to defective equipment.
For a free and confidential case review from our boating accident lawyers, call Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. at (305) 204-5369.
Why Boating Accidents Happen in Hollywood, FL
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), Florida saw 659 reportable recreational boating accidents in 2023. An accident is reportable if it involves injury, death, disappearance, or at least $2,000 in property damage. Broward County, where Hollywood is located, was among the top ten counties for boating accidents during 2023, with 26 reportable incidents. These accidents happen for various reasons, from operator inattention to operator intoxication. Regardless, if the boat operator or another party was negligent, they could be liable for the injuries you sustained in a recent accident.
Operator Inattention
According to the FFWCC, operator inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout was the primary cause of 213 boating accidents in 2023. Boat operators have a duty to maintain a proper lookout at all times and operate vessels in a reasonable and prudent manner, according to Fla. Stat. § 327.33(2). This involves maintaining auditory and visual awareness of one’s surroundings, including other vessels in the water, environmental changes, swimmers, and potential hazards. Failing to do this at any time could cause a collision for which the boat operator would be liable.
Operator Inexperience
Operator inexperience is another top cause of boating accidents, leading to 100 reportable incidents in Florida in 2023. According to § 327.395, boat operators born after January 1, 1988, must get a boating safety identification card or license endorsement to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater. To get this certification, applicants must pass several assessments. If someone operates a vessel without the proper experience and qualifications, they might make crucial mistakes that lead to an accident or collision with another boat.
Machinery or Equipment Failure
Boat engines are complex, and poor maintenance could lead to various issues, including engine fires. Machinery or equipment failure combined for 80 boating accidents in 2023. Failure to monitor equipment, particularly aging machinery, could cause issues with steering systems, resulting in a collision with another vessel because the operator cannot change direction or slow down.
Multiple parties might share liability for these incidents. For example, if the boat owner did not properly monitor the equipment and its condition, they would be liable for accidents. However, suppose the equipment was defective from the get-go due to negligent production. In that case, the manufacturer may be liable, and our boating accident lawyers can help victims injured in accidents due to machinery or equipment failure explore this possibility.
Weather
When boaters take their vessels out on the water, they should assess the weather before and during the outing to ensure it is safe. The weather was the primary cause of 40 boating accidents in Florida in 2023. Though Florida’s weather can be somewhat unpredictable, recklessly taking passengers on an outing when the forecast indicates inclement weather could make an operator liable for accidents. Boaters should also monitor any weather changes and end outings early to avoid incidents and injuries.
Speeding
Boat operators should be mindful of speed limits, like when moving through or near marinas, which may be no-wake zones. In other areas, speed limits might be imposed to protect marine wildlife or swimmers who may be nearby. Operating boats at a reckless speed could lead to various accidents, including collisions with other vessels or other objects in the water, like personal watercraft, which were involved in 23% of reportable boating accidents in 2023. Excessive speed alone caused 36 accidents during that same year.
Alcohol Use
Because boating is a recreational pastime for many, alcohol is sometimes involved in outings. Boat operators should refrain from drinking alcohol at all times, as being intoxicated is not only illegal, but it also seriously reduces an operator’s reaction time and ability to make good decisions. When boat operators are under the influence, they might fail to maintain a proper lookout, notice passengers who have fallen overboard, or see nearby vessels, swimmers, or personal watercraft. Alcohol use led to 29 reportable boating accidents in 2023, and drug use caused three.
Other Causes
Boating accidents could happen for many other reasons not mentioned above, such as violations of navigation rules, which caused 23 accidents in 2023; attempting to navigate hazardous waters, which caused 21 accidents; and carelessness or inattention, which caused 19 accidents. Other potential causes include congested waters, improper anchoring, and sharp turns. These accidents could, in turn, cause costly injuries victims for victims, with lacerations, contusions, broken bones, and head injuries being among the most common. No matter the accident’s cause, passengers are more likely to be injured than boat operators, sustaining 61% of boat accident injuries in 2023, according to the FFWCC. This means that passengers are typically the ones who need compensation after accidents, and they can seek damages against negligent boat operators, owners, or other liable parties.
Call Our Boating Accident and Injury Attorneys in Hollywood, FL
For a free assessment of your case from our boating accident lawyers, call Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. at (305) 204-5369.
