Escambia County, FL- Thousands of boats travel on the miles and miles of waterways throughout Florida. Sadly, many boaters are inexperienced, and consequently, boating accidents are becoming more common in Florida and the U.S. overall.
Are Boating Deaths on the Rise in Florida?
In their latest report, the U.S. Coast Guard found that deadly boating accident increased by 12 percent in 2016 over data from the previous year. According to the agency, in 2016 4,463 boat accidents resulted in 701 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries. Those accidents resulted in an estimated $49 million in damages.
In the state of Florida, there were 684 boat collisions in 2016, an increase of the 671 accidents in 2015. In 2014, there were 581 boat collisions in the Sunshine State, according to ABC Action News.
Other statistics from the Coast Guard:
80 percent of boating crash deaths are caused by drowning.
83 percent of accident victims who drowned were not wearing life vests
Just 13 percent of boat operators involved in a crash have proper training
Alcohol is a factor in 15 percent of fatal crashes.
What Are the Causes of Boating Accidents?
Most accidents, whether they happen on the road or in the workplace, are the result of negligence. That negligence can entail a variety of reckless or careless behaviors including:
Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Speeding
Operator inattention or inexperience
Machinery failure
Above are just a few of the most common causes of boating accident; there are many actions that can turn a beautiful day on the water into a tragedy. Most of the time tragedies like this are unintentional, but they are no less damaging for the victims and without an expert in personal injury claims on their side, a victim could be severely shortchanged.
Contact an Accident Lawyer in Escambia County
Just like any other accident victims, anyone who is injured in a boat accident or tragically lost a loved one has the right to seek compensation from the negligent parties responsible for their injuries or loss. USAttorneys.com can refer you to an accident lawyer near your Escambia County location to assist you with the basics of filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Your claim isn’t going to be fair unless you have someone helping you with your case.
We recommend you contact an accident lawyer immediately and enlist their expertise for your case. We can connect you with the right attorney today. You’ll get a generous settlement if you put the case in the capable hands of one of our attorneys. Call and arrange a case evaluation as soon as you can.
Source:
Are Boating Accidents on the Rise in Florida?
