Boating Accidents in Florida

Our Sarasota Accident Lawyer Can Provide Legal Help With Personal, Yet Aggressive Representation

Offices in Sarasota and Venice, Florida
Florida, surrounded by over a thousand miles of coastline, and full of lakes and rivers, is a state enjoyed by recreational boaters and fisherman. Boating can be fun, but it can also be very dangerous. Florida is a prime location for boating and personal watercraft accidents and has more recreational and personal watercraft than any other state.

Add large transport and cargo ships to the number of recreational boaters and you can see how the large amount of traffic in the Gulf of Mexico and off the east coast can create the potential for boating accidents. The sheer number of different sizes of vessels carries with them an element of risk, whether it is a personal motorboat, yacht, Jetski, WaveRunner, or even kayak. The Gerber Law Group, P.A. and Sarasota accident attorney Maria Gerber are willing and able to help. Maria Gerber offers personal, yet aggressive representation throughout Florida’s western coast with offices in Sarasota and Venice, Florida. She can get you compensated for your losses while providing you with personal service and focused attention.

Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating can be a fun activity that can quickly become dangerous, resulting in serious personal injury or death. The U.S. Coast Guard has worked to reduce the chances you will be involved in a boating accident and the severity of these accidents. While an overwhelming number of people will follow the Coast Guard’s recommendations, some will not. Common causes of boating accidents include:

• Operator Inexperience. Florida’s laws do not require a license to operate watercraft, and anyone can do so at any time. Inexperience while operating a boat or jet ski or even a kayak or canoe can lead to trouble, as an inexperienced operator may not know how to correct a problem or when a problem is about to occur.
• Excessive Speed, Inattention, Carelessness and Recklessness. Although many boaters are responsible and follow appropriate precautions, some watercraft users operate their machines without paying attention or without regard to safety in an attempt to show off.
• Alcohol and Drug Use. Vacations and leisurely days off often lead to drinking and sometimes to drug use, and when these mix with boat operation, the combination can be a disaster.
• Bad Weather and Rough Water. Storms, high winds, rough seas and high waves can be difficult to navigate and can cause serious damage.
• Mechanical Failure. Even if a boater has taken great pains to care for his boat, equipment can still fail. Broken motors, propellers, steering equipment, navigation instruments and lighting can all contribute to an accident.
• Passenger or skier behavior
  • Weather, rough seas/tides
  • Improper lookout
  • Equipment/machinery failure

Consequences of Boating Accidents

Being injured in a boating accident may take years to recover from. Permanent disability, large medical bills, and loss of quality of life can be the end result. When this happens, recovering damages can help put your life back on track.

Like a car accident, a boating accident can cause serious injury or death; however, a boating accident can turn deadly even if the accident is minor. Damage to a boat can cause the boat to sink, and the risk of drowning is extremely high. Even a person wearing a life vest can drown or suffer oxygen deprivation if the accident knocks her unconscious or her injuries prevent her from holding herself upright. Boating accidents can also cause fires and explosions, and many accidents in which the boat capsizes result in the occupants disappearing forever.

Recovery from boating accident injuries can take years, and a survivor may end up with permanent disabilities and a severely diminished quality of life. The family members of a deceased or missing boating accident victim must suffer the heartache, anxiety and grief of losing a loved one. If a boating accident has left you with injuries or has injured or killed a family member, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of maritime and admiralty law and who has the legal knowledge to hold watercraft owners responsible. Sarasota accident lawyer Maria Gerber knows how to hold owners and operators alike responsible for your injuries. As a Florida native, Maria Gerber grew up on and around Florida’s waterways and has enjoyed boating her entire life.

If you have been involved in a boating accident, you may face medical bills or other expenses for your personal injury. The Gerber Law Group, P.A. has experience in boating accident claims and cares about getting you the justice that you deserve. At the Gerber Law Group, P.A., you will always work directly with a lawyer. If you are in the southwest coast area of Florida, please contact us today to find out how we can help you with a FREE case consultation.

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