Miami Boat Accident Attorney
The gorgeous weather in Florida makes boating a popular activity throughout the state. Many residents and tourists enjoy a day of fun and sun while water skiing, swimming or simply cruising around. While boating is generally fairly safe, many people underestimate the dangers of being out on a lake or in the sea. Compared to a highway, bodies of water tend to have fewer vehicles. While you might not see thousands of boats on the water at any given time, that does not mean that accidents do not occur.
Boat crashes occur more often than you think. Most boat accidents are caused by inattention, machinery failure, improper lookout, operator inexperience and alcohol use. In 2016, there were 701 deaths in the United States caused by boat accidents. More than 250 of these occurred during the summer months of June and July.
A boating accident can involve various elements and result in serious injuries. Boating accident legal claims can become quite complicated. They are not as easy as you may think because multiple parties may be held liable. Plus, because the accident occurred on open water rather than on land, there are often special laws to take into consideration, contact our Miami boat accident attorneys today.
Causes and Types of Boat Accidents
According to 2016 statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 714 boat accidents in Florida. Of those, 181 involved a collision with another vessel. Another 174 involved a crash with a fixed object. Flooding and swamping accounted for 65 accidents. Falls overboard resulting in 45 accidents. Forty-three accidents involved grounding and 35 were the result of capsizing. Other types of accidents include falls, fires, striking objects underwater and boats hitting skiers and others in the water. Most boats were cruising at the time of the accident.
Inattention was cited as the main cause for 204 of these accidents. Operator inexperience accounted for 109 accidents. Speeding caused 63 accidents and machinery failure led to 59 boat crashes. Careless or reckless behavior caused 36 accidents and hazardous waters contributed to 33 crashes. Thirty-two boat accidents were caused by the weather, while alcohol use contributed to 25 crashes.
As you can see, there are many ways in which a boat accident can occur. If you were a victim, make sure you seek legal action. The Miami boat attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP can help you with your case.
Hire Experienced Miami Boat Accident Attorneys for Your Case
A boating accident can turn a day of fun and sun out on the open water into a trip the hospital emergency room. If another boater hit you or caused your injuries in some other way, it’s important to hold the person liable.
Take the proper steps to preserve your legal rights. After a boating accident, time is of the essence. Let the Miami boat accident attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP assess your case and determine your rights to compensation. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP today at 305-985-5281 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
