One Person Killed in Boating Accident Near Miami Beach—Arrest Made for BUI and Leaving the Scene of an Accident

According to a report from 7 News Miami, a 26-year-old man named Diego Becerra was killed in a tragic boat accident just off of Miami Beach. Based on accounts from the first responders from the Miami Beach Police and Fire Rescue, authorities believe that the deadly boating accident occurred when two vessels collided near Star Island. 

The Crash is Still Under Investigation—But an Arrest Was Made 

Law enforcement authorities reported that there was considerable confusion at the initial scene of the Miami Beach boat collision. Though, one witness reported that the man operating the second craft immediately fled the scene of the accident. Two days later, an arrest was made in connection with the deadly boat crash. Brian Hodges, a 32-year-old South Florida man, was taken into custody and booked on several charges, including:

• Boating under the influence (BUI);
• Failure to render aid; and
• Failure to stop/leaving the scene of an accident.

While police stress that the accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation, they allege that Mr. Hodges ran his boat into the vessel that was carrying Mr. Becerra. After causing the boating crash, they also contend that Mr. Hodges sped away from the scene and hid near a local apartment complex.

Negligent Boat Operators Can Be Held Liable for Injuries  

Boaters have a legal responsibility to operate their vessel in a reasonably safe manner. As fun as boats can be, they also have the potential to be extremely dangerous if adequate safety precautions are not taken by all parties. When a boat operator causes an accident through their negligence—whether because they are boating while under the influence, speeding, or they failed to properly maintain the craft—they can be held legally liable for resulting damages.

A Criminal Charge May Be Evidence in a Civil Case—But it is Not Necessary

When a boat accident results in criminal charges, those charges can be used as evidence of negligence in a civil personal case. That being said, a boat operator does not have to be arrested or charged criminally in order to be held responsible for causing a crash. Much like a motor vehicle accident, boat operators that cause a collision through non-criminal negligence should still bear responsibility for their actions.

All boat accidents should be investigated by an experienced professional. If you were injured due to a boat operator or commercial boating company’s negligence—either as a passenger or while in another craft—a lawyer can help you put together the evidence that you need to prove liability and recover financial compensation for your injuries.

Call Our Miami, FL Boat Accident Lawyers for Immediate Help

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami boat accident attorneys have the skills and knowledge to handle the complete range of boating accident cases. If you or your loved one was hurt in a boat accident, our team is ready to help. To set up a free, no commitment review of your personal injury claim, please contact us today. We handle boating accident claims throughout Southeastern Florida, including in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.

Resource:

wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/one-dead-after-boat-crash-near-miami-beach/

https://www.turnpikelaw.com/boat-run-over-accidents-in-florida-the-danger-for-divers-and-snorkelers/