Florida is associated with boating, and the state has the highest amount of accidents in the country. The situation actually got worse during 2020, as many people took to the waterways without anything else to do. More boats on the water meant more accidents.
Boating fatalities were up in 2020
Nationwide, the number of boating accidents increased by nearly 25% in 2020. The number of boating fatalities also increased by a similar amount. This was in part because people spent far more time on the water. Their behaviors may have gotten worse, as their risk-taking increased. In many cases, boat operators themselves were the cause of accidents, either through inattention or reckless boating. Other contributing factors to accidents were equipment failures of the boat itself.
Who can be sued in a boating accident?
There are numerous possible defendants in a boat accident lawsuit. If you have collided with another boat, the potential defendant would be obvious. The dock or city may also be sued, depending on where the accident happened. Finally, if the boat malfunctioned, you may have a product liability lawsuit against the company that made the boat. In most cases, negligence would be the standard by which your case is judged. Like any other personal injury case, boating accidents involve an insurance company. You may start first by filing an insurance claim to see if they will make you a settlement offer. Otherwise, you could file a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. If your family member died, a wrongful death attorney may be able to investigate your case to determine whether you have a valid legal cause of action. Losing a loved one is stressful enough without having to worry about the legal process.
