Primary Causes of Fort Walton Beach Boating Accidents Handled by a Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Each year, boating accidents cause far too many deaths and serious injuries in Florida. Any time you are in or around boats, it is a good idea to be aware of the primary causes of boating accidents so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

A Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyer knows that many times, accidents on the water could be prevented if only someone behaved responsibly. Learn what to watch for so you can avoid becoming an unfortunate boating statistic.

Watch Out for the Big Two “I’s” – Our Fort Walton Beach Boat Accident Lawyers Knows Many Accidents Result from Impairment and Inexperience

Just as vehicles on the roads, vehicles in the water should not be operated by someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired boating, sometimes referred to as boating under the influence or BUI causes a staggering percentage of boating accidents in the state. When a personal injury lawyer in Fort Walton Beach can demonstrate that a boater involved in an accident had been drinking, that information can be used to show that the boater should be held liable for the consequences.

Alcohol and drugs are not the only factors that lead to poor judgment on the water, however. Boaters who operate without the right knowledge or experience make mistakes that can prove fatal. Before going out, boaters need to understand how to operate their equipment and how to handle any potentially hazardous conditions they might encounter.

Other Common Factors That Lead to Boating Accidents

Even boaters with experience and a clear head can get into trouble due to circumstances that may be beyond their control. These often include:

• Dangerous weather  – strong winds, heavy rain, or other conditions can make it difficult to control a vessel and avoid collisions
• Carbon monoxide leaks – exposure to high concentrations of the carbon monoxide produced by boat engines can lead to severe injuries or death
• Mechanical problems – maintenance tasks that are neglected or performed improperly can make it impossible to control a boat
• Recklessness – being out on the water can make you feel carefree, but it could also tempt boaters to operate at high speeds or ignore safety rules, resulting in accidents
• Hazardous conditions – manmade and natural conditions often contribute to the cause of collisions on the water

In many instances, a Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyer can find evidence that a third party’s negligent conduct contributed to an accident. For example, a boat rental company could be liable for failing to perform mechanical inspections or a property owner could be responsible for creating a hazard in water adjacent to their property.

After a Boating Accident, Talk to a Fort Walton Beach Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating is supposed to be fun, but it is not fun if it is not safe. When someone acts irresponsibly on the water and causes an accident, that person should be held accountable for the harm they cause.

If you suffered injuries in a boating accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation to make up for the effects such as pain and suffering, damage to your boat, and medical bills. Contact us online now for a free consultation to learn more.