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Boating Accidents in South Florida

Any time a passenger gets into a boat, there is a danger of something going seriously wrong. Whether it be some problem with the boat itself, or the risk of colliding with a stationary object or another vessel, boating has its fair share of inherent risks. This is especially the case in Florida, where boating regulations are notoriously lax.

In Florida, there is no requirement to obtain a license prior to operating a boat. The only requirement in place is that anyone born in 1988 or later must obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. These cards, which are available online after taking a short virtual lesson, are good for life with no further requirement.

In South Florida, air boat tours are a common way for locals and tourists alike to explore the Everglades. However, even the guides operating these boats – often at high speeds – are not required to obtain any special permit or license. Additionally, there are no regulations that these boats have any safety features installed. It should come as no surprise then that there were over 700 boating accidents last year, resulting in 67 deaths. This makes Florida the state with the most boating accidents and fatalities.

Air Boat Crash Claims One Woman’s Life

Last month a woman was killed in an air boat accident when the vessel on which she was riding came to a sudden stop, throwing her into the water. According to a recent news report covering the tragic accident, the woman had just graduated from the University of Miami the day before, and she was on an air boat tour of the Everglades with her family.

Evidently, each tour booked through this particular company consists of the same route. However, since another vessel had broken down on the trail, the boat carrying the woman and her family left the trail for a short period of time. As the boat returned to the trail, it came to an unexpected and sudden stop, throwing the woman into the water. The boat traveled forward, trapping the woman underneath. She was later pronounced dead by emergency workers.

Authorities are conducting an investigation into the fatal boating accident and have not determined if any charges will be brought against the driver.

Have You Been Injured in a South Florida Boating Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a South Florida boating accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the law firm of Cecere Santana have extensive experience handling boat accident cases. We understand that being involved in a serious accident takes time to recover, and we will not rush you to make any of the important decisions that lie ahead. Once a course of action is chosen, we will work diligently and expeditiously to pursue appropriate results for you and your family. Call 800-753-5529 to schedule a free consultation today.

More Blog Posts:

Determining the Liability of Children for Accidents in Florida, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published April 27, 2017.

Florida Teen Killed in Hit-and-Run DUI Accident, Several Others Injured, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published May 11, 2017.

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