South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Florida is a great place for water lovers. With some of the best beaches and boating in the nation, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Florida each year to enjoy the water. However, with so much activity on Florida waters, the chance of a serious or fatal accident occurring increases accordingly.
Of all the vessels on Florida waters, one of the most dangerous is the personal watercraft (PWC). In fact, each year there are about 900 accidents involving PWCs, and approximately 35 of those accidents result in death. About 90% of all PWC accidents involve some level of user error.
These figures have actually decreased over recent decades as the PWCs themselves are manufactured with additional safety features, and as state governments are increasing the licensing and regulatory requirements necessary to operate the vehicles. With that said, the numbers are strikingly high when considering the fact that PWCs are not commonly used for transportation, and the amount of time spent aboard PWCs is usually limited.
Given the dangers of operating a PWC, Florida has issued a series of licensing requirements for anyone planning on operating a PWC. Of course, laws prohibiting drinking and drug use apply to PWCs, as well. In sum, anyone operating a PWC must take great control when doing so. Whenever someone is negligent or reckless while operating a PWC, they are increasing the already significant chances of causing an accident.
Personal Watercraft Accident Sends Young Boy to Hospital
Earlier this month, a four-year-old boy was taken to the hospital after he was involved in a personal watercraft accident in Aventura. According to one local news source covering the accident, the boy was aboard a larger yacht when he was taken out on the PWC by another passenger.
As the operator of the PWC was traveling at a high speed, he lost control of the vessel and it struck a boat. The young boy, who was sitting in front of the driver at the time of the accident, flew off the vessel and into the side of the boat. Thankfully, the boy was wearing a life vest. However, he did suffer a broken eye socket. The operator of the PWC was cited for reckless operation.
Have You Been Injured in a Florida Boating Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Florida boating accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The laws in Florida allow for financial recovery if you are able to prove that the defendant’s negligent actions caused your injuries. While this sounds simple in theory, there are significant procedural obstacles standing between you and your potential award. Call the South Florida personal injury law firm of Cecere Santana at 800-753-5529 to set up a free consultation with a dedicated and experienced attorney today. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation on your part unless we are able to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Unexplained South Florida Accidents May Be the Result of Distracted Driving, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published May 3, 2016.
The Importance of Honesty and Diligence in the Pre-Trial Discovery Phase of a Personal Injury Lawsuit, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published April 25, 2016.