Florida is the national leader in boating accidents, and it’s not even close. Coast Guard data show that in one recent year, Florida had nearly twice as many deaths as the next-highest state (California). Florida also had more than twice as many injuries from boating accidents as the next-highest state (also California). If you sustained injuries in a Panama City boating accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Panama City include:
- Operator Inattention – Boat operators must stay alert at all times. Distractions, like phones or talking, can lead to collisions or passengers falling overboard.
- Speeding – High speeds make it harder for boats to stop or avoid obstacles. Operators who speed may be liable if they cause a crash.
- Boating Under the Influence – Alcohol or drug use slows operators’ reaction times and impairs their judgment. Operating a boat while impaired is illegal and highly dangerous.
- Inexperienced Operators – Operators without proper training or licensing may not know how to handle emergencies. Their mistakes, such as not making sure a vessel has enough life jackets, can cause severe injuries or drownings.
- Improper Lookout – A second person should help a boat’s operator watch for swimmers, boats, or other dangers. Failing to assign a lookout increases the risk of collision.
- Equipment Failure – Broken lights, faulty engines, or missing safety gear can turn routine trips into emergencies. Owners must inspect and maintain their boats to reduce the chance of accidents.
- Overloaded Vessels – Exceeding weight limits makes boats unstable and more difficult to control. If a boat capsizes or sinks because it was overloaded, the operator may be liable.
- Dangerous Weather Conditions – Boaters should check forecasts and avoid bad weather. Ignoring warnings or failing to turn back may show poor judgment.
- Navigation Rule Violations – Boat operators must follow boating laws and right-of-way rules. Breaking these rules, such as getting too close to another vessel, can cause crashes.
- Rental Company Negligence – Some boating accidents happen because the rental company failed to maintain the vessel or provide safety instructions to renters. In these cases, the rental company may be liable for an accident.
Types of Compensation in a Boating Accident Claim
Your compensation after a boating accident depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries. You need a capable legal team if you want to maximize your compensation. With proper support, your claim could include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost income and reduced future earnings due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering related to the accident.
- PTSD or other emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Diminished quality of life due to your injuries or a long-term disability.
- The cost to repair the boat or other damaged property.
Who Is Liable in a Boating Accident?
The method to determine who’s liable for a boating accident is to see whose careless actions caused the incident. The potentially liable parties include:
- The Boat Operator – The person driving the boat is responsible for keeping passengers safe. Dangerous behaviors like speeding, drinking, or failing to watch for other vessels may cause accidents and make a careless operator liable.
- Boat Owners – If the boat’s owner let someone inexperienced or reckless use the vessel, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
- Boat Manufacturers – If a defective part or system caused the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for creating unsafe equipment.
- Rental Company – Rental companies must maintain boats and provide passengers with safety gear. If they skip inspections or rent boats to unqualified people, they may be liable for an accident.
- Passengers – Rowdy or intoxicated passengers who distract the operator or interfere with controls may be responsible if their actions cause a crash.
- Other Boat Operators – If another vessel causes an accident by violating navigation rules or speeding, that operator may be wholly or partly liable.
- Marina or Dock Owners – Dangerous docks, missing safety signs, or lack of lighting can lead to accidents at marinas and cause severe injuries. The marina may be liable for accidents resulting from poor maintenance.
- Tour Companies or Charters – Tour operators must hire trained staff and follow safety rules. If they overload boats, ignore weather alerts, or are otherwise careless, they may be liable for an accident.
- Jet Ski or Watercraft Operators – Reckless behavior by nearby Jet Skis or personal watercraft can cause collisions with boats. These operators are liable if they cause injuries.
- Event Organizers – If an accident happens during a race or boating event, the organizer may be liable for poor planning or a lack of safety controls.
Steps to Take If You’re Hurt in a Boating Accident
See a doctor right away if you were injured in a boating accident. Quick treatment protects your health and documents your injuries. Likewise, report the accident to the proper authorities if you haven’t already.
Save all your medical records, bills, and receipts related to your care. These documents help link your injuries to the accident.
Write down everything you remember, including the boat’s name, location, weather, and what led to the crash. If you took photos or videos at the scene, keep them safe. You will likely need this evidence later to prove who caused the accident.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents without legal advice. Their goal is to minimize your claim, so don’t give them anything to use against you.
Lastly, contact a boating accident attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process and fight on your behalf for fair compensation.
Contact a Panama City Boating Accident Attorney
You have two years after a boating accident to file a lawsuit, so it’s critical to call a lawyer immediately. The Bruner Law Firm has over 30 years of experience representing Panama City’s injured and can handle all the legal work for you while you heal. Call (850) 243-2222 or complete our contact form for a free case review.
