Florida is a prime destination for vacationers, who regularly participate in boating and jet ski activities. Unfortunately, operator inexperience and alcohol consumption contribute to a high incidence of accidents on the water.

If you have been injured in a boating or jet ski accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Florin Gray Bouzas Owens, LLC. Our Tampa injury attorneys are dedicated advocates for the injured people we represent.

Why Choose Florin Gray Bouzas Owens, LLC?

• Our injury attorneys take a hands-on approach to the cases we handle, devising comprehensive strategies, and litigating aggressively for maximum damages.
• We have more than 60 years of experience representing clients in personal injury matters, and we are selective in the cases we handle, so we can give each client the attention he or she deserves.
• We offer a free initial consultation to determine if you have a case before proceeding.

When Do You Need a Tampa Boating Accident Lawyer?

Negligence comes into play in most boating and jet ski accidents. Injuries commonly sustained in these types of accidents include:

• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Head injuries
• Back and spinal injuries
• Neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Teeth and jaw injuries
• Amputations
• Burns
• Shock
• Drowning

Our experienced injury attorneys can help determine the cause of the accident and establish liability for your injuries. An aggressive legal advocate on your side can protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Causes of Boating and Jet Ski Accidents

Florida leads the nation in accidents on the water. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, statewide in 2017, 723 boating accidents resulted in 66 fatalities.

Common causes of boating and jet ski accidents in Florida include:

• Collisions with recreational vessels
• Collisions with fixed objects
• Flooding or swamping
• Grounding
• Skier or wakeboarder mishap

Factors contributing to accidents on the water include improper loading of passengers or gear and boat or equipment failure. The Coast Guard isolated the primary factors concerning the operation of the vessel contributing to boating accidents and casualties nationwide in 2017.

Those factors were:

• Alcohol use: 275 accidents, 102 deaths, 227 injuries
• Drug use: 10 accidents, 10 deaths, 2 injuries
• Excessive speed: 269 accidents, 11 deaths, 247 injuries
• Failure to vent: 31 accidents, 0 deaths, 34 injuries
• Improper lookout: 471 accidents, 23 deaths, 337 injuries
• Inadequate onboard navigation lights: 11 accidents, 3 deaths, 7 injuries
• Violation of navigation rules: 257 accidents, 22 deaths, 165 injuries
• Operator inattention: 620 accidents, 45 deaths, 381 injuries
• Operator inexperience: 436 accidents, 63 deaths, 249 injuries
• Restricted vision: 45 accidents, 4 deaths, 36 injuries
• Sharp turns: 51 accidents, 12 deaths, 41 injuries
• Starting in gear: 4 accidents, 0 deaths 1 injury

What to Do After a Boating or Jet Ski Accident

• Get emergency medical attention for any serious injuries.
• Otherwise, remain in the area until law enforcement arrives.
• Exchange insurance and contact information with other operators involved in the accident.
• Get the contact information for any witnesses.
• Report the accident to local authorities.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in boating accidents and maritime law.

Get in Touch with Us Today

Boating and jet ski accident injuries can have long-term consequences for the victim. When someone else’s negligence causes serious injuries, it is important to recover full and fair compensation. If you have been hurt in a boating or jet ski accident, contact Florin Gray Bouzas Owens, LLC. Our experienced injury attorneys can help you pursue maximum damages.