Nine Passengers Ejected, Three Injured in Florida After Vessel Hits Clearwater Rock Jetty

1155487_beach_jetty%20sxchu.jpgNine people were rescued by the United States Coast Guard in Clearwater Pass, Florida over Memorial Day weekend after a 21-foot pleasure boat hit a rock jetty. According to the Coast Guard, the vessel struck the jetty while traveling at about 20 miles per hour early Sunday morning. All nine passengers on the boat were reportedly thrown into the water by the force of the impact. Another boat notified the Coast Guard of the accident around 3 o’clock in the morning. Rescuers discovered all nine passengers stranded on the jetty.

A representative for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission stated three passengers were taken to Morton Plant Hospital and Largo Medical Center for injuries sustained in the southwest Florida boat accident. The remaining passengers were taken to Station Sand Key where the driver of the boat purportedly passed a field sobriety test. The driver of the vessel was later ticketed for failing to maintain a proper lookout. The watercraft sustained a large hole in the bottom as a result of the collision and was reportedly a total loss. The accident is currently under investigation by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission.

Luckily, no one involved in this particular crash sustained life-threatening injuries. Every year, however, many deaths in Florida stem from avoidable watercraft accidents. Because South Florida offers many wonderful boating spots, people tend to spend a great deal of time on the water. Due to the associated safety risks, all boaters should follow established safety guidelines and rules. Watercraft owners and drivers have a legal responsibility to protect themselves, their vessel, and their passengers.

If you lost a loved one in a Florida watercraft accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person who caused your loss. Normally, you may sue for a family member’s wrongful death following a fatal accident caused by someone else’s recklessness, carelessness, or negligence. In Florida, relatives generally have up to two years to file a wrongful death claim unless the claim is against a cruise ship.

If you lost a family member in a cruise ship accident, you may be limited to filing a lawsuit within one year of the accident based on the passenger ticket. If you have lost a loved one in a boating or other watercraft accident, you should contact an experienced South Florida wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case.

If you were injured in a Florida boating accident, contact Lazarus & Lazarus, P.A. Our hardworking Dade County boating accident lawyers are available to answer your questions and ensure that your rights are protected. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will help you obtain the compensation your injuries merit. At the law firm of Lazarus & Lazarus, we represent clients throughout the State of Florida including Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Hollywood, Dade County, Palm Beach County, and Broward County. To schedule your free initial consultation with a knowledgeable South Florida attorney, call Lazarus & Lazarus at (954) 356-0006 today. You may also contact our skilled lawyers through the law firm’s website.

More Blogs:

Florida Supreme Court Considering State’s Medical Malpractice Damages Cap, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, April 10, 2012
Authorities Say Deadly Fort Pierce School Bus Accident Caused by Inattentive Bus Driver, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, April 6, 2012
Additional Resources:

Nine Survive Early Morning Boat Crash, by Katie Dolac, Clearwater Patch

Boating accidents in Clearwater, Dunedin leave several injured, by Chris Hopper, baynews9.com