Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer, and people start crowding south Florida waterways with their boats. Safe Boating Week was actually May 20 – May 26th, but if you search the news for boating accidents, there are many:
• Multiple Boating Accidents On Busy South Florida Waters
CBS Miami-May 14, 2017
• Multiple Seriously Injured in Fort Lauderdale Boating Crash
NBC 6 South Florida-May 21, 2017
• 1 Survivor, 2 Dead In Boating Accident Off Hollywood
CBS Miami-May 23, 2017
• Boaters Hurt In Series Of Weekend Accidents On South Florida Waters
CBS Miami-May 21, 2017
• Coast Guard Searching for Woman After Boating Accident
U.S. News & World Report-May 16, 2017
• Boating mishap kills Vero Beach resident
TCPalm-19 hours ago
So far this year we are seeing serious accidents on the increase, as many boaters ignore the common sense tips offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (FWC)
Boaters can enjoy their time on the water even more by taking a few safety precautions such as wearing a life jacket, using an engine cut-off switch lanyard, designating a sober boat operator, paying attention and keeping a proper lookout, having an emergency locator beacon, filing a float plan and taking a boating safety class.
The FWC’s 2016 Boating Accident Statistical Report indicates there were 714 reportable boating accidents in Florida last year, resulting in 67 fatalities. This represents a 3 percent decrease in the number of accidents, but a 22 percent increase in fatalities as compared to 2015. The leading cause attributed to boating accidents in 2016 was the operator’s inattention or lack of a proper lookout (29 percent). Falls overboard have been the leading type of fatal accident since 2003, with drowning as the leading cause of death.
Fort Lauderdale Boating Accident Attorneys
Boating accidents involve different circumstances and laws when it comes to investigating them, and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been handling these special cases for over 20 years. If you have been involved in a boating accident, we would be happy to discuss with you our qualifications and experience helping victims receive the maximum compensation allowed by law for their damages, pain and suffering, and medical bills. We are always available at 954-356-0006, and thank you.
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