People come to Florida for vacation because of the miles of beautiful beaches, the many water activities available and the numerous tourist attractions. Even people who live in the state often spend a significant portion of the time on the water, enjoying boating, fishing, kayaking and more. While these activities are often safe, they may result in injuries on occasion.
If you suffered injuries in a boating accident, it’s not always easy to know what to do next. After all, who is to blame for what happened to you? What can you do to determine what happened and what steps you should take next? Accidents that happen on the water are serious and often complicated, but it is possible that you could be the victim of the negligent or reckless actions of another person. This means you could have grounds for a civil claim.
Recreational boat accidents
It’s possible that you could have grounds for a claim under Florida’s civil justice system if you are the victim of a recreational boating accident. Recreational boating takes many forms, but it can include water vehicles, such as:
- Sailboats
- Personal watercraft, such as jet skis
- Airboats
- Pontoon boats
- Chartered fishing vessels
- Kayaks, paddleboards or canoes
These are only a few examples of recreational boats you may be able to rent or use for personal use while in the Sunshine State. When using these types of watercraft, the owner or person in charge should strive to make sure that they are in good working condition and that you know everything you should know to be as safe as reasonably possible.
Why they happen
Recreational boat accidents can happen for many reasons, but often, they relate to things such as boating under the influence, inexperienced operator, driving at excessive speeds and reckless behavior. The person who owns the watercraft or was operating the watercraft could be liable for what happened, as well as any third parties that may have played a role in the accident.
What you do next
If you think you are the victim of a boating accident that was the result of another party’s negligence or recklessness, you have options. You may find it beneficial to reach out for the guidance of an experienced maritime accident attorney to learn about how you should proceed. An assessment of your case can help you understand exactly what happened and whether you may be able to pursue financial compensation.