Boating Accidents & Injuries
Florida is a prime state for boating accidents. More than one million boats are registered within the state and Florida has the largest number of boating facilities in the country. Combine this with the growing average horsepower and speed and you get the perfect storm for boat accidents to happen.
The Jacksonville waterways are more crowded than ever before and boat accidents are on the rise. Since boats don’t have brakes and there are no stop signs or traffic lights on the water, it’s left to boating knowledge and common sense to keep everybody safe on the water.
In the state of Florida, you don’t have to take a single class or test to get a license to drive a boat; if you were born before 1988. Those born after 1988 need to get a Boater Safety Education Card, which requires taking a boating safety course. However, that leaves a large number of boat operators on the waters with no required safety training.
Boating accidents happen regularly and account for a larger percentage of accidents in Jacksonville every year. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating accident, you need to hire the right Jacksonville personal injury lawyer fast. Call Tassone, Dreicer & Hill today and schedule your free initial consultation.
Boating and Drinking
Just as drinking and driving a car is very dangerous, so is boating and drinking. Even though the authorities patrol the waterways and will arrest you for a BUI offense, they cannot catch everybody. All too often, boating accidents happen because someone decided to get behind the wheel after becoming intoxicated. In fact, more than 20% of boating fatalities happen due to drug or alcohol use.
Boating Laws in Florida
It’s illegal to drink and drive a boat, just as it is to drink and drive a car. The legal limit is the same; .08. Whether alcohol was involved or not, injuries caused by a boating accident are taken very seriously.
The laws governing boating in Florida are rather complex, especially when it comes to an injury caused in a boating accident. The maritime law and admiralty laws will apply if the accident occurred on navigable waters, which includes the St. Johns River and tributaries, Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
With the complexity of boating laws in Florida, it’s important to hire a Jacksonville personal injury attorney with experience in boating accident cases. A law firm with experience in maritime and admiralty claims is the right choice. At Tassone, Dreicer & Hill, we have plenty of experience with boating accident claims. Our legal team will fight for you and ensure you’re compensated for your injuries.
Whether the injuries you suffered were caused by colliding with another boat, a driver running into the dock or another form of accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Hiring the right law firm in Jacksonville to represent you will be vital to the success of your claim. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating accident, we will fight for you and help you receive the compensation you deserve.