Boating Accident Advice

Injured in a boating accident as a result of negligence? In Miami, the Personal Injury Staff at the Perazzo Law Firm know that statistically speaking, flying is safer than driving. But what about boating? What are the chances of being involved in a boating accident off the Miami coast? Just like a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a parked car can get hit by a motor vehicle on a Miami street; a swimmer, a surfer or jet-skier can get hit by a yacht or a speedboat in Miami waters. While Miami is famous for its beautiful beaches, daytime shopping, and nightly shin-dings, its waterways are equally as popular; both day and night. As a result, the shores and bays along the Florida coast and off Miami Beach are often packed with commercial vessels, cruise ships, recreational boats, jet skis, surfers, swimmers, and much more. The end result of this aquatic recreational trend is an ever-growing number of personal injury cases, property damage, loss, and even wrongful death as a result of an accident involving a Boat or any water vessel. The chances of drowning or being hurt when involved in a boating accident are high, especially when there is negligence while operating a fuel-powered water vessel that can become difficult to handle at high speeds and amid rough navigation conditions.

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In Miami, the Perazzo Law Firm knows that a boating accident that causes personal injury in Miami can take place at any time and in any body of water, be it a river, lake, bay, or ocean and may include any size vessel or any type of water goer: swimmers, surfers, skiers, divers, and other boaters. However, there are certain situations when boating accidents tend to increase. Nighttime boating, sailing in bad weather, operating a vessel while intoxicated, lack of experience, poor vessel maintenance, or situations where other boaters try to rescue other boating accident victims are some of the main causes for boating accidents in Miami. Despite the number of laws governing recreational boating, many operators do not fully abide by them.

Despite the local forecast calling for blue skies with a 10% chance of rain, a boat operator can be taken by surprise by a severe storm on any given day. When a storm takes a boat by surprise, the captain of the vessel must take extreme caution and implement expert maneuvers to prevent an accident that may result in personal injury, damage, or even death. With winds changing directions, and waves starting to swell, it's time to take out the lifejackets and put out on any necessary clothing such as wet suits or harnesses. Passengers should not be topside and remain below deck to prevent falling overboard. All hatches and openings must be closed. Keep water out to avoid water moving about from side to side as waves rock the boat. Also make sure the pumps work and batteries are charged. If at all possible, head to safe waters and make sure passengers are safe.

When the sun sets at sea, darkness reigns, and operating a vessel can feel like driving a car blindfolded in an enormous parking lot. The horizon is gone, and if there is any, it's the shimmering lights of the nearest shore. Although few nighttime activities can compare to the stillness of sailing at sea, it can become a true nightmare. Despite boats being equipped with lights to be used at night, they are not very bright and usually detected by other boaters when it's too late to avoid a collision. There are set guidelines for operating a boat at night. These may include; operating at slow speeds and making sure all interior lighting is dim so as to prevent interference with view of the helm's instrument panel. Furthermore, keep noise levels at a minimum to detect the sound of an approaching vessel.

For a boater in an emergency situation at sea, there is nothing better than the site of an approaching boat. Most often, boats in distress have experienced engine trouble as a result of owner neglect. Many times boat operators are more concerned about how the boat looks rather than on how it runs. Engines that are poorly maintained may overheat, stall, have oil or gas leaks, which can bring about engine failure at sea. The first call of action is to notify the Coast Guard to report the situation and location coordinates. Secondly, if the other boat is sinking, have the passengers get off the boat and board the boat attempting the rescue. Do not tow the other vessel unless absolutely necessary and if all the towlines are in proper working condition. If towing the boat is the only option, do so at a very slow speed, making sure the tow cables do show signs of snapping during the towing process.

The Perazzo Law Firm personal injury staff that handles boating accidents in Miami suggests seafarers to take boating courses to gain experience with which to face dangerous situations while operating a vessel. Taking boating courses add conceptual information on boating procedures when dealing with electronic navigational learnings, reading weather patterns, learning to navigate a vessel without GPS or other modern navigation equipment. Courses on engine repair, emergency tactics, and survival skills at sea are highly recommended to all recreational boat operators and even private boat operators to safeguard against other boaters, swimmers, surfers, and all recreational water sports enthusiasts in general.

If you, a family member, or loved one has suffered personal injury, property damage, or loss as a result of an accident involving a boat or any water-going vessel, the Boating Accident Attorneys at the Perazzo Law Firm urge you to contact our Miami or North Miami Beach office ONLINE or CALL (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation to discuss your Boating Accident claim in Miami.

THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM OFFERS ZERO-OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS TO CLIENTS