Boating / Waverunner Accidents

When Floridians go out to the lake or beach for some rest and relaxation, one of the last things they want to worry about is the possibility of being seriously injured while enjoying their day. Unfortunately, there are many instances of watercraft injuries in Florida every year, with many of these being serious or even deadly.

Although when it is your fault, there is not much you can do about an injury, but if that injury was the result of the negligence or recklessness of another party, then you should not be held responsible for the negative effects.

It is your right to sue for damages if you believe that you were injured due to negligent behavior. To approach this difficult and complex situation in the most effective manner, and thereby increasing your chances of being compensated for losses that you may have incurred, is to work with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney who can provide strong legal counsel.

Fort Lauderdale Boating Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating or waverunner accident in Southeastern Florida, then you may be eligible for compensation. This can be in the form of damages that satisfy the losses involved, including past wages and medical bills.

The legal team at Levine & Glassman, P.A., is experienced in these types of personal injury cases and will draw on this stored legal knowledge to develop a strong argument that considers all factors. Their commitment excellent client service while making sure that your individual rights are protected throughout this process will allow you to rest easy and focus on moving on with your life.

Call (954) 332-6100 or send an online message to schedule a risk-free consultation to go over the details of your case with the attorneys at Levine & Glassman today. The firm works with individuals throughout southeast Florida, including the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter and many more.

Florida Boating Regulations

Understanding the laws that govern boating and personal watercraft is vital in finding the evidence of negligence necessary to hold the offending party responsible. All of the pertinent information regarding boating and watercraft regulations can be found in Chapters 327 and 328 of the Florida Statutes.

With regard to boating accidents, the Statute explicitly states that anyone who operates a vessel with willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation, which is also a first-degree misdemeanor (§327.33).

All operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag, and other circumstances so as not to endanger people or property. Failure to do so is considered careless operation (a non-criminal infraction). A violation of the Federal Navigation Rules is also a violation of Florida law.

It is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without giving all possible aid to the involved persons and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities.

When it comes to a possible case of boating under the influence, it is a violation of Florida law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.  A vessel operator suspected of boating under the influence must submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine blood- or breath-alcohol content (§327.35).

In Florida, a vessel operator is presumed to be under the influence if their blood alcohol level is at or above .08. Additionally, any person under 21 years of age who is found to have a breath-alcohol level of .02 or higher and operates or is in actual physical control of a vessel is in violation of Florida law.

There are also regulations that extend to personal watercraft, such as waverunners. The Statute mentions that personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used.  Remember, both federal and state law requires the use of navigation lights from sunset to sunrise (§327.39).

Maneuvering a personal watercraft by weaving through congested vessel traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably close or when visibility around the vessel is obstructed, or swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision is classified as reckless operation of a vessel (a first-degree misdemeanor).

A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida, and a person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in Florida. In addition, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (a second-degree misdemeanor).

Levine & Glassman, P.A.| Broward County Waverunner Accident Lawyer

Suffering a serious injury while trying to enjoy yourself in the waters of Florida is something that nobody in the state want to deal with. Unfortunately, these injuries are quite common and many of them are due to the negligence of another. If you or a loved one has been hurt while on a boat or waverunner in Florida and would like to see what your options are for compensations, call the skilled personal injury attorneys at Levine & Glassman, P.A.

With years of experience focusing on cases involving boating accidents, the legal team can be trusted to provide strong legal representation while making certain you are given every opportunity to present your case and receive the damages that you deserve.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your medical issue and to see if you are eligible for compensation, call (954) 332-6100. The legal team proudly represents individuals across the state of Florida, including Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County.