Florida has almost 1,197 miles of ocean shoreline and nearly 4,308 square miles of inland water for boating, fishing and other water sports. The waters in and around Florida are busy year round. Boats can be just as dangerous to operate as motor vehicles. Unfortunately, there are fewer law enforcement officials available to police our waterways than there are on our roads.

Boating accidents often result in serious injuries to boat passengers. Just as an injured person can seek compensation after a car accident from the at-fault driver, so too can an injured boater seek recovery. The process of obtaining compensation after a boating accident is complicated, and wrought with pitfalls. There are numerous state and federal regulations applying to boating accidents.

Some of the common causes of boating accidents are:

• Impaired Boaters: Boating while intoxicated is illegal. Keep a safe distance from a boater who is operating the craft erratically and never ride with a boater who has been drinking.
• Distracted Boaters: Boaters may become distracted by other boats, there own passengers, or as drivers of motor vehicles, their cell phones. Texting while boating has recently become a common cause of accidents resulting in juries.
• Reckless Boating: Boats and jet skis are often operates at high speeds. When the boater disregards the safety of others by speeding or weaving, he may be liable for resulting injuries.
• Equipment Malfunction: Improperly designed or maintained safety equipment or components can cause boating accidents. It is important to always read instruction manuals and familiarize yourself with safety equipment.
• Inexperienced Boaters: New boat operators or boaters with improper training, may cause accidents by failing to adhere with boating regulations.

At Bundza & Rodriguez, we are experienced in assisting the victims of boating accidents. We have the resources to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for boating accident victims. We conduct thorough, independent investigations in an attempt to determine each and every cause of the accident. We also evaluate all sources of compensation, including the victim's own insurance policies and the insurance policies of the responsible party. If you or a loved one is the victim of a boating accident, we will hold at-fault parities accountable.

If you or a family member has been injured in a boat accident, you will likely have concerns about how and where to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and future medical care. To schedule a free consultation, call Bundza & Rodriguez at (386) 252-5170 or contact us online.