14-Year-Old Florida Teen Airlifted to Hospital After Boating Accident

A 14-year-old Florida boy was airlifted to an area hospital when he crashed his boat on Lake Anne. The teen was the only occupant of the 14-foot whaler when he crashed ashore around 5:30 p.m. west of the Suncoast Expressway. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating the accident and say the teen suffered injuries to both of his legs.

Florida Boating Accident Statistics

The state of Florida offers the perfect climate and plenty of water space for year-round water sports. This also means that Florida has more registered vessels than any other state in the United States. In 2016, Florida had 905,298 registered vessels. When the number of vessels on the water is so high and year-round activities possible, this leads to an increase in boating accidents too.

In 2016, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that there were 684 boating accidents that reported at least $2,000 in damages. Out of those accidents, there were 437 injuries and 59 fatalities. Most of the accidents occurred in the month of July and between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Most injuries were caused by occupants falling overboard and injuries included lacerations, contusions, broken bones, head injuries, burns, neck and spinal injuries, and hypothermia just to name a few.

Injuries After Boating Accidents

There are a variety of accidents that can happen when it comes to boating. Some of them include slip and fall injuries, fuel and fire accidents, and drowning. Victims can suffer injuries as minor as scrapes and bruises to injuries as serious as traumatic brain injuries and lung infections from water inhalation.

Injuries can occur when a boat crashes or capsizes and the occupants are tossed overboard. The most dangerous injuries occur when there is direct impact with an object or other vessel.

Compensation After a Boating Accident

If you or your loved one has been injured due to a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced boat accident attorney can review your case and inform you if a personal injury lawsuit is an option for your case.

Compensation for your injuries may include medical bills, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, expenses for medications and medical supplies, and property damage.

One challenge that victims of boating accidents face is that unlike vehicles, boats are not required to have liability insurance, although it is recommended. If there is no insurance involved, your only option may be to seek compensation from the negligent operator of the boat.

Contact a Florida Boat Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a boating accident, especially if it was at the hands of a distracted boater or boat driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you need to speak to a Florida personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez in Boca Raton have the experience and knowledge to analyze your case and litigate your claims based on federal admiralty laws. We can help you sort through liability and insurance issues and be sure you get the compensation you are entitled to under the law. Contact us today for a consultation.

Resources:

myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/accidents/

tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/Boy-14-seriously-injured-in-boat-crash-at-Lake-Anne-in-Pasco_168873058