Earlier this month, a prominent Tampa Bay attorney was killed in a boating accident while in Key West on a lobstering trip with a friend. According to a report by TampaBay.com, the woman and her friend were aboard a 44-foot catamaran when they saw another large boat heading straight for them. In an attempt to get off the boat before the collision, both women jumped into the water hoping to swim away from what seemed like a certain crash. However, the driver of the other boat finally noticed that he was on a collision course with the catamaran and made a last-minute change of direction. In so doing he hit both women in the water. Both women were flown to a nearby hospital for treatment of the injuries they sustained in the accident. One of the women was later pronounced dead by hospital personnel. The other woman was last reported to be in stable condition. An investigation is ongoing, however, the driver of the other boat could likely face criminal charges for his involvement in the fatal boating accident. Police are still trying to piece together how the boat’s driver didn’t see a 44-foot catamaran directly in his line of travel. Florida Boating Accidents Given the miles and miles of coastline in the Sunshine State, it’s no surprise that boating is one of Floridians’ favorite pastimes. However, like all activities involving a motorized vehicle certain precautions must be taken in order to safely enjoy the activity. While it is not clear why the driver of the second boat failed to see the catamaran, it is likely that he was not paying as close attention as he should have been. Boater operators, like motorcyclists, truck drivers, and all other motorists, have a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner while on the waterways. This duty includes the requirement that certain rules are followed, such as yielding the right-of-way, paying close attention to the water ahead, and remaining distraction-free while the boat is moving. When boaters fail to follow simple safety tips like these, innocent people can get hurt–or worse. Recovering After a Tragic Accident If you have lost a loved one to a boating accident, you are aware of the toll it can take on a family. When you are ready, you may wish to seek the counsel of a dedicated Florida boat accident attorney to discuss the possibility of a monetary award based on the other boater’s negligence. These types of accidents rarely occur without one party being negligent in the operation of their vessel. The law allows for the victims of negligence to recover financially for their loss if they can establish that the other party’s negligence is what caused their loss. To learn more about wrongful death suits in Florida, and to discuss your potential case with a dedicated Florida personal injury attorney, click here, or call 352-387-8700 to set up a free initial consultation. More Blog Posts: Florida Court Explains When the Procedural Requirements for Medical Malpractice Cases Apply, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published May 29, 2014. Police Identify Hit-and-Run Driver Responsible for the Deaths of Three Single Mothers, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published July 31, 2014.
