Boating Accidents

Sarasota Boating Accident Injury Attorneys

The state of Florida has 1,197 miles of coastline, 11,000 miles of rivers, streams, and waterways that are ideally suited for boats, jet skis, and a variety of recreational watercraft. It is this beauty and abundance that draws many residents and visitors to our state. Boat and watercraft operators have a legal obligation to abide by federal and state maritime laws when operating their craft and to obey the maritime rules of the road.

The U.S. Coast Guard lists Florida as having the highest recreational watercraft registration rate in the country, with 949,030 vehicles registered. Unfortunately, the state has also consistently ranked in the top two for recreational watercraft related accidents, injuries, and deaths for the last five years.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard statistics for 2009, there were 610 maritime accidents involving recreational water craft in the state of Florida. These accidents accounted for 420 injuries, 67 deaths, and approximately $9.7 million dollars in property damage. Florida’s watercraft related death and injury rates were the highest in the country. Florida’s property damage alone, from recreational watercraft related accidents, accounted for over 27% of the nation’s total damage estimate. The national average shows that 76% of all boat or jet ski related deaths occurred when the vehicle was being operated by someone with no formal operator instruction.

Top 5 Most Common Causes of Boat or Jet Ski Accidents

• Alcohol
• Distracted Driving
• Operator Inexperience
• Excessive Speed
• Improper Lookout

Contact a Sarasota Boating and Jet Ski Accident Injury Attorney

Maritime law, also known as Admiralty law, is a complex area of both the federal and state legal system that specifically governs maritime questions and offenses. Our staff of attorneys can help your family obtain the just and fair compensation it deserves if someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating or jet ski accident. At Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A., our attorneys have an unwavering commitment to their clients, and you can rest assured that they will fight for your cause. Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton, and Greater Southwest Florida, an attorney handling boat and jet ski accidents from our law firm has the experience, drive, and knowledge needed to successfully represent your case. To schedule a no cost consultation with a Sarasota maritime lawyer, contact the law offices of Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A., today.