RSSBoating Accident | Orlando Accident & Injury Blog - Part 3
Two Injured When Boat Crashes into New Smyrna Beach Sandbar
On Tuesday, a couple who were boating close to New Smyrna Beach during the evening hours, hit a sandbar. The U.S. Coast Guard were alerted to the situation around 6:00 in the evening and immediately dispatched a 29-foot boat that is used exclusively for nautical rescues. According to the official report of the incident, the Coast Guard were assisted by a team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation agency as well as the Edgewater Police Department.
Family Hospitalized After Boat Crash in Indian River
A four-person family were returning in their boat from a dinner out on Friday night when their boat crashed and capsized in the Indian River, close to where the Hubert Humphrey Bridge crosses over the water. Cocoa Police’s Public Information Officer, Yvonne Martinez, the accident was reported around 10:40pm. The calls that began flooding the 911 response center, a boat had capsized in the river and several people were thought to be in the water.
Watercraft Accident in Miami Leaves One Dead, Two Injured
A weekend watercraft accident near Pace Picnic Island in Miami has left a 25 year old man dead and two others seriously injured.
A local news station reported that Jorge Rizo was using his personal watercraft in Biscayne Bay, just north of the Venetian Causeway, when things spiraled out of control. According to eye witnesses, Rizo had his jet ski going in circles at a very high rate of speed. After about four or five circles, he lost control and looked as if he lost his bearings and didn’t know where he was. He soon thereafter hit a channel marker.
Upon impact, Rizo was thrown out of the boat. Although several people in the area jumped into the water to rescue Rizo, by the time he was pulled to shore he was unconscious and did not have a heartbeat. He also had visible lacerations on the left side of his head.
Miami paramedics soon arrived and were able to get the victim’s heart beating again following CPR. However, he subsequently had a heart attack and was pronounced dead at the Jackson Memorial Hospital.
According to medical reports, the other two injured victims were treated at Jackson Memorial and are expected to survive.
What to do if you are injured in a Florida jet ski accident
As Florida is a popular destination for boating and other water sports, accidents like these are an unfortunately all too familiar occurrence. As can be seen here, what started off as a fun recreational and relaxing day on the water can quickly spiral into a disaster.
When tragedy strikes, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney at your side. The Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. has been representing injured boaters and water skiers for several decades, helping ensure they get the compensation they deserve. In fact, did you know that you may be legally entitled to compensation not only for your physical injuries, but also for any loss of ability to work?
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a Florida boating accident call the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. at 1-877-FL-INJURY and schedule your free initial consultation today.
Wilton Manors Boating Accident Claims the Life of Local Teen
A boating accident in Wilton Manors earlier this month claimed the life of a Florida teen and left five others with serious injuries. According to authorities the group of six teens were aboard a 13 foot Boston Whaler boat the night of August 13th, when they struck a low lying bridge on the Middle River near Wilton Manors. The accident occurred around midnight, in an area with extremely low visibility. Family and friends say the teens were out observing a meteor shower. Residents in the area saw the teens out on the water earlier in the day, and said they seemed to be exploring the area. Once the daylight faded, the unfamiliarity of the area proved fatal.
Fewer Florida Boating Accidents This Fourth of July
Typically the Fourth of July weekend is the perfect storm for boating accidents in Florida. However, this year law enforcement officers are reporting a decrease in the number of reported accidents – a result they claim is due to increased preventative measures.
Florida is the Deadliest State for Boaters
Florida is the deadliest state for boat accidents in the country, and as summer is just around the corner accidents are more frequent than ever. Last year in the United States there were 581 boat crashes, and one in seven of those took place in Florida. Fatalities from these crashes equaled 70, with 12 of them due to drunk boaters.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Crash Results in Fatality, Numerous Injuries
A Florida boating accident that occurred Saturday evening on the Intracoastal Waterway near Fort Lauderdale has claimed the life of one victim. Officials at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission indicate that two boats carrying approximately 10 people were traveling together along the waterway at about 8 p.m. when one of them hit a concrete dock. The force of the impact was great enough to throw at least one occupant out of the vessel into the waterway. Neighbors in the area rushed to the scene when they heard the impact from the accident, which could be heard for a considerable distance.
Florida Law Enforcement Urges Residents to be Safe This Holiday Weekend
With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, law enforcement in the Orlando area urge holiday revelers to use caution while celebrating, and to always buckle up when they get behind the wheel. The Eustis Police Department and several other municipalities will be participating in a Nationwide focus on seat belt and child safety restraint enforcement during the long weekend. Lake residents who are travelling on Florida roads should take heed – the base fine for not wearing a belt is $16. Fines for unrestrained children can be much higher.
New ‘Designated Skipper’ Program
Everyone knows that drinking while boating is illegal, but people often bend the rules or to think that one or two beers won’t hurt. Now, the Sea Tow Foundation is kicking off a new campaign for a “designated skipper,” and authorities say they will crack down more than ever this year on DUIs.
Florida Highest in Boating Accident Rates
In April, Bill Jefferson, the former commander of the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron, wrote an editorial for News-Press detailing boating accidents in Florida. He said that Florida has more boating accidents than any other state in the U.S., and also more fatal boating accidents.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.