Few things are more relaxing than taking your boat out onto the Pithlachascotee River, be it to fish or just to explore. However, a boating accident can quickly turn your day (and even your entire life) upside down.
Florida boating accidents are not overwhelmingly common, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen at all. And when you know what to do ahead of time to avoid them, it can help keep you and others on your boat safe.
No one sets out on the water expecting to get into a boating accident, which means it can be difficult to keep calm or understand what to do when involved in one. However, by remembering and following the steps below, you can protect your health and preserve your chances of filing a personal injury claim:
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe, Then Call for Help
In a mild boating accident, all occupants will most likely still be on their vessels and relatively unharmed. However, in the event of a more severe impact, operators or passengers can be thrown overboard, so before you do anything else, check to see if everyone is accounted for.
If possible, try to move the boats to a safer area. If there are any injuries, call 911 or the Coast Guard for help, and do your best to offer basic first aid until help arrives.
2. Document the Crash
Just as you would after a car accident, document your boating accident as thoroughly as you can. If possible, photograph the general scene, both boats, and any visible damage.
It’s also wise to write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. If you need to file an insurance claim (or someone files one against you), a clear sequence of events is crucial.
3. Exchange Information
At the scene, you should exchange the following information with the other boater:
- Names
- Contact information
- Boat registration numbers
- Insurance information
You should also make sure to write down the make and model of the other boat and any damage you can see.
4. Report if Needed
You must report the accident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), the county sheriff, or the city police chief within 48 hours if any of the following are true:
- Someone suffered an injury that required more than basic first aid
- There was a fatality
- Someone disappeared
- There was more than $2,000 in property damage
You should also report the crash to your insurance company.
5. Seek Legal Advice
Whether you think you were at fault for the accident or not, it’s wise to reach out to a boating accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Understanding Boating Accidents in Florida
In 2024, 685 reportable boat accidents took place in Florida, resulting in 81 fatalities. Those numbers represent a fairly significant increase over 2023, when 659 boating accidents and 59 related fatalities occurred.
Most of these accidents don’t happen on the Pithlachascotee River (the majority happen around the Florida Keys), but that doesn’t negate the risk entirely.
In particular, there are two main risk factors for accidents on the river that boaters should be aware of:
- It’s a blackwater river, which may impair visibility
- Its water levels fluctuate because of tidal influence
The “black” water is caused by tannins from tree leaves and other kinds of vegetation. The river is often so murky that it’s impossible to spot large rocks and other underwater hazards. Changing currents and water levels may also make vessels harder to control, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
Contact the New Port Richey Boat Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Some people believe it’s not necessary to take the steps above after a crash. However, with abundance of caution, you protect your right to file a claim and hold negligent boaters accountable. And when negligent operators know they may face consequences, the Pithlachascotee River gets a little safer for everyone.
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a boat accident lawyer in New Port Richey. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
401 E Jackson St, Suite 3319
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
