Airboats are part of Florida’s identity. Tourists and locals rely on them to explore wetlands, spot wildlife, and travel through areas traditional boats can’t reach. However, at the same time, these are powerful machines with no brakes and significant thrust. When something goes wrong, the results can be devastating for victims.
If you were injured in a boating accident in Fort Myers, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. Learning Florida’s boating laws and your legal rights can help you take the right next steps.
Florida’s Airboat Safety Laws
Airboats are regulated by several Florida statutes and safety rules. Operators must follow guidelines set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Key requirements include:
- Airboats must have a muffler system
- Proper safety gear must be available for passengers
- Navigation lights must be used at night
- Operators cannot operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Safe speeds must be maintained for weather and water conditions
Despite these protections, accidents still happen, usually because of things like operator error and poor maintenance.
Airboat tours open to the public are also subject to commercial vessel safety standards. If an operator ignores these rules, their negligence may form the basis of a personal injury claim.
What To Do After an Airboat Accident in Florida
What you do after an airboat crash can affect your health and safety, in addition to the success of any eventual legal claims you might have. Consider the following steps:
- Report the accident to local law enforcement and the FWC
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible
- Document the scene with photos and videos if it is safe to do so
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Avoid apologizing or accepting blame
- Preserve receipts, medical records, and damaged property
Once you’re safe, it can help to set up a free consultation with a Fort Myers personal injury attorney who thoroughly understands Florida boating laws.
Who May Be Liable for an Airboat Accident?
Liability in these cases ultimately depends on the facts and circumstances of the case but may include:
- The airboat operator
- A private tour company
- A rental company
- The airboat manufacturer (in defective product cases)
- Government agencies (in limited situations)
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence statute that may apply to these claims. This means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault, but you aren’t barred from recovering damages unless you were more than 50% responsible.
Potential Compensation You Can Recover for Airboat Accident Injuries
If you file a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages, like:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
Severe cases involving reckless conduct may also support a claim for punitive damages. However, your case must generally reach trial for them to be on the table.
Contact a Florida Airboat Accident Attorney for Legal Help
Airboat injuries can disrupt your life physically, emotionally, and financially, all at once. If someone acted carelessly or ignored Florida’s boating safety laws, you may have options for holding them accountable.
Contact an airboat accident lawyer with Garvin Injury Law today at (239) 277-0005 or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients across 50+ years of experience in the field.