Airboat Crash In Collier County Injures Dozens Of People
With easy access to the Gulf and other waterways, boating is popular among Collier County residents. However, when spending a day on the water, take precautions as boating accidents in Naples are unfortunately common and can cause severe, life-threatening injuries.
Airboats, in particular, are known to be dangerous. After a recent airboat accident in Collier County injured dozens of people, our experienced Naples boat accident lawyer explains more about the risks.
State Officials Investigate Devastating Commercial Airboat Crash In Collier County
Numerous airboat businesses throughout the Gulf Coast cater to both locals and visitors to the area. While a 30 or 50-minute trip can be fun, be aware that commercial airboat accidents in Naples are unfortunately common.
In early December 2024, Naples Daily News reported that a crash between two airboat tour operators happened near Tamiami Trail in the Florida Everglades, injuring dozens of people and sending at least 16 to local hospitals. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was at the scene and is currently investigating to determine the causes.
Unfortunately, this is the third commercial airboat crash to happen in the Florida Everglades this year. In early 2024, one in Southwest Miami-Dade injured over a dozen people, and just two months later, an airboat operator flipped a vessel carrying ten people in the same area. The captain was arrested in that case and charged with operating an airboat without a license.
Airboat Operators in Naples Can Be Held Liable When Injuries Happen
Under the Florida Statutes, airboats are considered the same as any other vessel and must be registered accordingly. This means they must be sea-worthy, in good working order, with adequate lifejackets and other safety equipment. After a Florida airboat accident claimed the life of a young woman in the Everglades, state law now requires airboat operators also to get a special certification.
The certification process involves taking mandatory Coast Guard safety and CPR classes. However, as it is a relatively new requirement, failure to comply is common among both commercial airboat operators and private owners. If you plan on taking an airboat trip in Naples, check to ensure the operator is appropriately certified and take these other precautions:
- For commercial airboat trips, make sure to use a reputable company;
- For private trips, make sure the airboat owner is experienced on the water;
- On both commercial and private trips, follow safety instructions and know emergency procedures;
- Avoid taking airboat trips during high winds or other inclement weather.
If you get injured in an airboat accident in Naples, you may be entitled to compensation if the boat operator was uncertified or engaged in other negligent behavior.
Contact Our Naples Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Airboat accidents in Naples can cause devastating injuries. Cardinal Law, P.A. provides the fierce legal representation victims and their families need to hold those at fault responsible and get compensation in a claim. To request a consultation, call or contact our experienced Naples boat accident lawyer online today.
Sources:
news-press.com/story/news/2024/12/13/rescue-workers-headed-to-two-airboat-crash-in-ochopee/76970573007/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0327/Sections/0327.391.html
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/1612/ByVersion
