Fatal Boat Collisions in Florida causes and liability: Puig vs. Pino

In Miami, our lives are spent mainly by the water. Boating is a typical activity for family and friends in the summer. However, everyone must be mindful of the dangers of boating and the safety measures they should take.

There was a fatal boating accident on Labor Day weekend just two years ago that left a family without their 17-year-old daughter. She was a Student at Lady of Lourdes Academy and, unfortunately, did not survive the accident. Another victim was left with lifelong medical issues and necessities. Tragic situations such as this occur on the water all of the time, and it is crucial to remain informed.

Not only that, just recently, George Pino's wife has agreed to pay a large sum of money to the family of a young, recently disabled girl who was injured in a boat collision. The family was celebrating their 18- year-old daughter's birthday at Elliot Key, and we are going to Key Largo. Pino was driving the boat down when they hit a channel marker in the Intracoastal Waterway, throwing all 14 onboard off the vehicle.

The victim's family, Kathya and Rodolpho Puig sued Pino and his wife for the accident, claiming that he had been drinking when operating the boat and causing the crash. The family denied these accusations, and the Wildlife Conservation Commission dismissed alcohol as a factor, although there were 61 empty alcohol containers found on the vehicle.

There has since been a settlement between both parties regarding the accident. Georgie Pino's wife has arranged to give a total of 16 million dollars to the victim's family, although this high price was hoped to have been kept private by their attorneys.

Boat Safaty

Although boats can provide safe and adventurous fun to people in the South Florida community, maritime accidents are becoming more common and dangerous. Various factors contribute to boating accidents, such as:

• equipment failure
• alcohol use
• excessive speed
• inexperienced operator
• weather
• inattentive operator

These are just some things, but there could be more causes. Regardless, it is the operator's responsibility to manage the vehicle and passengers carefully.

Additionally, different boating accidents can occur and drastically affect the lives of the people involved; some of these accidents include:

• When boats crash against each other or submerged objects
• Speeding
• People who fall overboard
• Sinking boat
• Fire or explosion
• If someone is hit by a boat or a propeller
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from ship exhausts or if the vessel has a defective system.

Boating Accident Injuries

As a result of a boating accident, the people involved may result in several injuries or even death. Some of the most common are:

• Spinal cord injuries
• severe burns
• drowning
• traumatic brain injury
• lacerations
• amputations
• electrical injury

Compensation

Accidents on the water are hazardous and can be fatal. Injuries must be reported and treated medically. If someone is liable, they can be held responsible with documentation of the accident and injuries caused by the accident. Ensure you take photos of the scene and discuss the accident with potential witnesses. You may be eligible to receive compensation for the following:

• Financial help to cover the medical costs of treatment.
• Compensation for lost income if your injuries caused you to miss work.
• Damages due to pain and suffering.
• Mental disorders as a consequence of the accident.
• Wrongful death damages.

These are some of the damages for which you could seek compensation. After a boating accident, the safest thing to do is to call the authorities and seek legal advice.

Contacting A Lawyer

Being aware of avoidable scenarios and what to do if you are in one is essential. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries after having gone through a maritime accident, do not hesitate to call a boating accident lawyer from Gallardo Law Firm. We will provide the support and knowledge you need to make a case.