On March 7, 2025, a tragic boating accident at Millerton Lake claimed the lives of 83-year-old Dennis Penner and 81-year-old Daniel Trapp. The two men were out on the water around 10 a.m. that morning when their lives were suddenly cut short. This devastating loss serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly accidents can occur, leaving families and communities reeling from the unexpected. Boating accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and the impact on those involved can be profound—emotionally, physically, and financially. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, it’s important to understand what may have caused the incident and how you can move forward with legal support. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five causes of boating accidents and explain how a boat accident attorney can help you recover and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Top 5 Causes of Boating Accidents
- Operator Was Not Paying Attention
The most common cause of boating accidents is simple: operator inattention. Whether the driver is distracted, tired, or just not paying attention to their surroundings, this lapse in focus can lead to a collision. A momentary distraction, like texting, fiddling with the boat’s GPS, or even talking to passengers, can result in devastating consequences.
Many boating accidents happen because the operator didn’t see a hazard in time—another boat, a submerged object, or even a person in the water. Inattention is a major cause of collisions, and boat operators are legally responsible for staying alert and aware at all times.
If you’ve been injured due to an inattentive boat driver, your boat accident attorney will help you gather evidence to prove the operator’s negligence. This could include witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony that shows the driver wasn’t paying attention, which caused the accident.
- Boat Driver Was Under the Influence
Just like with car accidents, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a boat operator’s ability to safely navigate the water. The combination of alcohol and the open water environment can be especially dangerous. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents. In fact, in 2024 alone, nearly 25% of boating fatalities in Florida were alcohol-related.
Operating a boat under the influence impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, leading to accidents that could have been easily avoided. Florida law makes it illegal to operate a vessel while intoxicated, and those who do face severe penalties. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident caused by an intoxicated driver, a boat accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Boat Was Going Too Fast
Excessive speed is another primary cause of boating accidents. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of speed, especially on a powerful boat, but speeding can be a recipe for disaster. In busy waterways, high-speed boats can quickly go out of control, leading to collisions or capsizing. Even in less crowded areas, operating a boat at high speeds can reduce the driver’s ability to react in time to avoid obstacles.
Boats that are going too fast can hit stationary objects, other boats, or even people in the water. If a boat accident occurs because the operator was speeding, the boat owner may be liable for any damages. Your boat accident attorney can help you prove that speed was a factor in the crash and help recover damages for any injuries you’ve suffered.
- Operator Was Not Keeping a Proper Lookout
Another common cause of boating accidents is the operator’s failure to properly stay aware of all surroundings. This is especially crucial in busy areas with a lot of boats, swimmers, or obstacles.
If the boat operator is solely focused on their destination, they may miss important signs of danger, such as another boat cutting too close or a rider falling off a jet ski. If a boating accident occurs because they were not keeping watch, you may have a case for negligence. A boat accident attorney can investigate the situation, gather evidence, and determine if a lack of situational awareness contributed to the accident.
- Boat Had Equipment Failure or Wasn’t Maintained Properly
Regular maintenance is crucial for any vessel, but some boat owners fail to properly maintain their boats, leading to accidents caused by equipment failure. Whether it’s a malfunctioning engine, faulty steering, or inadequate safety equipment, failure to keep a boat in good working order can result in serious crashes.
Equipment failure can happen suddenly, and often without warning. If a boat’s engine stops working in the middle of a busy waterway, the operator can lose control, resulting in a crash. Additionally, if safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights aren’t in proper working condition, it could make an accident worse or lead to injuries that might have been avoided.
When a boating accident happens due to equipment failure, the boat owner could be held responsible for failing to maintain the vessel properly. A boat accident attorney can help investigate the cause of the failure, whether it’s due to neglect or a defect, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages.
How a Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help
- Investigate the Cause of the Accident and Gather Evidence
A boat accident attorney will work tirelessly to uncover the truth about how the accident happened. They’ll gather important evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photographs. If the cause of the accident is unclear, the attorney may even work with experts to analyze boat maintenance records, operator conduct, and more. The goal is to build a strong case that shows who was at fault and why you deserve compensation.
- Handle Communication and Negotiations with the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to accident victims. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or avoid paying out what you’re owed. A boat accident lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you. They’ll negotiate on your behalf, striving for a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Fight for Full Compensation for Medical Bills, Lost Income, and Pain and Suffering
The financial impact of a boating accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries. A boat accident attorney will fight to make sure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and any pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the crash. They understand how to calculate the long-term costs of your injuries, including future medical treatment, and will work to ensure you get the financial support you need to move forward.
Injured in a Boating Accident? Call Pacin Levine for a Free Consultation Today!
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Pacin Levine, P.A., we understand the complexities of boating accident cases, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-24-7-CRASH (2727) for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and guide you through the legal process, so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
