When visiting Florida, you will never have a short list of things to do. The bustling tourist industry found throughout the state has theme parks, space centers, and all the ecotourism adventures to fill everyone’s bucket list.
With the stunning Everglades covering over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, you can find thousands of unique species of animals and take some thrilling adventures. One of the most common ways to explore the Everglades is by airboat. A flat-bottom boat was designed to navigate the shallow waters of the swamps and marshes with a 6-foot propeller.
Recently, there has been an increase in airboat accidents in the Florida Everglades, including the latest that dumped over 30 people into the swamp. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Florida, you deserve compensation for your injuries that were caused by the negligence of others.
Recent Airboat Accident in the Everglades
In December 2024, two ecotourism airboats were exploring the Everglades and as they both came around the same steep curve, they collided head-on. Florida Fish and Wildlife officers were called to respond to the collision and reported that 24 people aboard suffered serious injuries, and 16 of them were sent to local hospitals to be treated. Local ecotourism businesses owned the boats, and they stated that they are cooperating with authorities during the investigation to identify what went wrong and how to move forward with their passenger’s safety as a top priority.
Potential Injuries from Airboat Accidents
Flying across the boundless wetlands on top of an airboat is one of the most thrilling tours you can do in Florida. As thrilling as airboat rides are, they come with risks, especially when it comes to crashes. The open design and high speeds can leave passengers vulnerable to significant injuries if safety is not the top priority.
Common injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Always do your due diligence when you decide to participate in the exhilarating experience of an airboat ride tour. This ability to venture into the untouched areas of the Everglades can come at a steep cost.
Seeking Legal Assistance After an Airboat Accident
Surviving an airboat crash can be traumatic, especially when it interrupts what was meant to be a memorable adventure through the breathtaking Everglades. During this difficult and overwhelming time, having an experienced personal injury lawyer, with extensive experience with boating accidents, can make all the difference in your case. Providing the much needed guidance and support, our team can handle the complex legal steps for you while you ensure that your family prioritizes their healing.
Contact Mase Seitz Briggs today to ensure that an airboat crash doesn’t further burden you, and you can hold those responsible for your pain and suffering.
What to Do After an Airboat Crash in Florida
The unmatched opportunity to explore the Everglades can lead to serious injuries that have far-reaching financial consequences. After an airboat crash, seeking compensation for your pain and suffering, take several critical steps.
After an airboat accident led to an injury, you should:
- Seek medical attention
- Document the scene if you are able
- Collect witness contact information
- Hire an experienced attorney
Securing an experienced attorney like Mase Seitz Briggs will ensure that you have a professional advocate on your side fighting for your rights and the justice you deserve. Medical bills and any future care can create a financial strain on your family. By having knowledgeable legal support, you ensure that the full scope of your damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and travel arrangements, are accounted for. An experienced personal injury lawyer doesn’t just help you file a claim; we serve as your advocate, working to secure the compensation that you deserve so you can focus on recovery and your family.
Why Choose Mase Seitz Briggs
The unique nature of maritime and boating laws, combined with the specific legal considerations of ecotourism, presents significant challenges in pursuing a claim after an airboat accident. If you were injured in a boating accident caused by another person’s or company’s negligence, call Mase Seitz Briggs today to discuss your case.
Pursuing a boating accident claim is not the same as an auto accident claim, and different avenues must be filed under special statutes of limitations. Because of these complex guidelines, you need an attorney with a deep understanding of maritime law to pursue your claim. We can help you navigate these confusing waters as we have specialized in maritime law for over three decades. Contact us today to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life and prioritize your family.