In September of 2018, a father experienced every parent’s worst nightmare: being involved in the death of their child. Fifteen-year-old Hayden Schreyer was on a boat with his father and six other passengers in the Kemp Channel area. When his father lost his balance, tragedy struck.
Teen Dies After Fall
As Jason Schreyer was piloting his Dorado boat, he suddenly lost his balance and fell, hitting the boat’s throttle. As a result, the boat lurched forward. The impact sent Hayden overboard, where he was struck by the propeller and suffered both body and head trauma. His father suffered a broken tibia, but the other six passengers were not hurt.
After being transported to Lower Keys Medical Center, Hayden Schreyer was declared dead.
Common Injures in Boating Accidents
Boating accidents are different from many other types of vehicle crashes. The water is notoriously unstable, putting passengers at risk of accidents similar to the one that took Hayden Schreyer’s life. Those harmed by a boat accident may suffer a wide range of injuries:
- Lacerations and scrapes
- Bruises
- Burns
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains
- Damage to internal organs
- Dislocation of muscles
- Limb amputation
- Death
When an accident occurs, medical expenses can skyrocket quickly, particularly if multiple passengers are injured. Regardless of who is at fault, it’s important for injured parties to get what they deserve. A boating accident lawyer in Florida can help victims seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, loss of future income, and potential future medical costs.
Causes of Boating Accidents
When you hit the open water, there are plenty of ways to get hurt or suffer property damage. Boats may collide with objects, such as unseen obstacles below the surface of the water, can cause serious damage to your boat. A boat lurching as it strikes an unexpected object can also cause injury to those onboard. An inattentive pilot may not notice how close a dock is, causing a major collision.
Equipment failure can also cause serious or fatal accidents. Those inexperienced in boating or who only take their boat out infrequently may be unaware of standard maintenance schedules or miss the warning signs of equipment failure. A malfunctioning boat can cause the captain to lose control, leading to a collision with another boat or an object.
Waterskiing and tubing add another level of complexity to the demands of piloting a boat. When a boat is pulling someone on water skis or a tube, the captain must divide their attention between the water around them and the person they’re pulling. This immediately puts them at greater risk of an accident caused by inattentive piloting. Tangled lines and rider falls cause more injuries each year.
Get Relief from Medical Bills After a Boating Accident
The expenses related to a boating accident can add up quickly, particularly if you are unable to work or you suffer serious injuries. Instead of trying to communicate with insurance companies on your own, trust an experienced boating accident lawyer who can advocate for you. Get a free consultation by calling Zimmet & Zimmet at (386) 255-6400.
For More Information
The Number of Boating Accidents in Florida Increased in 2017
