Law enforcement charged Daniel Towriss with five misdemeanor criminal charges related to the December 31, 2019, boat accident at the Port Everglades inlet. Towriss crashed his new Hydra-Sports Custom boat into the South Jetty while traveling at a high rate of speed. Three passengers on the boat were injured.
The criminal charges could result in a punishment of up to one year in jail for each conviction. The charges include reckless operation of a vessel and culpable negligence. The criminal defense lawyer for Towriss stated that they intend to fight the charges.
A Couple Sues for Damages Caused by the Boat Accident
A couple from Indiana were two of the victims of the boat crash. The 39-year-old man sustained injuries to his face because of the crash. He needed stitches.
His 33-year-old wife sustained a head injury and knee injury. She has had two brain surgeries and knee surgery since the accident. She can be heard on a 911 call moaning as if in extreme pain.
The couple is suing Towriss for $100 million in damages. Their attorney said that his client would be affected for the rest of her life.
According to the lawsuit, Towriss allegedly consumed alcohol before assuming the helm of the powerboat. Allegedly, Towriss also had another cocktail while he was in control of the boat.
Towriss denies the allegations that he was impaired or intoxicated at the time of the boat accident. His attorney noted that Towriss had not been charged with operating a vessel under the influence. Towriss blames the unlit jetty and the dark of night.
The attorney for Towriss claims that there have been other accidents in the same area. However, according to records from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission show that there has only been one accident in the last ten years involving a boat crashing into the south jetty.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
Speeding and boating under the influence are common causes of boat accidents. Other common causes of boat accidents include:
- Failing to keep a proper lookout
- Reckless driving and horseplay
- Inadequate boat maintenance
- Defective boat systems or parts
- Poor weather conditions
- Failing to judge distance or height
- Inexperienced operators
The cause of many boating accidents involves negligence or human error. If a person is responsible for causing a boat accident, that person is generally liable for any damages caused by the accident. If the responsible party refuses to compensate the victims, they may file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages.
Injuries and Damages Caused by a Boat Accident
Boating accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Passengers on a boat may sustain minor injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and sprains. However, passengers might also sustain catastrophic injuries and life-threatening conditions.
Common boat accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Drowning
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Depending on the severity of the injuries, a person may need to be hospitalized and require surgery. The recovery may include physical therapy, occupation therapy, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation. In some cases, a person may sustain a permanent impairment or disability that results in future damages.
Damages from a boat accident include the physical injuries and harm sustained by passengers and others. It also includes the pain and suffering caused by the injuries and the trauma of the boat accident.
A boating accident also creates financial damages for the victims. Financial damages include the loss of income and medical expenses. It may also include other costs and expenses incurred by the victim, such as travel expenses, personal care costs, and modifications to the home because of a permanent impairment.
How Much is My Boating Accident Claim Worth?
The amount of money you can receive for a personal injury claim depends on several factors. In most cases, the severity of the injuries and the amount of financial damages are two of the most significant factors that determine how much an accident claim is worth.
However, other factors could also impact the value of a claim. For example, if you were partially to blame for the boat accident, the value of your claim could be reduced by the percentage of the fault assigned to you.
Also, if the person does not have sufficient insurance of personal assets to pay your claim, the value of your claim may be limited to the amount available to pay the claim. For this reason, you may want to inquire whether a person has adequate boat insurance or other liability insurance that covers accidents and injuries before you board a boat.
Whether you work with a boat accident lawyer can also impact the value of your injury claim. An attorney understands the law and how to gather evidence to prove liability. An injury lawyer also understands how to document damages and maximize the value of damages.
Contact Our Boat Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami boat accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464