Collier County Airboat Collision Injures 24 People

On December 13, two airboats collided in Collier County, injuring at least 24 people and sending 16 to the hospital.

Per 7 News Miami:

Multiple agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to the scene of the crash south of U.S. 41 East at Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours, Friday afternoon.

“Looks like there is someone underneath the boat, trapped under the boat,” said a 911 dispatcher.

FWC officials said 20 people were on one airboat, and another 13 were on the other airboat when they crashed.

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tour is on the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee, offering tours of up to six hours long across their 259 private acres. 7 News reports that it remains unclear exactly where and why the accident happened, and the FWC will take the lead in the investigation. The conditions of those hospitalized remain unknown.

Who is liable in an airboat accident?

Airboats can be a thrilling way to explore Florida’s waterways, but accidents can and do happen. If you’ve been injured in an airboat accident, understanding who might be liable for your injuries is important to securing the compensation you deserve. Potentially liable parties may include:

• The person who was driving the airboat is often the first place to look when determining liability. Airboat operators have a variety of responsibilities – like safely navigating through the water, avoiding hazards, and protecting passengers. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or operating the airboat recklessly, they could be held liable for the resulting accident and injuries.
• In some cases, the owner of the airboat might share responsibility. For example, if the boat wasn’t properly maintained or had known issues like faulty equipment, the owner could be held liable for the accident – even if they weren’t driving.
• If you were injured on an airboat tour, the company running the tour might be responsible. Tour companies must hire qualified operators and ensure their boats are in good working condition. Failing to do so can make them liable for accidents.
• Sometimes accidents happen because of a defect in the airboat itself. If a design flaw or manufacturing defect caused the accident, the boat manufacturer could be at fault. These cases fall under product liability
• If another boater’s negligence caused the accident, they could be held responsible. For example, if a nearby boat created a dangerous wake or collided with the airboat, that operator could share liability.

Why do airboat accidents happen?

Airboat accidents happen for many reasons, and nearly all of them are preventable. Here are the most common causes of airboat accidents and collisions.

• The person driving the airboat plays a huge role in safety. Mistakes like speeding, making sharp turns, or ignoring waterway rules can lead to tragic accidents. Even just a moment of distraction – like checking a phone – can lead to disaster.
• Airboats handle differently than other boats, and inexperienced operators might struggle to navigate safely. Without proper training, they can misjudge speed, water depth, or obstacles, putting everyone on board at risk.
• An airboat’s engine, propeller, or steering system can suddenly fail if not properly maintained. If something breaks down while the boat is in motion, it can lead to an accident.
• Sudden changes in weather, like high winds or heavy rain, can make an airboat ride dangerous. Poor visibility or rough water increases the chances of collisions or the boat capsizing.
• Airboats often travel in shallow or swampy areas filled with potential hazards, like submerged logs, rocks, or even wildlife. Striking one of these obstacles can cause the boat to flip over or stop suddenly, causing passengers injury.
• Airboats also have weight limits, and exceeding these limits can make the boat unstable. Too many passengers or too much gear can increase the chances of tipping over or losing control.
• Alcohol- or drug-impaired operators are a danger to themselves and everyone around them. Driving an airboat under the influence slows reaction times and leads to poor decision-making – both of which can cause terrible accidents.

How can I stay safe in an airboat?

Some risks simply can’t be avoided. However, many airboat accidents happen because of someone else’s negligence. To stay safe, take the following steps:

• Only ride with licensed and experienced operators.
• Make sure the airboat is well-maintained and equipped with safety gear.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out.
• Always wear a life jacket, even if the operator doesn’t require it.

Hickey Law Firm specializes in “life changing injuries”®. Call today. Call now. 800.215.7117

Call the maritime specialists. Airboats can operate in marsh and on navigable waterways. On navigable waters, that is, waters that are subject to commercial traffic, maritime law applies to any incident or accident. Maritime law is highly specialized. Only a small number of law firms and lawyers in the entire United States specialize in maritime law. Hickey Law Firm is one of those law firms.

John H. (Jack) Hickey has been distinguished by The Best Lawyers in America in three key areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs. Hickey holds Board Certification in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is also Dual Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law. He is the Past Chair of the Admiralty Section of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), Past Chair of the Admiralty Law Committee of the Florida Bar, Author of over 30 maritime law papers, recipient of the Miami-Dade Bar Circle of Excellence Award for Transportation / Maritime Law, 2024, and the Legal Luminaries Award in Maritime Law, 2024.

If you’ve been injured in an airboat accident, the boat accident lawyers at Hickey Law Firm can help you understand what went wrong and who may be responsible. Determining liability and securing compensation can be complex, but our experienced boat accident lawyers can guide you through the process. From investigating the cause to holding the responsible parties accountable, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.