Authorities have arrested a man who was allegedly under the influence and fled the scene after, investigators said, he caused a boating crash that took the life of a 28-year-old man near Star Island. Brian Hodges, 32, was arrested on Friday, and he is now behind bars at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade. The 32-year-old faces charges of boating under the influence, manslaughter, failure to render aid, failure to stop and leaving the scene of an accident. On Tuesday, investigators allege Hodges ran his boat into another vessel, ejecting and killing 28-year-old Diego Becerra and injuring a woman on board the 32-year-old’s vessel.
After causing the crash, investigators said Hodges took off and rushed to the nearby Flamingo Condominium complex. Becerra and a friend were on their way home in the area of Palm Island when the crash occurred, according to sources. Hodges has other charges that had been pending, including a DUI with serious bodily injury charge from 2019 stemming from another incident. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, City of Miami Police and Miami Beach Police all collaborated on the investigation.
Boating is a way of life in South Florida. If you live in Mouth Florida, chances are you either own a boat, know someone who owns a boat or will have the opportunity at some point to go out on a boat.The number of vessels registered in Florida increased to 950,740 in 2018. In fact, the state of Florida leads the nation in registered vessels. Additionally, it is estimated that up to one million non-registered vessels actively use Florida’s waters, and it appears that the boating population is still growing. Unfortunately, there is an ever-growing number of boating accident cases with many of them involving serious personal injury or even death. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, it is imperative that you contact a Miami boating accident attorney right away. When boats or other types of watercraft crash, the consequences can be tragic. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero are here to help victims of yacht, boat and personal watercraft accidents in South Florida.
How Can a Miami Boating Accident Attorney Help You?
The victims of boating accidents in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, and the greater South Florida area are often eligible for monetary compensation for their injuries under Florida law. You may be eligible for damages covering medical expenses, future medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, or loss of enjoyment of life. In a fatal boating accident, the victim’s family may collect for expenses, emotional trauma, and loss of companionship and financial support. The skilled lawyers at Suarez & Montero are available to help you with your Boating accident personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about all aspects of maritime law and all local South Florida laws pertaining to boating accidents. We investigate immediately, negotiate skillfully, and litigate aggressively, seeking maximum compensation for every client. Call today for a free consultation.
Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Boating Accident
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against any responsible parties. Depending on the situation, the boat’s operator, owner, or manufacturer could have been at fault. Due to the varying federal, international and Florida state maritime laws, building a case for a boating accident can be a complex process. Luckily, our legal team of Miami boating accident lawyers has decades of experience handling claims involving boating accidents. With an extensive understanding of the laws involved, we can make sure you’re fully compensated for any medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages you may have experienced.
Speak to our Miami Boat Accident Lawyer Today!
At Suarez & Montero, our team of boating accident attorneys in Miami will work with you every step of the way, offering the expert legal guidance you need to win your lawsuit. We will take care of all legal matters that relate to your claim and develop the best legal strategy for your individual case to ensure the successful recovery of your damages. This includes determining the economic and non-economic compensation you’re entitled to, identifying who should be held liable for your injuries, losses and damages. We will not rest until we have developed and presented the most persuasive argument possible, and ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your damages.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah,
Homestead,Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and
Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines,
andWeston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West
Palm Beach.
