In the wake of a boating accident that resulted in two fatalities, Steven Valle of Deltona pleaded no contest to the careless operation of a vessel.
On Memorial Day 2010, Madison Holley - who was pregnant - and her father, Cyril Holley, Jr., were enjoying the holiday on their 2006 Sundance boat when Valle's 1989 Chaparral vessel ran over the top of them, killing both Madison and Cyril Holley in the process.
As a result of his plea deal, Valle was ordered by Judge Belle Schumann to pay a fine - plus the costs of his court proceedings and his prosecution - and complete 50 hours of community service. In addition, Valle has been ordered to attend a class on boat safety.
Unfortunately, many Floridians who would benefit from such a class are involved in boat-related accidents with tragic results. Around the state each year, 63 people are killed in boating accidents. In Central Florida alone, 14 people are killed - and another 93 people are injured - in boating accidents annually. Some of the common reasons for these accidents are a lack of boating safety skills and the refusal to wear a life jacket.
Chad Weber of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told the Orlando Sentinel that one reason these accidents occur is because many boaters simply don't take safety seriously.
"Boating is seen as such a pleasurable recreational activity, that people don't think about how dangerous it is," he said. "We don't want 'search and rescue' missions to turn into 'search and recovery.' "
Get Help After an Accident
If you or a loved one has been the victim of someone who did not practice safe boating, contact a qualified personal injury attorney in your area. Unlike criminal prosecutions, which may result in light punishments, a civil case may allow you to hold the reckless boater financially responsible for his or her actions.
