CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County woman who was seriously injured last year in a tubing crash in Black Creek filed a lawsuit against the boat driver, according to her attorney.
On Feb. 14, Victoria Nikiforova filed a lawsuit in Clay County against the man who was driving a 2024 Yamaha Jet Boat and towing the inner tube that crashed into a wooded area, leaving Nikiforova seriously injured and her best friend dead.
“It’s very difficult for me. Losing my friend who was more than a friend to me,” Nikiforova said.
According to Attorney John Phillips, Nikiforova was celebrating her birthday on July 4, 2024, with her daughter and her best friend Alina. The driver, who was their mutual friend, agreed to take them out to Black Creek to go tubing.
Video recorded from the boat by Nikiforova’s daughter shows Nikiforova and her friend enjoying the ride in the inner tube.
But seconds later, the video showed the inner tube crashing into the wooded area of the shoreline.
According to the lawsuit, Nikiforova suffered injuries to her head, hips, pelvis, back and neck, and suffered bodily harm and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and other injuries.
In addition, the lawsuit states Nikiforova “was forced to watch the other occupant of the innertube, who was her close, personal friend succumb to her injuries” and die as they were being transported to get medical care.
“The bigger issue here also is having a spotter on the back of the boat,” Attorney Bill Walker III said. “The person driving the boat is looking forward and it’s important to have someone on the back of the boat, checking to make sure the tube is in the right spot.”
The lawsuit also states Nikiforova’s daughter suffered injuries, mental pain and suffering, and other compensable damages as a result of the crash.
The lawsuit, which seeks at least $50,000 in damages, alleges the driver was negligent in the way he operated the boat and failed to read warnings and instructions, and didn’t follow the necessary rules to ensure the occupants’ safety.
“Victoria is a hard-working injured single mother. She lost her job when she was unable to work due to her injuries. Her ability to walk, work and live has been impacted and the courts offer no immediate help,” Phillips wrote in a release.
A GoFundMe campaign was also created to help with Nikiforova’s medical expenses.
