Boat Accident

Boating is a popular pastime in Florida, and it is usually a safe activity. However sometimes as a result of negligence and recklessness, a boating accident can occur, and the result can be serious injury or death.

If you or a loved one has experienced a boating accident, seek the help of a Florida boat accident lawyer with the experience necessary to fight for you. A skilled injury attorney can help you fight for compensation.

Boat safety regulations

State and local laws regulate the operation of a boat just as they regulate the operation of an automobile. Chapter 327 of the Florida Statutes, titled “Vessel Safety,” contains Florida’s many boating laws, from accident procedures to regulation of boating equipment. Before operating a boat in Florida, it is important to be familiar with and obedient to these rules. If a boater violates these laws, this can be proof of negligence or recklessness.

A boater might be negligent or reckless in similar ways that a driver might. A negligent or reckless boater might drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fail to keep boat equipment in safe working order, or speed. Distracted driving is also a common cause of a boating accident.
When a boating accident occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately, and as soon as possible, it is advisable to contact an attorney.

Boating injuries can result in catastrophic injuries and have financial burdens. A Florida boat accident attorney can help someone who has been injured in a boating accident understand both immediate and long-term steps to take after an accident.

Filing a personal injury case

An attorney can begin advising their client right away after an accident has occurred. When someone meets with an attorney for the first time, it is important to bring as much potential evidence to the meeting as possible. Potential evidence could include:

  • Photographs of the accident scene
  • Photographs of the boats involved in the accident
  • Police reports
  • Medical reports
  • Witness contact information
  • An account of how the accident occurred

If someone is lacking any of this information and does not know how to obtain police reports or medical reports, it is especially important to meet with an attorney. An experienced boat accident attorney in Florida may obtain a variety of evidence necessary for making a case with the insurance company and with the court.

Process of a boat accident claim

After they are hired by a client, Florida boat accident attorneys will file paperwork with relevant insurance providers establishing that a claim is being opened. The attorney will continue to have contact with the insurance providers, updating them about the client’s treatment.

As evidence (such as photographs, medical records, and police records), becomes available the attorney will analyze what evidence should be provided to the insurance company to make the best case. If an agreeable settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, the attorney will file a lawsuit.

Contacting a florida boat accident attorney

The client’s main responsibility while a lawsuit is pending is to provide necessary information to their attorney, who will submit it to the other party as supervised by the court. Additionally, it is likely that the opposing attorney will need to take the client’s deposition. An experienced attorney will be well-prepared to present a persuasive case on the day of trial.

If you or a loved one has experienced a damaging boating accident, reach out to a knowledgeable Florida boat accident attorney for help.