Table of Contents
What Should I Do After a Boating Accident in Florida?
When you head out for a day in the sun, you never expect a boating accident to happen. Unfortunately, the Tampa area has a high rate of boating accidents. If you’re a victim of a boating accident in Florida, you need to know what to do.
How you respond after a boating accident significantly impacts the compensation that you can be entitled to. It also affects the investigation and how those who are responsible for the accident are held accountable for their actions. Our Florida boating accident attorneys explain what to do after a boating accident in Tampa.
How Do I Report a Boating Accident in Florida?
To report a boating accident in the state of Florida, you must notify law enforcement. You can make the report to any law enforcement body in the jurisdiction where you are located. That is likely to be one of three agencies:
- County Sheriff
- The Police
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
However, in any emergency circumstances, you should always dial 911.
Florida law requires operators to report all forms of boating accidents when there are more than minor injuries or damages. The threshold for injuries is when they are more severe than needing first aid. The standard for property damage is apparent damage of $2,000 or more. It’s always advisable to call law enforcement if there’s any question about your obligations.
What Happens After a Boating Accident?
After a boating accident in Florida, law enforcement investigates in most cases. They examine the damage and interview witnesses. In addition to conducting an investigation, first responders also assist with assisting victims in getting the medical care that they require.
After law enforcement completes its investigations, they file a police report. Law enforcement may press criminal charges or make arrests for things like reckless operation or drunk driving. If the police don’t investigate for whatever cause, the boat operator must see that an official report is filed.
How Do You Protect Your Rights After a Boating Accident?
If you’re injured in a Florida boating accident in Tampa, you have legal rights. As a victim, the law grants you the right to claim financial reimbursement. What you do immediately after a boating accident may impact what you receive. If you do the right things after the accident, it can be much easier to get the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Here are some things to remember if you’re in a Tampa boating accident:
Get Medical Care
Addressing medical needs for every person involved is your first priority. Your safety is the most vital consideration, but getting medical care is also a critical step in protecting your legal rights as well.
As a victim, it’s your duty to seem to it that your injuries do not worsen because you failed to get the appropriate medical care. By getting medical help right away, you can begin healing and stop injuries from worsening. Also, getting medical care verifies the injuries that you have to determine the compensation you deserve because of the accident.
Collect Information From Affected Parties
Be sure to get the name, boating registration number, and address of any other driver involved in the boating accident. In addition, share your information with other affected parties. If you’re involved in a boating accident in which the owner of the boat is not present, Florida law 327.30(1) requires you to take all reasonable steps to notify the owner about the accident that occurred.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, take time to collect the evidence that is available at the accident scene. When you’re at the scene, it’s your only chance to preserve what evidence might be there. Even in the chaos and confusion, if you can take your time to gather some evidence, it can make things simpler as you work towards fair compensation for your damages.
Photo Evidence In a Boating Accident.
It’s important to take photos of the scene of the Florida boating accident. You need to know where the accident occurred and what damage occurred. When you have photographs, they can tell the story of exactly what happened. Don’t worry if you’re not a proficient photographer. The purpose of taking pictures is documentation. Your lawyer can help you sort through the photos later to build your case.
Are Witnesses Important In Florida Boating Accident Cases?
Another important form of evidence is eyewitness testimony. In fact, witness testimony is considered to be one of the most compelling testimonies in any boating accident case. The police should also collect witness information when they make their report.
Involve A Lawyer for Florida Boating Accidents Soonest Possible
An attorney for Florida boating accidents is experienced in the steps to take after an accident. They can help you collect evidence, approach witnesses, and follow up with law enforcement. Of course, it’s never too late to talk to an expert lawyer about your boating accident case. However, the sooner you work with a boating accident lawyer, the more opportunities they’re going to have to secure evidence and advance your case.
