Boating is a common activity for residents of Florida. As a result, it is important to understand the various risks associated with negligent boating in order to better prevent boating accidents. Read on, and reach out to our firm today to speak with a skilled St. Petersburg, Florida personal injury attorney.
How do boating accidents happen?
There are a number of different causes of boat accidents, however, like most other types of accidents, they can almost always be traced back to negligence. Some of the most common causes of boat accidents can be a result of boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, boating while drowsy or fatigued, failing to pay attention to surroundings, neglecting to bring all necessary safety equipment on board, and more. If you were hurt in a boating accident because the boat operator was behaving negligently, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Give our firm a call today to discuss the facts of your case and the best legal options for you.
What should I do after being injured in a boat accident?
If you were injured in a boat accident and would like to pursue legal action to recover damages, it is crucial that you take several different measures to document the incident and demonstrate that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence. The first thing you should do is dial 911. The police will document the accident and send medical assistance to the scene. You should then take photos of the wreck, your injuries, and anything else that may be of applicability to your future personal injury claim. Also, make sure you ask anyone who saw the accident for their phone number or email address so they may verify your claim later on. Once you have received medical treatment, ask your doctor for all documentation concerning the origin and extent of your injuries.
Lastly, one of the most critical parts before filing a personal injury claim is to retain the services of a skilled Florida personal injury attorney who knows how to fulfill the burden of proof to help you obtain the compensation you deserve and need to move forward. Also, it is important to recognize that the state of Florida has a statute of limitations. This means that you must file this claim within two years of the date of your accident. If you wait too long, you will lose the opportunity to file the claim entirely. Do not let this happen. Our legal team can help.