Many people in Florida know what they have to do if they are involved in an automobile accident. However, they may not be too sure of the steps to take when they are involved in a boating accident. A personal injury suffered on the water is not uncommon, and in many cases, boating or jet ski accidents are caused by the negligence of other boat operators.
If anybody suffered critical injuries, the first step would be to contact emergency responders. In case of a capsized boat, it is essential to get everybody to safety as soon as possible — every occupant of the vessel should be wearing a life jacket. As with car accidents, it is best to remain at the accident scene. It is also advisable for all to be medically evaluated after such an accident, even if injuries are not immediately evident.
Gathering information is vital, including contact details and insurance information of all the occupants of both vessels, as well as the information of any other witnesses. The registration numbers of the boats must also be recorded. The next step would be to advise the U.S. Coast Guard, which is mandatory for all boating accidents in which someone is injured or killed, or missing and presumed to be injured or killed. The Coast Guard should also be involved when vessels are destroyed or lost or when damage exceeds a certain value.
If a boating accident was caused by the negligence of another boat operator, injured victims might pursue economic relief for financial losses and emotional damages. Establishing negligence will be required, and this might prove to be a challenging task. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout the proceedings of a lawsuit in a Florida civil court.
Source: axcessnews.com, “Steps to Take When You’re in a Boating Accident“, Melissa Thompson, Accessed on Dec. 15, 2017