Six Essential Steps After a Boating Accident in Florida

Recent tragic boating accidents in Florida have highlighted the crucial need for safety protocols and preparedness on the water. Our waters are unpredictable and accidents happen, even to the most cautious boaters. When alcohol or other substances are involved, the risks are even greater.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, it is important to know the steps to take to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and set the stage for a proper recovery—both physically and financially.

1. Stop and Stay

Florida law requires boat operators to stop at the scene of a boating accident and, if it is safe to do so, give assistance to anyone who was injured or affected by the accident. It is also illegal for a boat operator in a boating accident to leave the scene of the accident without helping others, making a reasonable effort to find people affected by the accident, and reporting the accident as required by state law. If you are involved in a boating accident as a boat operator or passenger, stop, get to a safe position, and help others to do the same.

2. Seek Medical Attention

The immediate aftermath of a boating accident can be chaotic and disorienting. Your first priority should always be the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. Check for injuries and ensure that everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Remember, some injuries might not be apparent right away, so it is vital to seek medical attention to protect your health and your legal rights even if no one seems hurt initially. A medical report of your injuries will be important in an insurance or legal claim.

Emergency Contact: For emergencies on the water in Florida, call or text 911 from your cellphone or Channel 16 on your VHF radio to reach the Coast Guard or marine patrol. You can also call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850) 488-5600.

3. Report the Boating Accident

In Florida, the law requires that boating accidents be reported if there is a fatality, missing person, injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid, or significant property damage. There are specific deadlines and requirements for reporting boating accidents that boat operators should be aware of and comply with. Accidents must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling (888) 404-3922, the county sheriff, or the police chief where the accident occurred. Prompt reporting not only avoids penalties for breaking the law but also ensures that an official record is made of the event, which can be essential for insurance and legal processes. More information about boating regulations and reporting requirements is available from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

4. Keep Records of Everything

Evidence from the scene of the accident and later stages may be crucial in an investigation or legal claim. Take photographs or videos of the damages to all vessels involved, the surrounding area, weather and water conditions, and any visible injuries (with consent). Collect names, contact information, and insurance details from all parties involved, as well as witness statements and contact information. Boat operators are legally required to give their name, address, and vessel identification in writing to anyone who has suffered injuries or property damage in a boating accident. Keep a copy of your medical reports and medical bills, accident reports, and communications with the authorities or your insurance company. This documentation will be invaluable when filing insurance claims and if legal action is necessary.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Most policies, whether homeowners' insurance or dedicated boat insurance, require prompt reporting and full cooperation. However, do not give your insurer more than basic information about the boating accident before speaking to a Florida boating accident attorney. Insurance companies often try to deny a claim or reduce the amount of your payout because they are motivated to maximize their own profits. Speak to an experienced boating accident attorney first about the extent of your coverage and your rights after a boating accident to ensure that you receive your full entitlement under your policy.

6. Consult a Florida Boating Accident Attorney

After a boating accident, you may be dealing with other people involved in the accident, as well as your insurer and theirs, all of whom are working against you to reduce their own liability for the accident. It is essential that you have reliable legal advice and someone to fight for you and your rights. A personal injury lawyer experienced in boating accidents will explain your legal rights, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in dealings with insurance companies and in court, if necessary.

At GRYC, we are dedicated to supporting victims of boating accidents and their families. With extensive experience in maritime and personal injury law and a deep understanding of the issues involved in boating accidents in Florida, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the comprehensive legal support and compensation that you need.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and understand your options. Our in-house team of investigators will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident, gathering all necessary evidence to build a strong case. Our attorneys will handle all negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for you. From initial consultations to potential trials, we’re with you at every step. 

The GRYC boating accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen now at (800) 206-4004 or send us a message online.