Question 1

How Long Do I Have to Report a Boating Accident?

Accepted Answer

Always contact the authorities immediately after a boating accident to protect yourself and strengthen your compensation claim. The authorities can help manage the scene, keep other boaters away, and assist the injured. Florida requires boaters involved in accidents to report collisions as soon as possible and in the quickest way they can. Federal law requires boat operators and owners to report boating accidents within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Never leave the scene of a boating accident. You must remain at the site of the crash. When involved in an accident, contact the appropriate authorities and attempt to offer aid to those in need. According to Florida law, it is a third-degree felony to flee the scene of a boating accident without first complying with all reporting requirements.

Question 2

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect If I’m Injured in a Boating Accident?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you can seek compensation for your financial losses after a Florida boating accident by submitting an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Seeking aid from a skilled Florida boating accident attorney as soon as possible is essential. An attorney can review the circumstances of your case and help direct you toward the path that offers you the best chance at recovering maximum compensation.
Remember, boat insurance is not mandatory in Florida, unlike car insurance and PIP coverage. When an individual takes out a loan and uses their boat as collateral, most lenders require that person to carry boating insurance. Additionally, some marinas in Florida require proof of boat insurance before allowing a boat on the water. Sometimes, though, your only means of pursuing compensation may be through a personal injury lawsuit against a careless boat operator.
The compensation you may recover from a personal injury lawsuit depends on the severity of your injuries and the cause of the accident. Typically, you can attempt to recover money for the following:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Property damage
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering

An experienced Florida boat accident attorney can review your unique situation and estimate the value of your case.

Question 3

What If the Boating Accident Was Partially My Fault? Can I Still Make a Claim?

Accepted Answer

Worried about pursuing the money you need because you were partially at fault for causing an accident? The good news is that Florida follows a modified comparative fault model for personal injury cases. Under the modified comparative fault rules, the compensation you can recover after an accident depends on the share of fault you bear for causing the crash.
If you are 20 percent to blame for causing a boating accident, modified comparative fault means your compensation diminishes by 20 percent. You can recover money for your losses even if you are partially to blame. However, if your share of fault exceeds 50 percent, you cannot recover compensation from the other party.
If you need help recovering compensation for your financial losses following a Florida boating accident, discuss your situation with an experienced boating accident attorney at Zoeller Law. Contact our office today by calling 561-689-8180 to arrange a free consultation.

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