Tips for Winning Your Boating Accident Case

Unfortunately, there are many ways people become hurt on boats. They may slip and fall, be thrown overboard, or in the case of cruise ships, even be the victim of an assault. Regardless of how you have been hurt, if another person’s negligence was the cause, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation. Winning a boat accident case will be contested. The insurance company and at-fault party will work hard to avoid paying you the fair damages you deserve. Below, our Florida boat crash lawyer outlines the top tips that will help you win your case.

Document Everything 

The last thing you may be thinking about at the scene of a boat crash is taking pictures, but it is important. The negligent party may apologize at the scene of the accident, but later change their story to avoid liability. Take photos of all vessels involved, and the damage to them as well as your injuries and anything that is relevant to the accident. Additionally, if the accident was caught on video, such as on a cruise ship, speak to an attorney about obtaining that footage immediately. Video on cruise ships, and in general, can be taped over after time. That is why it is important to engage a Boat Law attorney to fight for you immediately so that the appropriate notifications can go to the at-fault party.

Locate Witnesses 

Witnesses are very important to any boat accident case. If there were other people on the boat who witnessed the crash or accident in your case, ask them for their name and contact information so we can speak to them about your crash. Witnesses have nothing to gain or lose in a personal injury case and therefore, their statements carry significant weight.

Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters 

Insurance adjusters have one goal and that is to protect the bottom line of the insurance company—and not for you. They use many strategies to achieve that goal. They may ask to record your statements so they can take your words out of context and use them against you. Or, they may ask you to sign a medical release so they can search through your medical records and look for pre-existing conditions. These are just two tactics insurance adjusters use. Instead of speaking to them and putting your case at risk, defer them to us as your attorney, and we will make sure your rights are protected.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

A boat crash will result in some of the most serious injuries. You should seek immediate medical attention so your injuries do not become worse. Also, if you do not get medical help soon after an accident, the insurance company will argue that you were not injured and so, you do not need compensation. This is a ridiculous but very common argument made by insurers and cruise lines. Seeking medical attention will document your injuries and help you prove and win your case.

Work with an Experienced Boat Crash Lawyer in Florida 

Studies have shown that accident victims who have legal representation receive more than three times the compensation than those who file on their own. At 888-BOAT-LAW (The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A.), our Florida boat crash lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of boat accidents and we will put that expertise to work for you. Call us now or contact us online to request a free consultation and to learn more.   We are fortunate to represent many Florida residents from all over Florida, and many out-of-state residents who were injured in Florida but returned back to their home state. It is why our 888-B-O-A-T-L-A-W practice is throughout ALL of Florida.

Source:

law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence