What are Your Rights if You are Hurt in a Boating Accident on Vacation?
Over 135 million visit Florida every year and it is no wonder why. With its beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather all year round, and limitless water sport activities, the Sunshine State has so much to offer. Unfortunately, sometimes people go home with more than just suntans and good memories. Sometimes, people leave the state with serious injuries after being involved in an accident on the water.
If you have been injured during a boating accident while on vacation in Florida, it is important to know that you have rights. Below, our Florida boat crash lawyer explains what they are.
The Right to Know What Happened
A boating accident will happen in a second and the results can be catastrophic. It is natural to wonder how the crash occurred, even if you were at the scene at the time. You have the right to know what went wrong and how the crash happened.
To determine how the accident occurred typically requires working with a lawyer. A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, speak to witnesses, analyze photos and video footage from the scene, obtain important documents such as maintenance reports, and more. All of this will explain how the accident happened and why you were injured. To exercise this right, it is critical to speak to a lawyer right away, as time may be running out on your claim.
The Right to File a Lawsuit
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, or carelessness, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Some of the most common examples to take legal action are as follows:
- Improper maintenance
- Negligent instruction or supervision
- Negligent boat operation
- Defective products
- Failing to comply with safety requirements
Not all boating injury cases end up in court. You also have the right to negotiate a settlement out of court, which is another way a lawyer’s help will prove to be invaluable.
The Right to Fair Treatment
You have the right to fair treatment when pursuing a personal injury claim after a boating accident. The negligent party’s insurance company is required to handle your claim using good faith but they often try to evade paying you the full compensation you deserve. If you are not treated fairly by the insurance company, you could also have the right to pursue additional damages.
The Right to a Boat Crash Lawyer in Florida
All boating accidents have the potential to become complex. If you were visiting the Sunshine State from another state, your claim is bound to be even more complicated. At www.888BoatLaw.com our Florida boat crash lawyer knows how to handle these claims and will work closely with you, even if you have to return home. We have the experience negotiating with the biggest insurance companies in Florida and put that expertise to work for you and your claim. Call The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A., today at 888-BOAT-LAW (888-262-8529) for the immediate help you need.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html
flgov.com/2023/02/15/florida-breaks-record-for-highest-visitation-in-state-history/#:~:text=VISIT FLORIDA estimates that Florida,and 12.9 percent over 2021.