The Fourth of July may be the best holiday of all to take your boat out on the water. Especially in a state like Florida, boating is extremely popular around the holidays. Since summer boating is a Florida favorite, the volume of boaters unsurprisingly leads to an increased risk of boating accidents. If you or someone you know is involved in a boating accident, you must read on to find out if you qualify for financial compensation.
What are some of the causes of boating accidents?
While there are several different causes of boating accidents that are not due to negligence, most of them unfortunately are. Here are some examples of the most common causes of boating accidents:
- Poor weather conditions
- Rough waters
- Operator inexperience
- Lack of safety equipment onboard
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Collisions with an object, including other boats
While poor weather conditions and rough waters are somewhat unpredictable, the other actions on this list are generally considered negligent.
How do I recover compensation if I am injured due to another party’s negligence?
If you wish to receive compensation, you must first satisfy the burden of proof. In order to do so, you must be able to prove the other party’s negligence. If the party is guilty of any one of the scenarios listed above, there is a good chance you may be able to recover compensation. However, sometimes proving negligence can be tricky. One of the most helpful things you can do to prove another party’s negligence is to take photographic or video evidence of the incident. Though this is generally the most efficient way to prove negligence, we understand that sometimes things happen too quick to react, so it may also help if there were other witnesses present who could help verify your story. Additionally, after you are involved in an accident, it is extremely important that you go see a medical professional right away. Not only will you receive the treatment you need, but any medical documentation you receive may also help you prove your case in court.
What are state and federal admiralty laws?
The geographic location of your injury plays a big role in the personal injury process. For example, if you are injured either on the coast of Florida, a Florida lake or a Florida waterway, your case will have to satisfy the grounds for a Florida state personal injury case. If you are injured in deeper waters, like the ocean, federal law may apply instead. Incorrectly remembering the location of your accident may be detrimental to your claim.
Contact a Florida attorney
Cressman Law Firm, P.A. is committed to collecting compensation for personal injury victims in Winter Garden and the surrounding areas. If you have suffered an injury at the hands of a healthcare professional, we are here to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today.
