Boating Accidents Along the Eastern Coast

Central Florida is one of the most visited locations on Earth with over 40 million people traveling to this area each year. This area is beautiful, with some of the most stunning aquatic ecosystems on the planet. This influx of visitors far from home to maritime activities can lead to unfortunate and devastating boating accidents.

When a boating crash occurs, Florida’s legal system allows for victims to pursue compensation for their injuries. The legal system is focused on responsibility and holds the individual who caused the accident, and their insurance company, accountable. Getting compensation for this should be easy, but insurance makes it very difficult.

The top insurance companies made over $300,000,000,000 in 2019 by paying out claims that were favorable to them. At Douglas R. Beam P.A. our personal injury attorneys have brought in over $1,000,000,000 in settlements and verdicts. We help our clients, on average, receive 3x what they’re offered before our firm is hired.

Are you looking at pursuing a boating accident lawsuit to recover damages for anything from a minor injury to a catastrophic injury? If you’ve been in a boating accident you should speak with a Melbourne, Florida personal injury attorney. Do this as quickly as possible. Once your boating injury takes place, insurance measures your actions and works to make sure they pay you as little as possible. If you have been in a boating accident you have options for seeking and recovering compensation. Contact us for a free consultation!

What is the first thing to do in a boating accident?

Boating accidents are one of the most surprising and life-changing accidents that can occur. These crashes can cause an enormous amount of pain and suffering. They take a toll financially, physically, and emotionally. After a crash, there are things you can do that will help protect your legal rights and position you for the best recovery possible. The following tips, in this order, will get you on track.

STOP YOUR VESSEL

‍Stop your vessel at the scene of the accident. Do not drive away.

ASSIST THE INJURED

‍Make sure that you and any other parties in the accident are okay. It is essential to exercise caution and not to put anyone in additional danger. Some parties in the group might need medical attention. If anyone is suffering catastrophic injury, call first responders immediately and do whatever you can to help. Provide emergency responders detailed information on the crash and any symptoms that you or another victim are experiencing. A post-accident adrenaline rush can cause most people to underestimate how bad their injuries are after an accident. Get an exam from your doctor and heed all doctors’ orders for treatment. You’ll heal more quickly, and insure can't accuse you of not taking your doctor’s advice.‍

DIAL 911

‍Call the police immediately and ask them to write a report on the boating crash. Ask the officer for a copy of the report and keep it. Your accident lawyer will use it to prepare a lawsuit.

COLLECT EVIDENCE

‍Take pictures and videos of your vessel, the scene, and yourself. Make sure everything is documented. This is critical. Your lawyer will examine your evidence and possibly collect critical information about how the crash happened.

‍DON’T ADMIT LIABILITY 

‍Keep a tight rein on what you say to the other parties involved in the crash, to bystanders, and to insurance agents. Any admission of fault could leave you without a chance in your lawsuit.

CALL AN EXPERIENCED MELBOURNE, FLORIDA BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

‍Our team has experience bringing verdicts worth tens of millions of dollars in a single case. Winning a case requires a diligent team that understands your accident and your injuries. We understand all the state and local laws and can help with your claim. Hiring an attorney with great experience is the best way to assure you will be taken care of during your case.

Look for these three things when choosing a boating accident lawyer.

KNOW THEIR RESULTS

‍Find a personal injury attorney who has a history of winning cases like yours. These attorneys will understand your type of boat crash, your injuries, and the impact of the boating accident on your life. Common crashes on the water can result in all types of injuries. A good attorney will understand your medical needs and the impact of the crash on your personal and work life. Boat crashes often include complicated negligence claims. Make sure your lawyer has the resources to handle this type of case.

CONTINGENCY FEE ONLY

‍Good personal injury attorneys bet on themselves. The way they do that is through contingency fees. All that means is that you don’t pay any money up front. Standard contingency fees are 33.33% of whatever insurance rewards.

THEY GO TO TRIAL

The best lawyers are ready and willing to go to trial, yet the majority of cases in great law firms settle. Why? Because insurance is terrified of going to court against great attorneys. Trials are expensive and time-consuming. Insurance companies fear attorneys that have the resources, experience, and know-how to beat them soundly in court.

In a perfect world, when a boating crash happens, we should be able to trust our insurance company to put our lives back together. Unfortunately, most insurance companies make their money by underpaying victims of boating accidents. An expert personal injury attorney should represent a victim of a boating accident. The accident lawyer will understand how to deal with insurance companies so that they fulfill their obligations. The personal injury lawyers at Douglas R. Beam P.A. can evaluate your boating accident case during the initial consultation. We can map out a plan that details the medical bills, emergency room visits, and vehicle repairs. We'll also pursue other monetary damages you are owed as a result of the crash.