Personal injuries are not limited to car accidents and slip and falls... especially in a state surrounded by water on three sides. Whether you own a boat or only go out on the water once in a blue moon, it's important to be mindful of boating accidents here in Florida. Individuals involved in boating accidents may have personal injury claims, while the boat may sustain costly damages.
A Note About Insurance
Depending on how the accident occurred, and whether coverage was in place, insurance may or may not cover boating accident injuries and property damage. For instance, some umbrella homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for boating accidents. In some cases, a rider may be attached to a boat owner’s car insurance policy that covers personal injury and property damage resulting from boating accidents. If the owner of the boat does not have insurance, a litigation claim may be proper depending on the injuries.
The Personal Injury department of The Ticktin Law Group has experience handling a number of boating accident cases. Some of the most common boating accidents include:
Collision with other boats
Boating fires
Improper anchoring resulting in capsizing
Collision with piers, buoys, and sandbars
Damage to hulls
Falling onboard and overboard
Like an automotive accident, there are several reasons a boating accident might occur. Accidents can often be chalked up to distracted drivers, bad weather, recklessness while operating the boat, or unlicensed and inexperienced drivers. Another culprit is alcohol. Just like driving under the influence, it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence.
Depending on the severity of the boating accident, both personal injury and property damage may occur. The more serious the bodily and property damages, the greater likelihood of insurance claims and lawsuits. Some of the most serious boating injuries include amputations, spinal compression, skull fractures, electrocution, and drowning. In these instances, medical bills will be high, and so is the likelihood of an insurance claim or lawsuit. On the other hand, if a person merely suffers from a cut or bruise, an insurance claim or lawsuit is probably not necessary. Base the decision on facts and circumstances.
If you are not sure what to do after an accident, err on the side of caution. Obtain the proper documents including the police report, witness statements, and photos to help prove your claim. Most of all, contact a personal injury attorney. If you have questions about your personal injury, contact The Ticktin Law Group for a free consultation. Call (561) 232-2222 or fill out the contact form here for the first step in attaining the compensation you deserve.
