Summer is a great time to venture out to a lake or ocean with family and friends. Sunbathing and enjoying the cool breeze is a great way to spend the day. While a day out on the water is typically good fun, your day can be ruined by a boating accident.
Florida and Georgia have consistently ranked among the states with the highest number of boating accidents. Our abundant coastline, lakes, and rivers have many boats and watercraft that when combined with factors like weather, water conditions, and inexperienced operators, contribute to these statistics.
Some common causes of boating accidents in Southwest Florida and Georgia include operator inexperience, speeding, mechanical failure, alcohol or drug use, and dangerous water or weather conditions.
Georgia and Florida have specific laws in place regarding boating accidents. In Florida for instance, boating accidents resulting in injury requiring medical treatment beyond immediate first aid or property damage exceeding a certain threshold must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within a specific time frame.
Boat accidents can sometimes be fatal and leave you or a loved one injured. It is important for your health and liability to know what to do after you’ve been in a boating accident.
After The Accident
Being in a boat accident can be scary and damaging financially, physically, and mentally. Figuring out what to do right after the accident can be a bit overwhelming, as there will be many things to take care of. Here is what you should focus on.
Ensure Everyone’s Safety
After the collision or accident, when the boat has come to a halt, making sure everyone is safe should be the first priority. Make sure everyone is on the boat and that nobody has gone overboard. If anyone has gone overboard, deploy the lifeboat or raft and bring them to safety. Check everyone for any injuries and use first aid if needed.
Document The Incident
After you’ve made sure that everyone is safe and medical needs are met, it is essential to begin documenting the incident. Taking pictures of the damage with your smartphone’s camera is a great way to do this. If you’re able, collect the general contact information of those involved in the other party, as well as boat registration numbers and insurance information.
Contact The Authorities
The next step would be to contact the Coast Guard or local authorities. They will help bring the boat to shore if it is no longer in working condition, or bring everyone aboard if it is already sinking. Once you’re on land, you can then file a report about the collision.
See How Kelleher Law Can Help Your Case
Call the boat accident attorneys at Kelleher Law for a free, no-obligation review of your case. Our team of attorneys has extensive experience providing legal guidance to victims of boating accidents. We specialize in the complex laws and regulations that govern maritime and boating activities, and we can provide you with the necessary legal guidance and explain your rights and options.
Our team of experienced boating accident attorneys can help determine who is at fault for the accident. We can investigate the incident, help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish liability. But timing is crucial for filing a claim or seeking compensation.
At Kelleher Law, we fight hard to make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Jim Kelleher, the founder of Kelleher Law, has more than three decades of experience. We have multiple office locations for your convenience located in Naples and Fort Myers, FL, as well as in Atlanta, GA. Call us at 833-546-3675, or visit us at www.jimforjustice.com for a free consultation.
