Steps to Take Immediately Following a Boating Accident in FL
Clearwater, Florida, is a boating hotspot, and there is virtually no off-season. If you’re injured in a boating accident, however, the losses you face can be immense, and the path forward toward fair compensation is legally challenging. If this is the difficult situation you find yourself in, reach out to the skilled legal counsel of an experienced Clearwater boating accident attorney.
The Basics
In the aftermath of a boating accident, the person driving each boat is required to stop and stay until the authorities arrive – just as motorists are required to remain at the scene until the police show up following a car accident. Whether you were driving the boat or were a passenger on it, calling the authorities is the first order of business post-accident, and if someone was injured or may have been injured in the accident, this fact should be relayed to the person manning the emergency line.
Seek the Medical Attention You Need
The immense impact of a boating accident can leave you seriously injured, but the shock and adrenaline rush you experience can mask your symptoms and a significant amount of pain. Erring on the side of caution is always advised after a boat accident, and this translates to seeking medical attention as soon as you’re able to do so.
Consider the Evidence
The strength of your boating accident claim will hinge on the available evidence, and evidence in boating accidents is even more fleeting than it is in traffic accidents. If you’re able to collect evidence at the scene, it’s an excellent idea to do so, but if you can’t, you should rest assured that others will pitch in. The kind of evidence that can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim includes:
- The accident report
- Any tickets issued, such as
- Your own account of how the accident happened and any circumstances that may have contributed to it
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photos and videos of damage to the boats involved
- Photos and videos captured during the accident
How a Boating Accident Attorney Can Help
As soon as you’ve addressed the matter of your recovery, it’s time to consult with a seasoned boating accident attorney. The sooner you have legal representation in your corner, the better protected your rights will be. Your focused attorney will help guide your claim smoothly forward toward an optimal outcome that fairly addresses your physical, financial, and emotional losses, including in all the following ways:
- Carefully gathering and skillfully compiling all the available evidence, including evidence that proves the extent of your losses
- Building a solid case that the involved insurance company will have a difficult time refuting
- Helping you navigate the legal process and helping you make the right decisions for you throughout
- Knowledgeably negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Being well prepared to take your case to trial if it’s called for
An Experienced Clearwater Boating Accident Attorney Is on Your Side
The accomplished Clearwater boating accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos dedicate their impressive practice to helping injured clients like you recover complete compensation for your losses. We welcome the opportunity to also serve you, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 727-441-9030 for more information today.