Florida is known as the boating capital of the world, with over one million registered vessels. It is also the capital of the world for boating accidents.
The Coast Guard says over 10% of all reported incidents in America occurred in Florida. That’s almost double the amount in the next-highest state, California.
What are you legally required to do if you’re in a boat crash and an injury or property damage occurs? Read on to learn more about the filing requirements for a boating accident in Florida and how they can impact your claim.
Common Boating Accidents
Common causes of boat accidents can include:
- Unsafe vessells
- Unsafe driving
- Driver intoxication
The most common boating accidents involve being pushed out of the boat and collisions with objects or other ships. Both can lead to a wide range of injuries.
Falling Overboard
The water can be a dangerous place, and there can be any number of reasons for passengers to fall out of a boat. A sudden storm could push you out. The driver could be intoxicated or make poor choices. The boat may not have the proper safety equipment.
These accidents can cause death from drowning or lead to injuries such as:
- Hypothermia
- TBI or traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures or dislocations
Collisions
Running into another boat or even a stationary object is almost as common on boats as in cars. It’s primarily due to driver negligence but can also come from sudden changes in the water.
Common injuries from boat collisions include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations or contusions
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
Boating Accident Reporting Criteria
Always exchange insurance information with anyone involved in an accident. Inform your insurance agency about it. Florida statute 327.301 details when you have to go further and submit a written report.
The accident must be reported if it involves:
- Loss of life
- Injuries that require medical treatment
- Disappearance of a person
- Damage to property exceeding $2,000, including boats
- Complete loss of a vessel
How to Submit a boating accident Report
One of the first places to look for the forms necessary to file a written report is the FWC or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee. You can also check the NASLBA or National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for state-specific boat accident reporting requirements.
Certain physical locations may have the forms you need, such as:
- Marinas
- Harbormaster offices
- Local law enforcement agencies
Be sure to fill the forms with as much accurate information as possible. Provide a detailed description of how and when the boating accident occurred. Say which boats were involved. Give the names and addresses of anyone involved or any witnesses. Explain any injuries or property damage sustained.
Reporting Timeframes
Boat accident law set by the Coast Guard mandates how long you have to report an accident. You have 48 hours to report accidents involving serious injury, death, or disappearance.
The timeline for all other accidents is 10 days. That includes property damage exceeding $2,000.
Penalties for Not Reporting a boating accident
Failure to report boating accidents that involve serious injuries or death is a serious offense. So is failure to attempt to render aid.
Not meeting boating accident reporting requirements could leave you facing significant fines or even criminal charges.
Other Reasons Boating Accident Reporting Matters
Proper boat accident reporting is about more than avoiding penalties. Think of what you and others can gain from it.
Anyone affected by the accident has a greater chance of finding healing and getting to safety. Your local waterways will be safer because of the information your report provides.
Safety and Facilitating Rescue Operations
Boat accident reports allow for quick, safe responses to accidents. Medical treatment can arrive sooner, and damaged property can be cleared out faster.
They also speed up rescue operations. The sooner law enforcement is aware of a missing person, the sooner they can start looking for them.
Environmental Protection
Boat accidents can result in environmental damage. One of the most common types is fuel spills.
Prompt reporting helps it get cleaned up as soon as possible.
Establishing Regulations
Accurate data from boat accident reports helps encourage new laws that lead to safer boating practices.
If dangerous patterns emerge, laws can help combat them. For example, stricter lighting standards may be implemented for a type of boat involved in several nighttime collisions.
Identifying Boat Defects
Boat defects are a common cause of boat accidents. Having them reported brings them to the attention of manufacturers.
They can address the problem through recalls and design improvements. These prevent the same defects from causing more boating accidents in the future.
Educational Information
Boat owners can look at reports to discover the most common causes of boat accidents.
This knowledge helps them avoid these issues. They’ll know what to do to stay safer in the water.
Getting Legal Assistance After a Boating Accident
A lawyer can help you submit an accident report. They’re also essential if your next step is to take your injury case to court.
The attorney can help you get what you deserve and find a fair settlement offer. It’ll cover components such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Make sure they understand federal and state laws. There are deadlines for bringing boat accident claims to court.
Your attorney will gather evidence to support your case before time is up. They’ll prove the other party was negligent and responsible for your injuries.
We Can Help With Your Personal Injury Claim
After you recover from the shock of a severe boating accident, submit a report. Several types require you to get the proper forms and outline the details of the incident.
It improves safety by preventing similar incidents from happening again. It can also help your lawyer when you start a personal injury claim for the accident.
RHINO Lawyers has a long history of efficiently and effectively winning cases. We’re also a forward-thinking company that’s willing to use the latest technology to work with and for you. Contact us today for a case evaluation of your personal injury claim.
CONTACT A TAMPA ACCIDENT Injury ATTORNEY
In short, after an accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
