It is fun boating on a sunny day, surrounded by the blue waters in Miami, the Magic City. However, accidents happen out of the blue, and you need to be prepared for any emergency. Safety is the primary concern. Hence, after a boating accident, the first thing you need to do is to check if all passengers and crew are safe.
Crowded Seas
With over 60,000 vessels registered in Miami, several thousand are at sea every day. Chances for a boating accident are high, and if you are caught in any such accident, you need to contact any of the Miami boating accident lawyers, who will help you out.
If you’ve been injured in the accident for no fault of yours, you are entitled to claim financial compensation, not just for your medical bills, but for the pain and suffering as well.
Why do Boating Accidents Occur?
Despite boat operators religiously taking necessary precautions and following boating regulations, accidents happen because of sheer negligence. When anyone knowingly behaves in an unsafe manner, it is considered a negligent act.
Some common reasons for boating accidents in Miami:
- Inexperienced sailors
- Reckless actions
- Inclement weather
- Sailing at high speeds
- Not being attentive
- Mechanical Failure
- Intoxication (drugs or alcohol)
Just like drunken driving, drunken sailing causes more boating accidents than anything else. The passengers may make merry on board, but not the person sailing the boat. If a boat operator causes an accident, they are held responsible for damages. The onus is on the operator to provide a safe vessel and ensure the safety of the passengers.
What Should You Do?
All persons on board need to be checked for their safety. If any person is injured, first aid needs to be given, and you need to call an ambulance and notify the coast guard. Some injuries can be life-threatening; if people fall overboard, you may sustain severe injuries, and even drowning cannot be ruled out.
Statistics indicate that Florida is the number one state in the US with the most number of boating accidents. Remember that a boating accident in Miami needs to be reported within 48 hours of its occurrence. You should also contact an experienced accident lawyer who can help with your compensation claim.
After the mandatory reports are filed, you may want to contact your insurers to discuss your compensation. However, before you do that, it is advisable to talk to Miami boating accident lawyers because you shouldn’t be committing anything or signing any documents without your lawyer’s concurrence. Your lawyer will work in tandem with the insurance company and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Every scrap of evidence needs to be saved. After you’ve been treated for injuries sustained in a maritime accident in Miami, you should save all the medical bills and other treatment records. If you know that the accident occurred due to other persons’ negligence, they need to be brought to justice, and they are responsible for your compensation.
Don’t hesitate to consult your lawyers, who will fight the case in the courtroom on your behalf. You don’t have to worry about paying fees upfront because these lawyers offer a free consultation for such unfortunate accident victims like you. When you leave it to a reputed legal firm, the team of lawyers is behind you and will ensure that justice prevails and you get the compensation you deserve.
Summing it Up
While boating accidents are unfortunate, they are not unforeseen. With so many boats jostling for space off Miami Beach, accidents are common. Besides seeking timely medical treatment, the crucial thing to do is seek legal assistance as well.