request a consultation
Fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch with you right away.
When Does a Boating Accident Need to Be Reported?
Whether you are a resident or visitor of the Sunshine State, you may be wondering what Florida laws are regarding vessels in an accident or collision. While Florida can be a wonderful place for watercraft activities, you need to know what to do in the event that the unexpected occurs.
Our Florida boating accident lawyers would like to discuss when boating accidents need to be reported and what your rights are if you suffer an injury.
Florida Law Regarding Reporting Boating Accidents
In adherence to Fl. Rev. Stat. §327.30, a person who is involved in a collision with a vessel must report the accident if there are injuries, deaths, missing persons, or $2,000 or more in property damage. If any of these circumstances apply, the person should report the accident to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
2022 Boating Fatalities
In 2022, the following fatalities were experienced by boat type:
- Open motorboat: 33 deaths
- Canoe/kayak: 12 deaths
- Personal watercraft: 7 deaths
- Pontoon boat: 4 deaths
- Airboat: 3 deaths
What are My Rights if I am Injured in a Boating Accident?
Most boating accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the boat operator. Negligence is defined as a person lacking proper care in completing a task. If you can show that the boating operator was negligent, causing your injuries, then you will likely be entitled to compensation. Negligence can be broken down into four components:
- Duty of care: The boat operator owes you a duty to take proper care in navigating the vessel or motorboat
- Breach of duty: Either through an act or omission, the boat operator breached his or her duty of care
- Causation: The operator’s actions were the direct and foreseeable cause of your injuries
- Damages: As a result of your injuries, you sustained measurable losses
Compensation in a boating accident may include any of the following:
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Medical expenses
- Property damage (if you were hit by another boat)
- Pain and suffering
- Infliction of emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and society
To recover compensation, you must do more than file a boating accident report. You will need to take legal action. That is where the help of a Florida boating accident lawyer can be invaluable. A boating accident lawyer understands the legal process and will know what evidence needs to be gathered to support your claim.
Statute of Limitations
In Florida, a boating accident victim has four years to file a personal injury suit. This time limit is known as a statute of limitations, and it is implemented to ensure that reliable evidence is being used to litigate your case. Since evidence decays and witnesses’ memories fade over time, you will want to bring your case to court as soon as possible.
Injured at Sea? Contact a Florida Boating Accident Lawyer Today
At Mickey Keenan P.A., we understand the financial and emotional stress that is accompanied by a boating accident. If you are ready to fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours, do not hesitate to contact us. Our office can be reached by calling (813) 871-1300 or by completing our online contact form.