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According to Florida law, those involved in a boating accident are expected to report their injuries or damages as soon as possible, generally within a few days of an incident.
Florida has strict rules regarding the types of boating accidents that must be reported to the Florida police, the Division of Law Enforcement, or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Any boating accident involving a collision between two boats or a boat and an object must be reported. Usually, such collisions can cause a vessel boat to capsize, which could bring about drowning or cause life-threatening injuries.
Other boating accidents commonly have to do with negligence on deck. Overall, the operator of a boat or the victims involved in an accident must report accidents involving:
If you or a loved one were victims in a boating accident and failed to report it soon enough, it will result in having challenges recovering the damages you deserve against a negligent party. Boating accident cases can be difficult to litigate, as there aren’t always unbiased eyewitnesses in the area when these incidents occur. These accidents often happen in remote areas, which can present additional challenges because there is rarely security camera footage of collisions. That is why reporting and doing so as quickly as possible is crucial - it enables law enforcement officials to document your injuries and their cause.
Moreover, these papers are necessary for your next legal steps in recovering damages through insurance claims and lawsuits. It’s important to know that you don’t have to file a report alone. Calling your maritime accident lawyer ensures your report is filed on time, and you’ll have an expert representing you while the authorities investigate your accident and uncover evidence supporting your case.
Florida law doesn’t set out a specific timeframe for vessel operators or other victims to report to law enforcement officials, as it is not always possible for boats to communicate with land or quickly reach the shore after an accident. Nevertheless, federal law requires individuals to report a boating accident within five days in case of:
The period you have to bring a marine injury lawsuit is determined by the specific facts of your case, including the location of the incident. To avoid being denied to file compensation claims for your injuries, it’s critical to talk with an expert attorney as soon as possible.
Even though boating accidents are rarely insignificant, some may still consider there's no reason to alert the authorities. However, if you are required to report an accident because of the severity of your or other’s injuries, and you don’t, you can face a severe fine. Under Florida law, if you’re involved in a reportable boating accident resulting in injury, you must: