Miami is a paradise for boating enthusiasts with its sparkling blue waters and year-round sunny weather. However, its idyllic waters can sometimes turn treacherous, leading to unfortunate accidents.
According to the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission (FDFWC), Miami-Dade County ranked second in the state for most reportable boating accidents in 2022, with 90 accidents causing 8 deaths and 57 injuries.
If you’re injured in a boating accident, you can file a claim against the at-fault party to receive compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Hiring a Miami boating accident lawyer can help simplify the claims process and get you a fair settlement for your losses.
Anatomy of a Boat Accident Claim
Filing a boating accident claim against a negligent party in Miami, Florida, requires taking several steps that can be challenging to navigate alone. You must first report the incident per Florida and United States Coast Guard requirements. This means:
- Reporting to the FDFWC if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage of $2,000 or more.
- Reporting to the United States Coast Guard within 48 hours if medical treatment beyond first aid is required, an injury causes death within 24 hours of receiving it, or an individual disappears from the vessel indicating injury or death.
- Reporting within 10 days if earlier reporting isn’t required.
To file a claim, you’ll need to collect evidence, such as photographs and witness statements, to understand what happened and who is at fault. You must also accurately assess your damages, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, to request a fair settlement. An experienced boating accident lawyer can help with this.
After submitting your claim and the required documentation, you will negotiate with the insurer. The company may offer you a lowball settlement and use intimidating tactics to get you to accept. They might also try to deny your claim, leaving you without compensation for your injuries.
Filing a boating accident claim alone can feel overwhelming and lead to settling for less than you deserve.
Why You Need to Hire a Boating Accident Lawyer
Hiring a qualified boating accident lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and receiving the compensation you are owed. An experienced attorney from Aigen Injury Law can help you with the following:
- Legal expertise and knowledge: Our boating accident lawyers understand maritime laws, regulations, and the unique complexities of water-related incidents. This helps us to ensure your rights to compensation are protected.
- Evidence compilation: Our experienced boating accident attorneys know what evidence is crucial to building a solid case. We can help gather and preserve vital information, such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions, which can prove the liability of the person who caused your injury.
- Settlement negotiation: Our skilled lawyers are adept at negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. We have the know-how to communicate effectively, submit evidence, and negotiate to secure a fair settlement that accurately reflects your damages and losses.
- Determining liability: Identifying who is at fault in a boating accident can be complex. Our legal team can investigate the incident, analyze the evidence, and consult experts to establish liability and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
- Maximizing compensation: Our boating accident attorneys can assess the full extent of your damages. We consider immediate expenses, potential long-term costs, and intangible losses, such as mental anguish. We can help you seek appropriate compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, and emotional distress resulting from the boating accident.
- Navigating legal deadlines: Legal proceedings involve strict timelines and deadlines. Our experienced lawyers can file all required documents, paperwork, and legal actions on time, preventing potential delays and helping to ensure your case remains on track.
Contact Aigen Injury Law to Safeguard Your Rights
In the aftermath of a boating accident, your top priority should be your well-being and recovery. Aigen Injury Law understands the challenges you’re facing and is committed to providing you with the legal support you need during this difficult time.
Don’t navigate the legal waters alone if you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident. Our Miami boating accident lawyers will listen to your story, provide expert legal guidance, and fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.