Unfortunately, not every boat owner and operator in Cocoa acts as carefully and responsibly as they should, which sometimes leads to accidents with catastrophic consequences for multiple people involved.
Demanding civil compensation after a boating accident works a bit differently in Cocoa than filing suit over auto accidents. Those differences could be difficult to navigate past without guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. Fortunately, you have help available to you from a Cocoa boat accident lawyer who knows how to handle cases like yours in proactive and effective ways.
Much like it does with automobile accidents, Florida state law places specific requirements on people involved in boating accidents that they must fulfill to preserve their right to file suit against the person or people at fault for their injuries. Specifically, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requires a written boating accident report within 48 hours whenever an incident on the water results in $2,000 or more of vessel and personal property damage, any injury bad enough to need professional medical attention, any disappearance, or any death.
Boaters who intend to take legal action over an accident resulting in a personal injury should be prepared to support that claim with as much evidence as possible, as well as assistance from a knowledgeable Cocoa boat accident attorney. This means boaters should, if possible, take photos of property damage and injuries, get contact information from witnesses, and potentially look for sources of video footage which may have caught the accident as it happened.
A comprehensive settlement demand or lawsuit over a boating accident in Cocoa should incorporate every past and future loss the injured party may expect as a direct result of that accident. This may include both economic and non-economic forms of harm such as:
Recently, the Florida state legislature changed the statute of limitations applicable to most prospective personal injury claimants. As a result, people who get hurt through someone else’s negligence generally now have two years at most to begin the civil litigation process, as opposed to the four years they once had. This means contacting a seasoned lawyer should be a top priority immediately after a boat accident in Cocoa.
Even in relatively shallow depths, accidents involving personal watercraft could be dangerous and deadly. Holding someone liable who negligently causes this kind of accident may be difficult, particularly if you try to pursue the compensation you deserve all by yourself.
Assistance from a knowledgeable Cocoa boat accident lawyer could help you get the best possible result from your civil claim and maximize your financial recovery. Call today to schedule a free consultation with The Umansky Law Firm.
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