Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
A tour boat ride is an engaging way to see Miami waterways, but your trip can turn tragic quickly when negligence by the company leads to an accident. You could suffer significant losses, so it is important to realize that you have legal options that are similar to the remedies for victims hurt on land.
You can count on a Miami boating accidents attorney to explain the details after reviewing your situation. However, some background on your rights can help you understand what to expect.
Common Causes of Tour Boat Accidents
Miami’s busy waterways are often scenes of preventable tragedies. Tour boat accidents often occur due to:
- Operator inattention
- Boating under the influence
- Excessive speeds in no-wake zones
- Mechanical failures from poor maintenance or a lack of safety equipment
Whether it is a collision or a slip and fall on a wet deck, these incidents frequently stem from the tour boat company’s negligence.
Federal Maritime Law vs. Florida Personal Injury Law
There are distinctions between state and federal jurisdictions that tour boat accident victims need to know. While Florida personal injury law covers many land-based incidents, accidents on navigable waters often fall under US maritime law. This difference is vital because maritime statutes may have different statutes of limitations and liability standards.
Plus, in Miami, a tour boat injury might be subject to rules governing the duty of care commercial operators owe to their passengers. It is essential to appreciate how these overlapping legal frameworks affect your rights in an injury claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Miami Boat Injury
In the aftermath of a boating accident, some tips can help you protect your interests.
- Seek medical attention at a local medical facility to document your injuries.
- Report the incident immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the Miami-Dade Police Marine Patrol.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Take photos of the vessel and surrounding conditions.
Promptly documenting the scene and obtaining an official accident report can create the necessary evidence trail to prove your legal claim.
Types of Compensation Available for Marine Victims in Florida
In the category of economic damages, you may qualify to recover immediate and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation and specialized surgeries. You can also seek compensation for lost wages if the injury prevents you from returning to work. Plus, maritime law allows for non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact a Miami Boating and Marine Accidents Lawyer for Details
It is comforting to know that you can seek compensation as an injured victim, but you will need legal help to pursue your rights. Marine accident litigation involves complex federal and state statutes that are difficult to manage if you do not have a legal background.
Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, provides the specialized knowledge necessary to manage these legal complications effectively. Please contact our firm today by calling (305) 371-6000 or visiting our website to set up a free consultation. We can meet with you at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.