Visitors come to Florida for sunshine, warm water, and unforgettable experiences on the coast. Unfortunately, a relaxing trip can turn into a medical emergency if you are hit by a boat while on vacation. Accidents involving rental boats, tour boats, jet skis, or private vessels happen more often than many travelers realize. The aftermath can be confusing when you are far from home and trying to manage your recovery.
If you were injured in a boating accident during your vacation, you need a local legal team to fight for you. Mase Seitz Briggs helps injured visitors understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve.
What to Do Immediately After a Boat Accident
The moments after a boating collision are often chaotic, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area. Taking the right steps protects your health and strengthens your future claim.
Here are the most important actions to take:
- Get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Keep all medical records.
- Call the marine patrol or local police so an official accident report gets created. Don't make statements about fault until alle facts are clear.
- Document everything you can - take photos or videos of the boats, water conditions, and your injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses, crew members, and other passengers. Request the boat operator’s name, registration number, and insurance information.
- Save all receipts and documents related to your medical treatment and travel.
If your injuries prevent you from gathering this information, an attorney can secure evidence for you.
What If the Boat Operator Leaves?
Although operators must legally stay at the scene, some panic and flee. If the operator leaves:
- Note identifying details about the boat - color, size, or registration numbers
- Ask witnesses which direction the boat went
- Report the hit-and-run immediately to marine patrol or the Coast Guard
- Contact an attorney right away to help preserve evidence and identify the responsible party
Hit-and-run boating cases are challenging, but quick action improves your chances of finding the operator and getting compensation.
Your Legal Rights as a Vistor
Being on vacation does not limit your legal rights. Whether you were on a guided tour, rented a jet ski, or simply swimming near shore, you may be entitled to compensation if someone else's carelessness caused your injuries.
Florida law protects boating accidents victims, including tourists. Boat operators must navigate safely, follow posted rules, and avoid creating dangerous conditions. When they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for the harm they cause.
What Compensation You Can Recover?
If you were hit by a boat on vacation, you may face medical bills, interrupted travel plans, and long-term recovery needs. Compensation in a boating accident claim may cover:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Travel costs for follow-up care
- Damaged personal property
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the injuries and the accident circumstances. A Florida boat accident lawyer can help you understand the full value of your case.
Proving the Boat Operator Was at Fault
To recover compensation, you must generally show that the operator or another party acted carelessly. Proving fault in a boating accident often requires a detailed investigation into weather conditions, how the boat was operated, maintenance issues, and whether safety rules were followed.
Common examples of negligent behavior:
- Operating a boat too fast
- Failing to watch for other boats or swimmers
- Distracted or inattentive operation
- Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Ignoring posted speed or wake restrictions
- Failing to provide safety equipment
Evidence such as witness statements, marine patrol reports, photos, GPS data, and medical records can strengthen your claim.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Florida follows comparative negligence rules. This means you can still recover compensation even if you share some blame for the accident. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were swimming outside a designated area but the boat operator was speeding and not paying attention, both parties may share responsibility. These cases get complicated, which is why experienced legal help matters. We work to minimize your level of fault.
How a Maritime Trial Lawyer Helps
Boating accident cases involving visitors require careful handling. Victims are often dealing with injuries while trying to return home or manage disrupted travel plans. As trial lawyer can build your case with the courtroom in mind from day one. Insurance companies know which attorneys will go to trial and which will settle for less. When you have trial lawyers on your side, the defense takes your case seriously.
An attorney from Mase Seitz Briggs can help by:
- Investigating the accident to determine what happened and who is responsible
- Gathering key evidence such as witness statements, photos, waterway conditions, and boat records
- Working with experts to evaluate speed, navigation, and operator decision-making
- Communicating with insurance companies so you do not feel pressured into a low settlement
- Explaining your legal options in clear, straightforward terms
- Helping coordinate medical care documentation if you have returned home
- Pursuing fair compensation through settlement negotiations or trial
We understand how stressful it is to suffer an injury farm from home. We keep clients informed and supported throughout the process so you understand your rights and feel confident at every stage.
Get Help Today
If you were hit by a boat on vacation, you do not have to face this alone. Contact us today at (305) 377-3770 to speak with an attorney directly and get your free, confidential consultation.
Maritime law is what we do. Let us put our experience to work for you.
