Legal Options After an Injury on a Rented Boat or Jet Ski
In 2023, a reported 3,844 recreational boating accidents occurred. While watercraft activities can be exhilarating, an accident on a rented boat or jet ski can result in catastrophic injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term or permanent disability, leaving individuals with large medical bills, all while being unable to earn a regular income.
Although rented boat accidents are steadily increasing, jet ski accidents contribute to 20% of boating accidents each year. At Matthews Injury Law, our legal team is dedicated to helping accident victims recover lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering damages. If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident due to another’s negligence, our Tampa boat accident attorneys are prepared to seek justice on your behalf.
Submit an Insurance Claim
If the jet ski operator was speeding, boating under the influence, or otherwise driving recklessly, you can file a claim with their insurance company to compensate for your injuries. The key point that must be proven is that the operator breached their duty of care to you, causing your injuries. Gather as much evidence as possible, taking pictures of the boat itself, close-up shots of damage, and your injuries . If anyone witnessed the incident, ask if they may be willing to provide a brief statement. Additionally, ask for their names and phone numbers so that they can be contacted later on to testify. If a witness caught the incident on video, this would be even better, showing the event unfolding in real time.
Any evidence that you can collect will be submitted to the insurance company as part of a claims package. According to Fla. Stat. §627.70131 , the insurer has seven days to acknowledge receipt of a claim, 30 days to notify the claimant in writing if the claim is being investigated for suspected fraud, and 90 days to pay on the claim. Florida claims adjusters must adhere to these deadlines.
While you may want to contact the insurance company to notify them of the accident, your first call should be to a Tampa personal injury attorney . By retaining representation, you will have someone who can speak to the insurance company on your behalf, handling all communications and negotiations. By working with counsel, the insurance company is less likely to give you the “run around.”
File a Lawsuit
While this option is certainly not preferred, if the insurance company is repeatedly offering you low settlements or stalling, you may need to consider taking legal action. Keep in mind that Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. If you initially attempted to settle through insurance, you will still only have two years to file a personal injury suit. Of course, there are circumstances that toll the statute of limitations, such as if you were a minor at the time of the incident or incapacitated due to the accident. Even if you believe that the statute of limitations has expired, it is crucial that you speak with legal counsel to discuss alternative recovery options.
Contact a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Although fun, watercraft activities come with inherent risks. If you or a loved one have been injured in a recreational boating accident, the Tampa personal injury lawyers at Matthews Injury Law would like to hear from you. With our firm having six personal injury attorneys, you can rest assured that your case will receive the attention it warrants. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at (813) 530-1000.