Gathering Evidence in Boat Accident Cases

If you or someone you know has been involved in a boat accident, you may feel lost, confused, and unsure of what to do next. After an accident on the water, it can be overwhelming to think about how to prove your case and get the compensation you deserve. At this time, it is important to know that you do not have to face this process alone. The road to recovery can be complicated, but our team is here to help guide you through it. With the right evidence, your case can have a much stronger chance of achieving a favorable result.

The Importance of Evidence in Boat Accident Cases

In boat accident cases, gathering the right kind of evidence is crucial. Whether it’s photographs, reports, or expert opinions, the evidence you collect can help establish what happened during the accident, who was responsible, and the extent of the damage caused. Without this evidence, it can be hard to prove your case and get the compensation you deserve.

Evidence plays a key role in helping your lawyer understand the full details of the situation. Having strong evidence also helps the court see the truth of what happened. If you are unsure of what kind of evidence is needed, do not worry – that’s where our team comes in to guide you through the entire process.

Photographs

One of the first and most powerful forms of evidence you can gather after a boat accident is photographs. Photos can capture critical details that might otherwise be missed or forgotten. When you are in a safe position, try to take clear, detailed photographs of the scene. This should include images of the boat, any other vessels involved, and the area surrounding the accident site.

You should also take pictures of any visible damage to the boat and any visible injuries you or others have suffered. These images can act as a permanent record of the situation and can be especially important if the damage gets repaired or the scene changes before a claim is filed. Photographs can show things like the weather conditions, the position of the boats, and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident. In addition to the boats, consider taking photos of any injuries you have sustained as these will help prove the extent of the damage caused.

It is always a good idea to take photographs as soon as possible. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

Reports

Another essential form of evidence comes in the form of reports. After a boat accident, it is important to file an accident report with the proper authorities. In Florida, for example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) handles boating accidents. If there were injuries, fatalities, or property damage above a certain amount, a report is required by law.

These reports provide an official record of what happened and include details such as the time of the accident, weather conditions, and the names of people involved. This information is often used in court to help build your case.

In addition to the official accident report, you may also want to gather any police reports or witness statements. These can provide further support to your case by corroborating your story and the events leading up to the accident.

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Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

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Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

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I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

Expert Opinions

Boat accidents can sometimes involve complicated technical details, such as issues with the boat’s operation, maintenance, or even the water conditions. In many cases, expert opinions can help clarify these complex aspects of the case.

For example, a boating safety professional or a marine engineer can provide insight into whether the boat involved in the accident had any mechanical failures or if the operator was acting negligently. These experts can also examine the boat’s design, its maintenance history, and whether it was operating properly at the time of the accident.

While these types of opinions are not always necessary in every case, they can be extremely helpful when it comes to determining the cause of the accident. If there is a technical issue involved, these opinions can often support your claim and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Witness Statements

Witness statements are another important form of evidence. If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements can provide additional details and help confirm what happened. Witnesses may have seen the events leading up to the accident, and their testimony can be used to establish fault.

It is important to collect witness information as soon as possible, as people’s memories can fade over time. If possible, get the contact details of any witnesses and ask them for a written statement or their contact information for follow-up.

How to Collect Evidence Safely

While gathering evidence is important, your safety should always be your top priority. If you are in an accident, make sure everyone is safe first. Once you have ensured that you and others are in a safe place, begin documenting the scene carefully.

If you are unable to gather evidence due to injuries or other reasons, don’t worry. Our team can help you collect the necessary evidence even if you are unable to do so yourself. We understand that boat accidents can leave people feeling overwhelmed, and we are here to make the process easier for you.

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The Role of an Attorney in Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence after a boat accident can be a complicated and sometimes confusing task. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this process. They can guide you on what evidence you should collect, how to protect your rights, and how to ensure that your case has the strongest foundation possible.

In addition, your attorney can help you interpret the evidence and work with experts who can provide insight into the technical aspects of the case. They will also be able to handle negotiations with insurance companies and represent you in court, if necessary.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

At Serrano Law, we understand the difficulties you are facing after a boat accident. The road to recovery can be a long one, but with the right evidence and the right legal team on your side, you can achieve the best possible outcome. Our team is dedicated to helping you gather the necessary evidence for your case, so you don’t have to go through it alone.

If you have been involved in a boat accident and need help gathering evidence or navigating the legal process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way and work towards achieving the results you deserve. Let us put our experience to work for you. Reach out to Serrano Law today to get started.

To learn more about this subject click here: How Social Media Posts Can Impact Your Florida Boat Accident Injury Claim

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