A day on the water can shift from adrenaline-pumping fun to absolute chaos in seconds. One moment you are gliding over the waves, and the next you are in the water, injured and disoriented. When the shock wears off, you might feel unsure of what to do next. You might ask yourself who should I call after a ski accident to protect my health and my rights?
In Florida, the term "ski accident" often refers to incidents involving Personal Watercraft (PWC) like Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners. These vessels are powerful and leave riders exposed to serious injury. Knowing the right sequence of calls to make can mean the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery.
First Call: Emergency Medical Help (Always)
Your health is the absolute priority. The very first number you dial should be 911.
Even if you think your injuries are minor, adrenaline can mask pain. Serious internal injuries or concussions may not be immediately obvious. Calling emergency services ensures you get the medical attention you need right away.
Beyond your health, this call creates an official record. When police, the Coast Guard, or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrive, they will generate an accident report. This report is a crucial piece of evidence. Tell the dispatchers clearly where you are located on the water and who is injured. Do not try to minimize the situation.
Second Call: A Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, your next call should be to a qualified attorney. Many people make the mistake of calling their insurance company first. However, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may twist your words to suggest you were at fault.
Calling a lawyer before you speak to insurers or the rental company protects you. An attorney can handle all communication on your behalf. They act as a shield between you and the aggressive tactics of insurance providers. This ensures that your statement is accurate and that your rights to compensation are preserved from the very start.
Don’t Call These People First (And Why It Hurts Your Case)
Knowing who not to call is just as important as knowing who to call. Avoid contacting the following parties until you have legal representation:
- The At-Fault Party or Their Insurance: Anything you say to the other operator or their insurer can be used against you. A simple apology or an admission that you "didn't see them" can destroy your claim.
- The Rental Company: If you rented the jet ski, the company may try to get you to sign documents or admit fault to avoid liability for equipment failure. Do not sign anything without a lawyer reviewing it.
- Social Media: While not a "call," posting about your accident on Facebook or Instagram is dangerous. Insurance investigators watch social media accounts. A photo of you smiling or appearing "fine" days after the crash can be used to argue that your injuries are not serious.
What Information You’ll Need When You Call a Lawyer
When you make that critical call to an attorney, having specific details ready will help them assess your case quickly. Try to have the following information:
- Basic Accident Details: Know the date, time, and specific location of the crash.
- Parties Involved: Names and contact info for the other operator and any rental companies.
- Documentation: Copies of the police or FWC report and medical records if you have them already.
- Visual Evidence: Photos or videos of the damage, your injuries, and the water conditions.
- Witnesses: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the collision.
If you are unsure if you have a case, learn more about jet ski accident claims.
Understanding Florida's Jet Ski Laws and Liability
Florida has specific laws that govern the operation of Personal Watercraft. Violating these rules is often a key factor in proving liability.
For example, reckless operation laws prohibit weaving through traffic or jumping the wake of another vessel too closely. Additionally, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a serious offense that carries heavy penalties. If the person who hit you was violating these statutes, it strengthens your claim for negligence.
Local laws regarding age restrictions and rental education requirements also matter. A lawyer can determine if these laws were broken.
For a detailed look at the rules that apply to your case, review florida jet ski laws.
The Sooner You Call, The Better We Can Help
In water accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Tides change, witnesses leave town, and rental companies may repair damaged vessels before they can be inspected.
The sooner you call an attorney, the sooner we can launch an investigation. We can secure surveillance footage from nearby docks and preserve crucial evidence.
Furthermore, Florida has a statute of limitations for filing injury claims. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Common mistakes, like waiting to see if an injury "gets better" on its own, often lead to missed deadlines and lost opportunities for justice.
Why Browning Law Firm Is the Call You Should Make
When you ask who should I call after a ski accident, you need an answer you can trust. Browning Law Firm is uniquely qualified to handle these complex cases.
- Former State Trooper: Coy H. Browning served as a Florida State Trooper. He has deep experience in accident investigation and reconstruction. He knows how to analyze a crash scene to find the truth.
- Decades of Experience: Our firm has spent years handling serious injury cases. We know the tactics insurance companies use and how to defeat them.
- No Win, No Fee: We work on a contingency basis. You do not pay us legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Final Takeaway: Who Should You Call After a Ski Accident?
To recap, if you are involved in a PWC crash, follow this sequence:
- Call 911 for immediate medical and police assistance.
- Call Browning Law Firm to protect your legal rights.
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a serious accident alone. Help is available.
Call Browning Law Firm for free legal guidance after a jet ski accident. Let a former State Trooper fight for your recovery.