KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — A 15-year-old girl was struck and killed by a boat while waterskiing off Key Biscayne, Florida, authorities said Sunday. 

The incident occurred around 4:40 p.m. near the Nixon Beach Sandbar on Saturday, according to officials. The boater did not stop after the collision. 

The victim was identified as Ella Adler by sources familiar with the investigation. Adler was a student at Ransom Everglades High School and the granddaughter of Michael Adler, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. 

Police officers and fire rescue personnel responded to the scene at the Bill Baggs Cape State Park. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is searching for a light blue center console boat involved in the incident. The boat is described as possibly having a blue bottom paint and two to four outboard engines. 

Officer George Reynaud of FWC called the incident a “very tragic situation.” FWC urged anyone with information to call 888-404-3922. 

An online obituary described Ella as someone who “dazzled us with her light” and “emanated love and joy.” 

The incident is under investigation. 

What To Do When Killed or Injured on a Boat 

Boating accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries or even death. Understanding the risks associated with boating and knowing what to do in the event of an accident is crucial for all boat owners and operators. Whether you’re out for a leisurely cruise or participating in water sports, being prepared can make all the difference. 

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s summary of recreational boating statistics, there were 4,040 boating accidents in 2022, resulting in 636 deaths and 2,222 injuries. These numbers underscore the importance of boating safety and awareness. The following provides information on what to do after an injury or death on a boat, seeking treatment and long-term care plans, understanding liability, dealing with insurance companies, and the crucial role of hiring an attorney. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the water, this information could prove invaluable in the unfortunate event of a boating accident. 

Important First Steps to Take After a Boating Accident 

In the aftermath of a boating accident resulting in injury or death, the immediate focus should be on ensuring safety and seeking help. Here are the key steps to take: 

1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help: 

• Move to a safe location on the boat if possible. 
• Check for injuries and administer first aid if trained to do so. 
• If the situation is serious, call 911 or the local emergency services immediately. 

2. Preserve Evidence:

• Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the boat and injuries sustained. 
• Obtain contact information from witnesses and ask for their statements regarding the accident. 

• Preserve any physical evidence, such as damaged equipment or clothing. 

3. Contact the Authorities and File a Report:

• In many states, it’s mandatory to report a boating accident to the relevant authorities. 
• Contact the local Coast Guard or marine law enforcement agency to report the accident. 
• Provide a detailed account of the accident and cooperate with the authorities’ investigation. 

By taking these steps, you can help ensure the safety of everyone involved, preserve crucial evidence for future legal proceedings, and comply with the necessary reporting requirements. 

Seeking Treatment and Long-term Care Requirements 

After a boating accident, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Here’s what to consider: 

Immediate Medical Attention and Thorough Examination: 

• Seek medical help even for seemingly minor injuries, as they could be more serious than they appear. 
• A thorough examination can uncover hidden injuries and ensure proper treatment.

Follow-Up Care and Rehabilitation:

• Follow any treatment plans prescribed by healthcare professionals. 
• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress. 
• Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, may be necessary for full recovery. 

Long-Term Care Plans for Serious Injuries:

• For serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, long-term care plans are essential. 
• These plans may include ongoing therapy, medical monitoring, and the use of adaptive equipment to improve quality of life. 

It’s important to prioritize your health and well-being after a boating accident. Seeking timely and appropriate medical care can make a significant difference in your recovery process. 

Proving Who is Liable After a Boating Injury  

Boat accidents can be complex, often involving multiple factors and parties. Understanding liability is crucial for seeking compensation for injuries or damages. Here’s what you need to know: 

Determining Negligence: 

Negligence is a key factor in determining liability in boat accidents. 

Factors such as operator error, equipment failure, hazardous weather conditions, and violation of boating laws can contribute to negligence. 

An experienced attorney can help investigate the accident and determine who may be at fault. 

Potential Liable Parties: 

• Boat owners, operators, and manufacturers may be held liable for accidents and injuries. 
• Owners are responsible for ensuring the boat is safe and properly maintained. 
• Operators must follow boating laws and operate the boat safely. For example, if someone pushes you off a boat and that causes injury, but they aren’t the boat owners, they may be personally liable as well as the boat owner may also be liable.  
• Manufacturers can be liable for defects in the boat or its components. 

Comparative Negligence Laws: 

• Some states have comparative negligence laws, which can affect compensation in boat accident cases. In Florida, a modified comparative negligence rule is set rather than a strict comparative negligence system. Under the modified rule, people who were killed or injured in a boating accident can recover damages from negligent parties if they are found to be 50 percent or less at-fault.  
• Comparative negligence allows for compensation to be reduced based on the degree of fault of each party involved. 

An attorney can help navigate these laws and ensure you receive fair compensation. 

Navigating liability in boat accidents can be challenging, especially when dealing with serious injuries or complex circumstances. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. 

The Role of Insurance Companies After a Boating Accident  

After a boating accident, dealing with insurance companies is often a necessary step in seeking compensation for injuries or damage. Understanding insurance coverage and how it applies to boating accidents can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.  

Here’s what you need to know: 

Florida Boating Insurance Coverage: 

• In Florida, boating insurance typically covers property damage, bodily injury, and medical payments. 

• Property damage coverage helps repair or replace your boat and other property damaged in an accident. 
• Bodily injury coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you injure someone else in a boating accident. 
• Medical payments coverage can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. 

Optional Coverages for Victims: 

• Victims of boating accidents may also benefit from optional coverages, such as uninsured/underinsured boater coverage.This coverage can help protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a boater who doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages. 

Understanding Insurance Coverage and Limits: 

• It’s important to understand the limits of your insurance coverage and any exclusions that may apply. 
• Insurance policies may have limits on how much they will pay for certain types of damage, so it’s important to review your policy carefully. 

How an Attorney Can Help: 

• An attorney experienced in boating accidents can help you understand your insurance coverage and negotiate with insurance adjusters. 
• They can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. 
• An attorney can also handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf, relieving you of the stress of dealing with them directly. 

Navigating the insurance process after a boating accident can be complex. Consulting with an attorney who understands boating accidents and insurance law can help you protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. 

The Importance of Hiring an Attorney if You or Someone You Love Has been Injured or Killed in a Boating Accident 

After a boating accident, hiring a personal injury attorney experienced in boat accidents can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.  

Here’s why it’s important to seek legal representation: 

Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Attorney: 

• An attorney who specializes in boat accidents will have the knowledge and expertise to handle your case effectively. 
• They understand the complexities of maritime law and how it applies to your situation. 
• Experienced attorneys have a track record of success in handling similar cases and know the best strategies for maximizing compensation. 

Navigating Complex Legal Procedures: 

• Boat accident cases can involve complex legal procedures and deadlines. 
• An attorney can help you navigate these procedures, ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. 
• They can also handle communication with the insurance company and other parties involved, relieving you of the burden of dealing with them directly. 

Maximizing Compensation and Protecting Rights: 

• One of the key roles of an attorney is to help you maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and damages. 
• They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. 
• An attorney will also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process, advocating for your best interests every step of the way. 

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney after a boating accident is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Our attorneys at Anthony-Smith Law are waiting to help you. Our knowledge and expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, giving you peace of mind during a challenging time.  

Call Coretta for Help Now: 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357).  

In this blog post, we’ve discussed important aspects of dealing with boat accidents and personal injury.  

Here’s a recap of the key points: 

• After a boating accident, ensure safety, call for help, and preserve evidence. 
• Seek prompt medical attention and follow-up care, as injuries may be more severe than they appear. 
• Understand liability in boat accidents, including determining negligence and potential liable parties. 
• Dealing with insurance companies can be complex, so it’s important to understand your coverage and seek legal advice if needed. 
• Hiring an experienced attorney can help navigate the legal process, maximize compensation, and protect your rights. 

It’s crucial to seek legal advice after a boat accident to ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Stay informed about boating safety and be prepared for any unfortunate event on the water. Your safety and well-being should always be a top priority when enjoying time on the water.