Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | May 15, 2024 | Personal Injury
Pendarvis Cove Park is a popular recreational destination along the St. Lucie River in Florida. People go there to view the beautiful waterfront, enjoy watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing, and have outdoor picnics. The park also has a fishing pier and boat ramp, so it’s a popular spot for angling.
Despite all the fun you can have at the park, it’s possible to be injured there, too. You could be hurt while walking along the scenic trails, while out on a boat or jet ski, or by a criminal at night.
If you are injured at the park, here are some steps to protect your rights:
Report the Accident
If you are injured on the premises, such as in a slip and fall accident, report the incident to a park worker. The parks are regularly patrolled, so you can ask one of these guards if you cannot find anyone else. Ask how to file an official report.
If you were injured in a boating accident, you should report it to the Florida Division of Law Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You can call them at (888) 404-3922.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were hurt, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Keep all of your medical bills and records to establish your damages later.
Take Pictures and Videos
Take pictures and videos of the area where you were injured, factors that could have contributed to the accident, and your injuries. Keep these pictures safe so you can give them to your lawyer later.
Ask Witnesses For Their Information
If anyone else saw the accident and could corroborate how it happened, ask them for their names and contact information. Your lawyer can follow up with them later to get a statement.
Provide Notice To the Park
According to the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Water Management District gave the 44 acres that include Pendarvis Cove Park to the county for development as a park in 1987. As county property, you will need to follow claim procedures involving accidents on government property.
You can provide the required notice by completing a state liability claim form with the Florida Division of Risk Management.
In your claim, you will need to provide the following information:
- The date the accident occurred
- The basic facts surrounding the accident
- A description of your damages
- Your name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
This information must be accurate, as it forms the basis of your claim. You should ask for a lawyer’s help.
You must deliver this notice by mail. It is best to send it by certified mail, return receipt requested so you have evidence that it was received. You must also send a copy of your notice to the Department of Financial Services.
After receiving your notice, the state has 180 days to investigate and respond to your claim. If the state rejects your claim before 180 days have passed, you can file a lawsuit immediately. Otherwise, you must wait until 180 days have passed before you file suit.
The state could also respond by making an offer to settle your case. It is best to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before making any major decisions regarding your claim. Once you accept an offer, you cannot later go back and try to fight for more money.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000