Many Florida boaters risk their safety by going out on the water when hurricane conditionsthreaten our coasts. Boaters can avoid the risk of injury when they take the proper precautions and heed weather warnings when a tropical system nears our shores.

Hurricane season does not mean you have to tie up your boat for the next five months. It just means you need to be on top of the latest weather conditions and know when it’s just not safe to take to the seas. A few points to remember when going boating during hurricane season: 

• Always check the weather forecasts not only for the time before and during your trip, but also for the weather predicted after your outing. If there are storms predicted to arise after your trip is over, you may still want to cancel your trip. There’s no guarantee they won’t pick up speed and hit earlier!
• Have a good source for monitoring the weather onboard your boat and heed all Coast Guard warnings.
• Don’t forget that the impact of storm surge can reach hundreds of miles out from the storm, so even if it’s not close to your boating area, you still may be at risk for rough seas.
• Hurricane season doesn’t just mean large tropical storms – common daily thunderstorms can be just as dangerous to boaters who are not prepared for bad weather conditions.
• Keep emergency supplies well stocked and on hand at all times, and know your emergency plan for what to do if someone falls overboard or you lose control of your vessel. 

By preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, you can help reduce the risk of serious injury in the event you are caught by bad weather. The main thing to remember is to watch the weather forecasts and use your best judgment before deciding to take your boat out. Don’t ignore the warnings from trusted sources such as the Coast Guard or National Weather Service – they know the risks!

Keep a Good Patient-Doctor Relationship after an Accident

If you were injured in a car accident, you are probably dealing with insurance companies, car repair shops, lawyers, and doctors. It can be hard to keep up with all the demands that accompany filing a personal injury claim, but keeping a good relationship with all of these involved parties can make for a much better outcome for you in the end.

A person you will likely encounter after being hurt in a car accident is a doctor. Your injuries will require immediate attention, but some could require more extensive treatment and followup care that could last for some time. It’s important to remember that your doctor or healthcare professional can be a key person in helping win your case. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a doctor and visiting your physician after an accident.

• Tell your doctor about any and all pain or other physical problems you experience during or after the accident;
• Be as specific as you can about the injuries, noting where they are, what the pain feels like, when you feel pain, what you are doing when the pain starts and what limitations the pain causes you;
• Tell your doctor about all injuries, no matter how small or painful they are;
• Keep your doctors’ appointments and reschedule them if you cannot make attend;
• Follow your doctor’s orders and ask questions about anything you do not understand;
• Take the medication your doctor prescribes you as directed; and
• Do not be afraid to seek a second opinion or switch doctors if you feel that your current healthcare professional is not treating you appropriately or is not taking your complaints sincerely.

If you are hurt because of car accident injuries and you plan to file a personal injury claim, you need to make sure that you have a doctor-patient relationship that is in the best interest of your case and your health. You can take charge of your case by keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare professional and by following his or her recommendations.

If you aren’t sure what doctor to see, ask your lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can give you a recommendation about the best type of doctor to see for your type of injury and what to do if you don’t have health insurance at the time of your accident.  By following these easy tips, you can help ensure proper injury treatment and that your personal injury case is protected.