Boating And Personal Injury Claims: The Facts
Hot summer days are ideal for spending time on the water. Boating can be a fun summer outing, but it can also be the cause of serious injuries. Unfortunately, due to either inexperience or irresponsibility, boating accidents can happen quickly. If you were hurt in a boating accident through no fault of your own, you may have a legal claim against those who caused the accident. The following are some things you need to know:
Is the Operator of the Boat at Fault?
Anyone who chooses to operate a boat must follow all federal, state, and local laws. Like any other vehicle, a boating accident is commonly due to negligence of some kind. Negligence in boating accidents occurs when the operator of the vessel behaved in a way that was irresponsible or careless and resulted in the injury of others.
When it comes to determining fault, you have to prove the operator was acting negligently. There are several ways a boat operator can be negligent in a boating accident. Driving the boat too fast, not paying attention to other boating vessels on the water, not adhering to boating laws, and not fully capable of driving the boat can all lead to catastrophic accidents.
What Happens After a Boating Accident?
Any type of boating accident must be reported to the authorities, just like a car accident. Boating accidents do not just include colliding with another boat or vessel. Accidents that include hitting a structure, hitting another person in the water, capsizing, a fire on the boat, or any other issue must be dealt with by law enforcement. In places where boating is prevalent, especially during the summer boating season, there should be a large law enforcement presence available to help.
You also need to ensure any injuries are properly handled. The boat needs to get to shore as soon as it is safe to do so, or the injured need to be transported to the shore by another vessel. Injuries in a boating accident can be life-threatening, so it is crucial to get medical assistance as quickly as you can.
Should You Call a Lawyer?
If you think your boating accident was caused by another negligent party and you suffered a personal injury, you should contact a personal injury attorney about a potential personal injury claim. Keep a record of your injuries and subsequent medical expenses, any lost wages from your job due to being unable to work as a result of your injuries, and a list of damages to your personal property. Your attorney will then investigate to determine if your case shows there was negligence on behalf of another party and move forward with a lawsuit. In certain circumstances, the negligence may be so severe that you can receive payment for your pain and suffering.
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