Boating Accidents: What You Need To Know
These warm, summer days are perfect for an afternoon of boating. Boating is a popular summer activity, but it can be very dangerous. Sadly, boating accidents happen each day and can result in serious injury and even death. If you are injured in a boating accident, you may have the right to file a legal claim against the negligent party. Here is what you need to know.
How Is a Boat Operator Negligent?
When you operate a boat, you take the responsibility to follow all federal, state, and local maritime laws. Just like any other vehicle accident, boating accidents are often due to negligence. Negligence occurs when the boating operator acted in a way that was careless or could potentially cause harm to another person.
There are a variety of negligent acts that can cause an accident. Some examples include recklessness, speeding, inexperience, not paying attention, and boating while under the influence. Any of these can result in a boating accident that can hurt someone else while out on the water.
How Are Boating Accidents Reported?
A boating accident can be a collision with another boat, a boat hitting another object, hitting a person who is in the water, a fire, a capsize, or running the boat on the shore. As soon as an accident happens, you need to call your local law enforcement. In areas with a big boating presence, there should be law enforcement officers patrolling the water, so you should have an officer response within a short timeframe. You also need to ensure you have any injuries tended to. Although they may not seem like it, injuries from a boating accident can be severe and result in lifelong disabilities.
Do You Need an Attorney?
If you believe you have a valid boating accident claim, you can opt to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. For this, it is advisable to hire an attorney. To get started, you should maintain records of your injuries, wages lost from your job, your medical expenses, expenses for your physical damages, and the like. Your attorney will work to build your case that shows the other party was liable for these expenses due to their negligent actions. If the negligence was egregious, you may also receive damages for pain and suffering.
If you are in a boating accident, be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer in your area right away for assistance.
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