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What are Considered Boating Accidents?

When you’re talking about motorized vehicle accidents in law, you may not realize everything that covers them. Car accidents come to mind or there may be a situation involving a pedestrian, but if you were injured in a boat accident then you can seek legal counsel to get a payout for your injuries or property damage. All you need is the right resources — a lawyer to take your case.

Boating is an enjoyable and relaxing pastime, but it can turn deadly. Like any motor vehicle, a boat comes with the inherent risk involved. But when you’re victimized in an avoidable accident and find yourself facing medical bills and property damage, then it’s another level of boating danger and you may find you’re owed compensation for someone else’s negligence.

What is a Boating Accident?

The Coast Guard defines a boating accident as a situation wherein a boat passenger is seriously injured, goes missing, or even killed or if any of the previous scenarios are suspected without concrete evidence. In addition, any situation where the vessel has been damaged to a certain extent or if the vessel is lost completely. This means boat accidents are more than what you might think. Car accidents and other road vehicle accidents are straightforward, but a boating accident encapsulates a lot of potential harms and dangers that could befall you.

How Do I Know I Have a Case?

If any of the above occurred, you have a good start. Statistically, almost 80% of boating accidents happen involving one or more persons who have not taken a boating safety course, which means negligence was involved. The fact of the matter is, boats were not designed like cars to protect the interior and occupants in the event of a crash, so even minor incidents can be serious. Many of these accidents result in death from lack of access to emergency services. In short, boating accidents are preventable through training and safety and, when someone shirks their responsibility, you may be owed.

What to do After a Boating Accident

First and foremost, get yourself medical aid as quickly and safely as you can. Ensure the safety and medical care of others involved in the accident. Almost 3/4ths of boating accidents result in fatalities because of lack of medical care. Next, get yourself legal protection and start gathering information. Take pictures, document damages and medical bills, and talk to eyewitnesses. Your lawyer can consult with experts to help bolster the information you present. Having the strongest case possible will give you your best shot at winning the money you’re owed in damages.  It’s also important to remember that, like other accidents, there is a statute of limitations on your ability to claim damages and sue. You have two years to build your case so even if your incident was several months ago but you’ve had medical problems, you are within your rights to seek payment.

Don’t handle any motorized vehicle accident alone, especially not boating. Lampert and Walsh, a boating accident attorney, can help you get the justice you deserve.