Water sports are a fun activity for many people, but boating accidents can be very serious. Damages can vary widely, depending on the circumstances, and any mishap can eventually land a victim in the hospital or result in a fatality. There are several conditions that can affect a potential victim’s insurance claim for damage recovery. Injuries resulting from recreational outings can be complicated because of a lack of evidence and contested testimonies. The boater should always be aware when using any water craft.
Observe All The Boating Safety Regulations
Many accidents requiring a hospital stay could easily be prevented if the victims had been compliant with the laws and safety regulations. Anytime you get on a boat make sure to wear the appropriate life jacket and make sure that the vest secures properly. It is easy to lose a life vest in a turbulent water situation. According to our Jones Act lawyer, crew members involved in boating accidents routinely end fatally and safety compliance is crucial to any valid claim. It is important to use any equipment deemed necessary. Being prepared may not stop the accident, but it can save a life.
When An Accident Occurs
It is difficult to think clear in moments of extreme stress when severe accidents and injuries occur, but injuries can also happen with less calamity. All watercraft are subject to the power of the waves and are relatively unstable. Head injuries can occur easily and body injuries are common occurrences. Broken arms and legs are especially routine and head and neck injuries can have long-term effects. Many times accidents occur out in the water and it is important to stabilize any injured body part as much as possible while returning to shore or waiting for rescue. The individual in charge of the boat should never underestimate the seriousness of an injury.
Calling The Authorities
The severity of an injury can dictate the protocol, but any call to the local authorities could at least result in a report that could be evidence in an injury claim. It could also help medical diagnosis in some cases. The report serves as proof of the accident on the water and specifies the exact location. When the authorities arrive all parties should always comply with their requests, including investigations into the cause of the mishap. In cases of severe injury, medical professionals will often be available to begin the treatment process.
Assemble The Documentation
Boating accidents can be very scary events and are troublesome because of isolation in deep water. It is important to use common sense in all aspects of recreational boating, especially when it involves a commercial boating service. Documentation of any type is important because records are needed for any claims pertinent to the accident and injury. There usually is a negligence claim involved with boating accidents and injuries, especially those that occur in high-risk activity. An injury report will usually suffice for accidents that occur on small personal watercraft.
Boating injury cases will naturally have a component of the victim’s reasonable assumption of risk, but the responsibility for duty of care still exists. Many common injuries are not necessarily subject to punitive damages, but can be assessed for compensatory claims. It is always necessary to have effective and experienced personal injury counsel when pursuing a claim. Leaving the paper and claim chase to the professionals allows the victim to concentrate on recovery.
Chris Bennett is a legal researcher and contributing author for the law firm of Doyle and Razner. Maritime law is complicated and governed by obscure federal statutes. Your rights and opportunities for compensation under The Jones Act will vary greatly from any other type of injury case. If you are looking for a Jones Act lawyer, Doyle and Razner is experienced and well versed in maritime law.