Joye Law Firm can assist you if you are in an unfortunate boat accident. We can help you file an action for damages. Below, we’ll discuss the most common reasons for boating accidents and the most common injuries. Also, you should know how to pursue legal action following an accident on the water. We hope these articles have been helpful to answer your questions about boat accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident while boating, please contact us immediately.
Common causes of boating-related injuries
Boating accidents are most often caused by accidents with other vessels. This kind of incident happens when a boat operator is thrown overboard. Other causes of boating accidents include collisions with other boats as well as obstructions, strong waves and collisions with other recreational vessels. A boat may also capsize if it collides with a fixed object like bridges. Accidents that result from falls overboard may occur when a person, or operator slips overboard, and can be fatal for the entire boating community.
While boat collisions are not the most serious of accidents however, they can be dangerous. Because people on board aren’t always properly secured in their seats while they travel even minor collisions could cause serious head injuries or send them flying. Other common causes of boating accidents are inability to check and maintain equipment, inadvertent use, or lack of training. Fortunately, many boating accidents can be prevented by ensuring that all equipment is safe to use.
Failure of machinery and parts that are defective can also be the cause of boating accidents. Weather conditions that are not ideal are another frequent cause of boating accidents. Heavy rain and strong winds make it difficult to navigate the water. Inexperienced boaters are especially susceptible to accidents when the weather conditions are bad. Accident statistics show that 6% boating deaths in Florida occur each year. Although the rate of boating accidents has been steadily increasing over the years, these figures show the importance of taking care to maintain the safety of your boat.
Operator inattention was the leading cause of boating accident deaths in the year 2018. While operating a boat requires constant attention and careful maneuvering, it can be very dangerous if the operator is distracted. Inattention could result in a collision with a vehicle, or a slip and falls onboard. The US Coast Guard maintains statistics for recreational boating and it can be catastrophic. Safety should be your primary concern especially if you’re a novice boater.
Inadequate lookouts are a common reason for boating accidents. Although boat operators are accountable for watching out for other boaters, it’s important to be alert for any objects that might be in the water. It is a great idea to take on the role of a watchman to avoid potentially dangerous situations. You must ensure that all members of your crew are knowledgeable of boating rules, especially in the case of a novice operator. It is crucial to know how to handle emergencies and ensure that everyone aboard is safe.
Symptoms of a boating accident
A variety of injuries can occur as a result of a boat accident that range from blunt force trauma to head and internal organ injuries. In some instances the victim might drown. The boat could be flipped which could send passengers and boat operators into the water. Because boat owners may not have access to the medical care required to treat their injuries, it is important to understand the symptoms of a boat crash. These injuries can be fatal for you or your loved ones. Call emergency services immediately.
If there is an emergency make contact with the Coast Guard right away. After identifying the victims you should examine their health as well as that of the other passengers on the boat involved. First aid should be offered to anyone injured and then call 911. If the boat’s operator or passenger is unable to speak for themselves, try to contact emergency services using an onboard radio or mobile phone. A doctor can assist in the shortest time possible.
Avoid distractions while driving. Even conversations that are not in your hands could distract you from driving. A lack of concentration is more hazardous on the water than it is on land. Boats move at variable speed and Lancaster – CA – Accident & Injury – Lawyer – Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center with varying maneuverability, moving across the water. Additionally, you could be distracted by a mobile phone, adjusting the volume of the music, talking to a water skier or snapping a photo. These distractions can cause an accident. It is important to pay attention to Rule 5 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Boating accidents can cause death. The majority of drowning victims drown within the water. Sometimes, life-threatening injuries result from the victim’s exposure to carbon monoxide or a cardiac arrest. In other instances, death could be the result of a defective jacket or Fort Wayne North Richland Hills – TX – Accident & Injury – Lawyer – Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center IN Lowell – MA – Accident & Injury – Lawyer – Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center Accident & Injury – Lawyer – Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center hypothermia (a condition in which there is a lack of oxygen in the blood). Wearing a life jacket will assist in preventing death, and make the situation less frightening for all involved.
Common injuries sustained in boating accidents
If the accident isn’t dealt with correctly, a boating incident could quickly turn into a catastrophe. A lack of safety measures on board the boat can cause multiple injuries including blows to the spinal cord and head. Some of these injuries might require immediate medical attention. Despite their commonality boating accidents may result in amputations and disfigurement. This article will go over some of the most frequent injuries sustained in boating accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries. No matter if you’re on a vessel or at the shore these injuries to the spinal cord are extremely serious and may cause a victim to lose the ability to move or Pueblo – CO – Accident & Injury – Lawyer – Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center – CO – Accident & Injury – Lawyer Fontana – CA – Accident & Injury – Lawyer – Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center Attorney – Lawsuit – The Accident Law Center function normally. Although it may seem impossible to sustain a spinal injury during a cruise or during a boating accident, a collision with a relentless vessel could cause this injury. If the spinal cord gets compressed, the victim may be permanently paralyzed or suffer neurological damage. Boating accidents can cause broken bones. Common bones that could be broken include the pelvis, femur, and the shin. Broken vertebrae bones are the result of more serious injuries.
Brain Injuries lancaster – Ca – accident & injury – lawyer – attorney – lawsuit – The accident law center The most common brain injuries that occur in boating accidents are whiplash and spinal chord injuries. Both of them can result in serious, life-altering conditions, including organ failure. If you or a loved one is suffering from an accident, immediately get in touch with a personal injury lawyer for help. Even if it is your knowledge of how to swim, drowning remains an option and you should master swimming before embarking on any trip.
Drowning – Another type of injury that can occur while boating is drowning. While a lot of people know how to swim, a lot of them be unconscious or entangled in debris after an accident of serious severity. Many of these victims are not equipped with personal flotation devices and end up in water. Drowning can cause serious neurological damage , and can be life-threatening. A boating accident can cause drowning.
Medical Care If you’ve suffered an accident with a boat, it’s essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. A medical report will assist in pursuing an action against the accountable party. It can also help to document the extent of your injuries as well as any medical issues that you may face. Medical reports are required to prove that you have suffered a head injury or spinal cord injury.
Legal action after a boating accident
You may be able claim compensation from the person who caused your injuries if involved in a boating incident. You can seek damages for any damage to property and medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and also compensation for other losses. The amount of damages you can get depends on the extent of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and whether you are responsible for the incident. In general, damages for financial loss are designed to help you restore your financial position before the accident. In certain instances there are punitive damages that can be granted in the case of extreme negligence.
Medical attention is a must in the event of injury in a boating accident. You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Some injuries may not become apparent for days, or even weeks. It is also crucial to communicate information with all parties involved in an accident including the police. If you were involved in a serious boating incident, you may need to get police reports.
A lawyer with experience in boating accidents is vital for recovering compensation for your injuries. Jay S. Knispel, LLC provides free consultations to discuss your case. Contact our firm today to set up a free consultation. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of maritime laws in every state so you can be in the knowledge that they will know how to best represent your interests. A seasoned New York City personal injury attorney will handle all details if you are considering the possibility of filing a lawsuit.
It doesn’t matter if you were a guest on another boat or the operator of commercial vessels the law requires boat operators to take reasonable precautions. It is possible to prove negligence by proving the other party was negligent. If the vessel did not have an nautical chart, liability could be incurred by the operator for failing to comply with safety precautions. If you believe that the other party is at fault for the accident, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney.