This article shares some great advice from Phoenix accident lawyer, Aaron Crane from Cantor Crane regarding boating accidents. Boating accidents are common, but the laws surrounding them are not always commonly understood. Boating is an enjoyable hobby and a passion for many enthusiasts, but there are risks involved every time you go out on a boat. If you are involved in a boating accident, you may sustain injuries involving the head, neck or back. Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to serious pain and discomfort later on. Learning about the nature of boating accidents can help you assess the risks and know what to do in the event that you are involved in one.
Common Boating Accidents
There are a variety of types of boating accidents, from those that involve a malfunction with the boat itself to collisions with other watercraft. Capsizing is a common boating occurrence that can lead to injury as occupants attempt to escape a sinking boat. Colliding with another boat may involve fault on the part of one or both boat operators. Depending on who is at fault, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries as well as damages to your boat.
Drowning accidents involving passengers who were ejected or fell over are tragically common, especially in cases where proper safety procedures are not followed. If your loved one drowned in such an accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner or operator of the boat. It is also common for swimmers to be hit by a boat or injured by colliding with a boat’s propellers. In either case, the owner of the boat may be liable for damages if safety procedures were not followed.
Inexperienced operators are commonly involved in boating accidents. Even a seasoned boating enthusiast may cause a serious accident due to inattentiveness or recklessness. Operating a boat while intoxicated is also a common cause of boating accidents and injuries. In each of these cases, the boat operator may be liable for any consequences resulting from his or her negligent actions.
Common Causes
Boating accidents are similar to vehicle accidents in the sense that they usually involve one or several common factors. Mechanical and equipment defects are a common cause of boating accidents, and they often occur when a boat is not properly maintained. Inexperienced and distracted operators are another common cause of boating accidents, just as new and distracted drivers often cause accidents on the road.
Boats are more susceptible to accidents when taken out in dangerous weather conditions, so it is the responsibility of the boat operator to stay at the dock when severe weather is imminent. Failure to do so can lead to injuries or even deaths if the boat becomes damaged or capsizes. Each of these risk factors is worsened by the presence of a boat operator who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An intoxicated boat operator may be charged with criminal OUI.
If your boating accident goes to trial, a boat accident lawyer may be able to assist you with the process of filing a lawsuit and representing your claim. In any personal injury claim, it is important to make a strong connection between the injuries you sustained and the accident. This means that you should seek treatment immediately after a boating accident even if you do not feel badly injured. Head injuries and whiplash may not present serious symptoms at first, but they can worsen gradually until they become severe. If you are losing wages because you have had to take time off from work due to your injuries, you may be eligible to receive compensation. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, physical therapy costs, lab tests and other expenses related to the boating accident.
Boat operators are required to operate according to certain standards of safety and common sense. An operator who violates any of those standards should be held responsible for the damages that result. An experienced personal injury lawyer can represent you when working with the boating operator’s attorney and insurance company, making the personal injury lawsuit process less stressful. Contact Cantor Crane today at (602) 254-2701.
