Boating Accident Lawyer

What is a boating accident?
A boating accident deals with any accident involving a watercraft. These include boats, ships, jet skis, and ferries. The causes of boating accidents include:

• Collision
• Capsizing
• Falls overboard
• Fire
• Sinking
• Flooding
• Explosion
• Engine or equipment malfunctions
• Carbon monoxide asphyxiation

How common are boating accidents?
According to the United States Coast Guard, approximately 8,000 boat accidents occur every year. Over 4,000 injuries and 750 deaths occur as a result of these accidents.

What causes most boat accident fatalities?
Most fatal boating accident injuries are due to passengers falling overboard or the boat capsizing.

What should I do if I have been injured in a boating accident?
The first thing to do is file a report with the police or coast guard. You also want to acquire as much information as you can about the accident. You should get the other boater's name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You should also contact an experienced boating accident attorney who can evaluate the details of your case to help you determine if you should file a personal injury lawsuit.

When must an accident report be filed?
You should file a boating accident report if:

• Someone dies in the crash
• A person disappears under circumstances that indicate death or injury
• An injured person requires medical treatment beyond first aid
• Damage to the vessel or other property is greater than $500
• The vessel is completely lost

How soon do I need to file a report after a boating accident?
Federal law requires you to file a report within 48 hours of the accident if a person is killed or is injured and requires treatment beyond first aid. If the boating accident causes more than $500 in property damage, it must be reported within 10 days.

Please contact us today to find an experienced boating accident attorney in your area.