Boating accidents can lead to severe injuries and expensive medical bills. During the summer months, lakes and waterways become crowded with boats, jet skis and other recreational watercraft, increasing the risk of collisions and other incidents.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident, understanding your legal options may help you make informed decisions about your recovery and potential claim.
What Causes Most Boating Accidents?
Many boating accidents are preventable and happen because someone failed to operate a watercraft safely. Common causes of boating accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted boat operators
- Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inexperienced boat operators
- Failure to follow navigational rules
- Improper lookout
- Unsafe passing or turning maneuvers
- Equipment failures or maintenance issues
Popular lakes and waterways can become busier during holidays and weekends, increasing the chances of operator errors and collisions.
What Types of Injuries Can Result From a Boating Accident?
Unlike motor vehicles, boats and personal watercraft generally offer little protection during a collision. As a result, boating accidents can cause serious and sometimes life-altering injuries.
Common injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Lacerations and deep cuts
- Drowning and near-drowning injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe soft-tissue injuries
Some boating injury victims can need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Who May Be Liable for a Boating Accident?
Determining liability after a boating accident can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances involved, potentially responsible parties may include:
- The boat operator
- The owner of the watercraft
- Another recreational boater
- A rental company
- A boat manufacturer
- An equipment manufacturer
- An event organizer or commercial operator
An investigation may involve reviewing witness statements, law enforcement reports, photographs, maintenance records and other evidence.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Boating Accident?
Individuals injured in boating accidents may experience both physical and financial hardships. Depending on the facts of the case, compensation could include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Long-term disability costs
- Property damage
Every boating injury case is different, and the available compensation depends on the circumstances involved.
What Should You Do After a Boating Accident?
The actions you take after an accident can protect your health and affect your ability to pursue a claim. If possible:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident to law enforcement or the appropriate authorities.
- Take photographs of the scene and your injuries.
- Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Preserve any records related to the accident and your treatment.
- Avoid discussing fault before all the facts are known.
Getting medical care and documentation as soon as possible can be important when evaluating a potential boating accident claim.
Speaking With a Boating Accident Attorney
A serious boating accident can leave victims and their families facing medical expenses and time away from work. Understanding your rights following an accident can help provide clarity during a difficult time.
At The Carlson Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys help individuals and families understand their legal options after boating and watercraft accidents. If you were injured in a boating accident, speaking with an attorney can help you determine what steps may be available based on your circumstances.
