The United States Coast Guard lists three scenarios that are classified as a "boating accident", and these include the death or injury of a boat passenger, the disappearance of a passenger who is suspected of being injured, and damages caused to a vessel. As you can see, the thrust of what defines a boating accident includes injury to one or more of the passengers. The Coast Guard also reports that over one third of boating accidents involve a driver who is under the influence of alcohol.
One of the reasons that boating accidents are such serious matter is that even the most minor accident can cause significant injuries to the passengers involved. This is especially true when a boat collides with another watercraft or with a fixed object such as a dock or pier. Nationwide, it is required to report a boating accident to the authorities if the damage caused to the vessels involved is greater than $500. When this is the case, the damage is considered to be substantial enough to warrant legal attention, and should be handled accordingly.
In extreme cases when the Coast Guard is called to do a rescue, the passengers may need extensive medical treatment to recover from their injuries. In a recent boating rescue, all seven people who were on board the 40-foot boat sustained serious injuries and needed medical assistance. The most common injures that are suffered because of boating accidents include heat exhaustion, heat-related illnesses, inhalation of toxic carbon monoxide, and injuries resulting from falling overboard. As you can see, there are a number of incidents that could easily lead to a boating accident, none of which should be the reason for serious personal injury or wrongful death to an innocent passenger.
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be wondering how you go about determining liability. Generally, a person is found to be at fault for a boating accident if it can be proven that they acted negligently. Negligent behavior under the law includes failing to adhere to all safety rules and precautions, failing to take note of passengers and other boaters, and driving while intoxicated. A personal injury attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove that you were injured because of the negligence of another so that you can file a claim for compensation. You must file an accident report within 48 hours of the accident to have a viable chance of recovering compensation for your injuries, so the sooner you act the sooner you can begin to recover from your boating accident.
When you are dealing with serious physical injuries, you need a legal advocate who will protect your rights and ensure that your best interests are looked after. When you contact a Long Island personal injury lawyer at the Odierno Law Firm, P.C., you greatly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need to recover from your injuries with peace of mind and excellent medical care. The legal team at the firm are highly knowledgeable in personal injury law, and have over 30 years of experience serving victims in Long Island. By providing dynamic and high-quality legal support, a lawyer at the firm will safeguard your rights and hold the responsible party accountable.
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