Boat accidents produce severe injuries, and some victims do not survive those injuries. Since the boats do not require that all passengers wear seat belts, victims could be thrown into the water during an accident and drown. The circumstances of the accident determine the liability of the boat operator. By reviewing FAQs about boating accidents, victims can get clarity about their cases.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in A Boat Accident?
After a boat accident, victims should contact the authorities to get assistance. Law enforcement officers must investigate the events that led up to the accident. They can identify the at-fault boat operator and create an accident report. If the boat owner has an accident beyond the jurisdiction of local authorities, they must contact the Coast Guard to evaluate the accident. Victims who need legal help start by contacting a boat accident lawyer now.
What Happens If A BUI Caused the Boat Accident?
It is illegal for anyone to operate a boat while intoxicated, and they will face criminal charges for the infraction. Law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety tests to determine the operator’s blood alcohol content reading.
If they are intoxicated, officers will take the operator into custody. If the intoxicated boater caused the accident, they could face additional charges if a boater or passenger was injured or died as a result of their injuries.
What Happens If The Victim Dies In A Boat Accident?
If a victim dies as a result of their injuries, their family can start a wrongful death lawsuit to collect compensation for all economic losses. These losses could include medical or funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support or companionship of a spouse. Wrongful death indicates that the victim’s death could have been avoided, and the family must prove that the boat operator was liable for the victim’s death. The boat accident must happen for reasons such as reckless motoring or BUI.
Do Comparative Fault Rulings Apply to Boat Accidents?
Yes, comparative fault rulings can apply in boat accident cases, and if the victim committing any boating violations, he or she can lose a portion of their monetary award if they contributed to the cause of the accident. The judge will deduct a percentage from the monetary award based on the severity of the boating violation. If they are more than 50% at fault, the victim will not receive any compensation.
When Should A Boat Accident Victim Contact an Attorney?
A boat accident victim should contact an attorney if the at-fault boat operator didn’t have insurance to cover the victim’s medical costs and other economic losses. If the operator didn’t have coverage, a legal claim is the only way that the victim could get compensation. The court will decide how much the victim receives after reviewing all economic losses and investigating the events that led up to the accident. Economic losses include medical expenses, lost wages, and boat repair costs.
Boat accidents are caused by a variety of factors, and these factors could indicate liability for a boat operator. The result of the accident could include severe injuries that have life-altering effects on the victims. Common causes are weather conditions, reckless operating, and boating under the influence. By hiring an attorney, victims can seek compensation for their economic losses through the court and hold the boat operator accountable.
