Boat
Accidents

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can happen for many reasons, some of which are preventable. Common factors include:

• Operator Inattention or Carelessness
  Boat operators who fail to pay close attention to their surroundings, speed, or other vessels on the water are at a heightened risk of causing or contributing to an accident.
• Operating Under the Influence (OUI)
  Just like driving a car under the influence, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and a leading cause of serious boating accidents.
• Lack of Proper Training or Licensing
  Inexperienced operators may not fully understand navigational rules, waterway markers, or the operation of their watercraft, putting everyone on the water at risk.
• Speeding and Reckless Operation
  Excessive speeds and disregarding wake and no-wake zones can lead to collisions, capsizing, or loss of control, endangering passengers and other boaters nearby.
• Poor Maintenance or Defective Equipment
  Failing to maintain a boat or using defective parts can lead to mechanical failures, fires, or other dangerous situations while on the water.
• Inclement Weather or Rough Water Conditions
  Sudden weather changes—wind, rain, or storms—can create treacherous conditions for unprepared boat operators and passengers.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents come in many forms, each with its own set of risks and potential injuries:

• Collisions with Other Vessels
  When two boats collide, the impact may throw occupants overboard or injure them. Property damage to both vessels can also be significant.
• Collisions with Fixed Objects
  Bridges, docks, piers, or other stationary structures can cause severe damage if a boat collides with them, often leading to injuries to passengers or the boat operator.
• Capsizing or Sinking
  Sudden shifts in weight, high winds, or rough waters can cause a boat to capsize. In serious situations, the vessel may sink, putting passengers at risk of drowning.
• Falling Overboard
  Passengers may fall overboard due to rough waves, sudden movement of the boat, or lack of safety measures – if victims are not wearing life jackets, the risk of drowning increases.
• Grounding or Running Aground
  Operating in unfamiliar waters or with poor visibility can cause a boat to run aground, causing hull damage, injuries from impact, or stranding the vessel.
• Fires or Explosions
  Poor maintenance, fuel leaks, or electrical malfunctions can result in dangerous fires or explosions on board, leading to serious injuries and property damage.

Injuries and Damages Resulting from Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can be severe, resulting in substantial physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Common injuries and damages include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head, neck, or spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Drowning or near-drowning incidents
• Soft tissue injuries
• Property damage to boats and personal belongings
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish

When you have been harmed due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

• Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
• Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

2. Call the Police

Report the accident to law enforcement. A police report is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather contact information from witnesses and any other drivers involved, including the truck driver’s name, employer, and insurance details.

4. Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or others at the scene.

5. Gather Truck-Specific Information

• Write down the truck’s license plate number, DOT number, and company name.
• Note any visible safety violations, such as overloaded cargo or worn tires.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurer about the accident, but avoid providing a recorded statement until you consult an attorney.

7. Preserve Evidence

Save any medical records, repair estimates, and receipts related to the accident. This documentation is crucial for your claim.

8. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

Consult an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help preserve evidence, determine liability, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Collecting and Preserving Evidence

Evidence is vital to proving liability in a truck accident. Key evidence might include:

• Driver and cargo logbooks
• The truck’s black box data
• Dashcam footage
• Driving records, including drug test results
• Truck inspection and maintenance reports
• Safety ratings
• The trucking company’s hiring, training, and supervision records
• Witness statements
• Official accident reports

Establishing Fault

Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the case to determine who is at fault and build a compelling argument on your behalf.

Identifying Liable Parties

Given the number of entities involved in trucking operations, your attorney will identify all potentially responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

Calculating Damages

An experienced lawyer will ensure all your damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more—are fully accounted for in your claim.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often delay or deny valid claims. Your attorney can apply pressure to uphold your rights and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

Take Your Truck Accident Case to Trial if Necessary

Your attorney will be prepared to fight for your rights in court if a fair resolution cannot be reached.

Truck accidents can have life-changing consequences, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Contact a skilled truck accident lawyer today to protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.