Although car accidents are more prominent and certainly more frequent, boating accidents (and injuries) still occur by the thousands each year in the United States.
When boat accidents and injuries are part of a workplace incident, the liabilities and legal ramifications are generally different than accidents that happen when boaters are on the water for leisure. When these incidents happen out at sea, they generally fall under maritime law. Even on a river in Missouri, local boating accidents can fall under federal and state laws.
Because boat insurance is not always legally required or as clearly defined as car insurance, you may find knowing when to seek legal compensation more confusing. However, regardless of whether the other boat owner or operator has insurance, if you were involved in a boating accident causing serious bodily injury, you should certainly investigate whether or not you are entitled to monetary indemnity for pain and suffering, medical bills, property damage, and other injury-related expenses.
If Involved in a Boating Accident Causing Serious Bodily Injury
One of the most important legal steps to take if you are involved in a local boating accident is reporting the accident to the appropriate authorities. This differs from state to state, as does the time limit for reporting these incidents. Regardless of where you are, however, if you or a passenger are seriously injured, such as suffering a debilitating back injury from boating, the accident must be reported—and quickly.
For local boating accidents in Missouri, this means you must notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol within five days, and reports must be made if there is:
- A fatality;
- A disappearance;
- An injury that results in unconsciousness that needs emergency medical treatment, or disables the wounded person for more than a day; or
- Greater than $500 worth of property damage.
When an injury or fatality is involved, reports must be made within two days. This report may be used as evidence later if you or the other boat owner/operator decide to file an injury claim.
Document Your Boat Accident Personal Injury
Much like a car accident, gathering as much evidence and information as you can is absolutely imperative. Find out if the other owner/operator has insurance, and make sure to get a name and contact information. Then, document everything. You should take pictures of any injuries to you or your passengers, any damage to your boat or watercraft, and even the area where the accident occurred.
Once you reach land, get to a doctor as soon as possible. If you have been seriously injured, of course, you should head straight to the hospital. Even if you do not feel very hurt, you should still have a full examination at your normal doctor or a walk-in clinic.
The trauma that boating accidents can cause may not feel terrible at first, but it can quickly escalate. Getting examined can prevent nasty surprises and keep you from straining injuries you were unaware of. More importantly, having the corroboration of medical records will be very important when you begin taking steps to seek compensation.
Consult With a Boat Accident Injury Attorney
The next step is to call an expert in boat accident personal injuries. Local boating accidents can be tricky, because states have different requirements for boating insurance; in Missouri, liability insurance is not a requirement. However, even if the owner/operator of the other craft does not have insurance, you may still be able to file a suit for damages. This might include pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, or other financial or physical losses as a result of an injury caused by a boating accident.
Additionally, there are specific laws related to determining fault, such as what kind of watercrafts were involved or what manner of safety requirements are mandated in a given state, and a boat accident injury attorney can help you make sense of how these laws will impact your case.
A boat accident injury lawyer is important because they can assist you in navigating insurance companies and performing detective work to prove fault—both of which are particularly important. You must prove the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the other boater to receive compensation for injuries. Some examples of negligence include:
- a distracted or reckless captain,
- an inexperienced person operating the boat,
- boating while intoxicated,
- boating at unsafe speeds, or
- failing to follow boating laws.
Call the Injury Recovery Institute Experts
If you were involved in a boating accident causing serious bodily injury, you need the Missouri Injury Recovery Institute. Let us do the hard parts of tracking down proof of liability, working with insurance, and figuring out if the other boat owner/operator has assets that may be suitable for compensation in place of an insurance settlement. This way, you can focus on recovering.
Don’t wait any longer for your chance at restitution! Visit https://www.missouriinjuryrecovery.com/ or call us today at (866) 986-1395 to get started with your free consultation.