Boating is a pleasurable pastime for the entire family. There are many places to enjoy boating in North Carolina, on one of the many lakes and rivers or in the ocean. Boating is associated with a number of different water sports such as water skiing, tubing, and swimming, as well as fishing. Unfortunately, boating can also be dangerous. Boating accidents do not occur very often, but when they do, they can have devastating results. Each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed due to some type of boating accident.
How Boating Accidents OccurWith so many lakes, rivers, and coastal areas within a short drive the Iredell County it is no surprise that there are many people who enjoy boating. With so many boats on the water, it is also not a surprise that accidents may and do occur. Thankfully, many of the accidents are minor and do not result in severe injuries. However, sometimes severe injuries do occur.
Some of the most serious boating accidents occur when two boats collide with each other. This can happen when the boat’s drivers do not see the other boat in time to get out of the way. It can also occur when a boat has a motor malfunction or is unable to move from an unsafe area. A boat collision is serious because it may happen at a high rate of speed. Occupants of both vessels could be thrown from the boat, might hit into the side of the boat or could be otherwise hurt.
Negligence in Boating AccidentsThe cause of a boating accident may fall into one of several main categories including human error, mechanical malfunction and weather or water conditions. Several factors can contribute to an accident. An experienced personal injury attorney will review the details of the accident to help determine what the cause was and who is responsible.
Just as with vehicle accidents, there are some things that can make boating more dangerous. Boaters should not drink while they are driving a boat because it will impair their ability to operate the boat. Unfortunately, many boating accidents occur due to drinking while boating. Boat owners should be experienced before they go out on the water, and especially before they transport passengers.
Severe weather conditions can cause boating accidents to occur. When the weather becomes dangerous, boats should not go out on the water and should return to shore if they are already on the water. The boat’s operator should always be aware of current weather conditions. In addition, the boat should be equipped with adequate safety gear for passengers. Many times, a passenger falls overboard and is not wearing a life vest. A life vest can help save lives on the water.
What to do After a Boating AccidentFirst and foremost, seek medical treatment after any type of boating accident. Make sure that you save all of your medical documents and information. The accident should be reported to the appropriate authority. A report will be filed, which is essential if you need to take legal action later.
If you were seriously hurt in a boating accident the negligent party is responsible for your damages. In order for a person to be negligent, that person must have known that what he or she did, or failed to do, could have caused an accident and serious harm to others. For example, if a boat driver is speeding and fails to see another boat in his or her path, he is likely negligent. He knew that he was driving recklessly and putting others at risk.
The negligent person should be held accountable for your medical bills, ongoing treatment, and medications as well as other damages such as lost wages and money for pain and suffering. In order to recover damages you and your attorney will need to prove that the person was negligent. You may need to file a claim to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Iredell County Personal Injury AttorneyAn experienced Mooresville personal injury attorney will handle all aspects of the case. Your lawyer will gather and evaluate the documentation of the accident. You should not have to pay for your medical expenses if they were due to someone else’s negligent actions. All of the necessary information will be obtained in order to prove how the accident happened and who was at fault.
If you were injured in a boating accident the situation can be complicated and difficult to resolve unless you receive help from a qualified attorney. As one of the leading personal injury law firms in Iredell County, we take boating accidents seriously. We are here to help protect your rights and make sure that you get the money you need for your damages. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule a complimentary personal injury consultation today.