Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit

There are few warm-weather activities as much fun as being out on a boat. The sun shining, cool breeze blowing, and splashing water make the whole family an excellent time. However, boating should be taken very seriously, and safety recommendations should always be followed.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that boating accidents are not all that uncommon. And unlike automobiles, many places don’t require any license or training for individuals to operate their watercraft.

For those injured on the water, filing a boating accident lawsuit may be the best way to ensure that your medical and financial needs are covered while you focus on your recovery.

Boating Accident Injuries Can Have a Lasting Impact on the Rest of Your Life

Boating accidents can cause any number of injuries or health catastrophes. This includes back or neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken or severed limbs, and in the worst scenarios, death.

And the risk of serious injury only escalates if carelessness, alcohol, and high speeds are involved. And any of these medical issues could lead to an entirely new set of circumstances involving your work, home life, and financial situation.

Different Types of Boating Accident Cases

Several different kinds of accidents can take place on the water. Filing a boating accident lawsuit usually requires following very specific and detailed laws. Unlike auto accidents, boating regulations can come under federal, state, and maritime jurisdiction. This makes having an attorney with experience in these types of cases crucial.

Here are a few examples of the different categories of boating accidents:

• Recreational Boating Accidents
• Yacht Accidents
• Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft
• Boating Excursions, Rentals, and Tours
• Dive Injuries
• Marina and Dock Accidents
• Boating Collision Accidents

Common Reasons These Accidents Occur

Filing a boating accident lawsuit will also require a report on what caused the accident in the first place. Here are some of the more common culprits:

Operator Inexperience

Since licensing and training are rarely required, it is not uncommon to be out with a driver without much time on the water.

Operator Inattention

Unlike streets and highways, lakes and oceans don’t have marked lanes and signs to make navigating easier. Not paying attention can be just as hazardous on the water as on the roads.

Reckless Operation

Since many boat owners don’t realize the risk of boating, they sometimes act carelessly by going too fast or showing off. This may be the most common reason for filing a boating accident lawsuit.

Negligent Entrustment

This is when a boat owner allows someone to operate the watercraft, knowing they are not qualified or capable of doing so competently.

Weather and Water Conditions

Hazards aren’t always artificial. Sometimes a storm can arise, or there can be a low-water spot that the driver/passengers aren’t aware of.

Don’t Delay When Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit

The longer you wait to get legal assistance with your claim, the more difficult it may become to make your case. The key to an effective legal strategy is to work on it as soon as possible following the accident. The sooner you begin working with an attorney, the sooner you will be able to get the proper medical and financial help you need and deserve.