Legal Options

Recovering Compensation

When it comes to recovering compensation for damages caused by a boating accident, it is important to remember that there are many different legal options available to you. First, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.

Lawsuit

However, you must file your lawsuit within the time limits set by your state. In some cases, you may not be able to file a lawsuit until the statute of limitations has expired.

Certain Cases

In certain cases, you can even recover for wrongful death. In either case, it is important to work with an attorney who can help you file a claim.

Option

Another option is to file a lawsuit against the boat operator or owner for damages caused by the accident. You can claim compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages.

Regardless

Regardless of which type of lawsuit you decide to pursue, you should not take a quick settlement. You should always consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer.

Quick Settlement

Taking a quick settlement can limit your recovery and may even eliminate your case altogether. A skilled attorney will help you navigate the information available to you and help you determine if a lawsuit is possible.

Document

Document the accident scene and preserve evidence. Pictures, video, and contact information can all be crucial evidence for your lawsuit. Also, make sure you collect any other physical evidence, such as any damaged items from the accident scene.

Jones Act

Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damages to the boat.

Boater

Lastly, if you have an accident with another boater, you should contact the police. If you were the victim of a boating accident, you may be able to recover compensation.

Liable

In addition, a boat operator may be liable for damages if he or she does not keep safety equipment in the boat, which could result in an accident.

Coast Guard

The first thing to do in the event of a boating accident is to notify the Coast Guard. You can do this online through the USCG website. You can also report an accident by calling 911. If the accident involves an injury or property damage, you need to report it within 48 hours. For all other types of accidents, however, you should report it within five days.

You will also need to fill out an accident report to the Coast Guard. If you're physically incapable of filing a report, you don't need to file one. If the accident involves an undocumented motorboat, you will need to file a report.

Reporting a boating accident to the coast guard and local authorities is an important step after an accident occurs. If you are the owner or operator of the boat, you can file a report with the Coast Guard.

Report

When you report an accident to the Coast Guard, they will file required reports with other authorities.

Circumstances

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, this may mean a boating accident report that has been filed in a different state.

Accident

Boating accident reports help the Coast Guard compile statistics and identify dangerous behaviors.

Reports,

Using these reports, the Coast Guard can better understand the causes of accidents and make boating safer for everyone.

More Accurate

The more accurate and complete the reports, the more accurate the data will be. If you file a report, you won’t face any penalties for the accident. However, you must make sure to file a report within ten days.