Accidents Tips Blog

Boating accidents can be divided into two groups - those involving recreational vehicles and those involving merchant seamen. In 2005, 3,500 accidents have been reported by the US Coast Guard with costs amounting to 39 million dollars. The reasons for this boat accidents range from carelessness, operator inattentiveness, excessive speed, and operator inexperience. There have also been cases of boat accidents resulting from boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An average of 714 boaters dies each year with 508 of them due to drowning. Based on statistic, Florida, since it has access to a greater number of bodies of water, has the highest incidence of boat accident with the state of California trailing behind.

Each state has its own rules when it comes to boat accident. For example, in the state of Arizona, anyone involved in a boating accident are required to give assistance so long as it will not endanger the lives of the operator, passengers, or vessels involved. Aside from this, a report should be submitted to the Arizona Game and Fish Department within 48 hours if the accident has resulted in death. Fines and possible jail time are also prescribed for people driving boats in Arizona while under the influence. The same is true for boat accidents occurring in the state of Florida - it is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without extending any form of help and without making a report of the accident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

If you find yourself a victim of a boating accident involving a recreational water vehicle such as a jet ski, a row boat or a kayak, your first move should be to have yourself thoroughly examined by a qualified doctor. Make sure that you keep records of all the results. Try to jot down as much information as you can remember. Do not forget also to get the name, address, phone number, and insurance carrier of the other party. You would need these pieces of information when making claims. It is also recommended that you get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who has a proven track record in working cases similar to yours.

On the other hand, if you get involved in a boating accident as a merchant seaman, you should get in touch with Jones Act lawyer. The Jones Act protects the rights of seamen and allows them to obtain damages from their employers for negligence of the ship owner, the captain, and even fellow crew members. A Jones Act lawyer would be able to help you decide whether you can make a claim or not.

A Washington boat accident injury attorney would prove to be just what you need should you get involved in a boat accident while you are in the said state. If you want, you can even have a Seattle boat accident injury attorney to handle your case so that you can be sure that he or she knows the specific city ordinances as well as state laws when it comes to your case.