Boat Accident

Victims who were injured in boat accidents because others were negligent can file claims against the person who caused the accident. The procedure for filing the claim and the specific statutes that would apply depend on the type of boat involved, where the accident occurred, the type of accident, and other factors The damages that the victim can recover may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If property was also damaged, then the victim can also make a claim to recover compensation for property damage.

There are thousands of boat accidents each year caused by a wide range of factors. Some of the most common reasons for boat accidents include operator inexperience, excessive speed, reckless piloting, reckless actions of a passenger, operating while intoxicated, or improper lookout. The cause of the accident will determine fault and impact the legal options of injured victims, if any.

Under federal regulations, there are instances in which you must report a boat accident.

• If a person dies
• If a person is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid
• If a person disappears from the boat under circumstances that indicate death or injury
• If there is damage to the boat or other property of at least $2000
• If there is a complete loss of any boat involved

The person required to report the accident is the operator or owner of the boat.