The Goldberg Law Firm Co., LPA

The Goldberg Law Firm Co., LPA

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Ohio Boating Accident Lawyers

Boating, an ancient form of transportation, remains popular today for recreation today. What could be more relaxing that bobbling across lazy waves on a warm sunny day, relishing the breeze while captaining or enjoying a peaceful boat ride? But like any moving vehicle, boat travel has risks.

A boating trip can change from weekend fun to a catastrophe in a split second. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are over 140,000 boating accidents, 75,000 serious injuries, and 1400 deaths annually on American waterways. The most frequent types of boats to be involved in accidents are powerboats–runabouts, cabin cruisers and jet skis. The most common causes of serious injury are from boat collisions and propeller accidents. The most common causes of boating death are boat collisions or being jettisoned from the water craft and drowning. The most common types of boating accidents reported are:

  • Collisions with another boat, dock, or underwater obstacle;
  • Capsizing;
  • Falls overboard;
  • Fire and/or Explosion;
  • Flooding and/or Sinking; and
  • Disappearance.

Boat accidents occur on all size craft from jet skis to cruise ships.
The most common reasons for boating accidents include:

  • Inexperience of the Boat captain;
  • Disregarding Speed Zones;
  • Disregarding Signal Horns;
  • Malfunctioning Boat Lights;
  • Intoxicated Boater (BWI); and
  • Unsafe water waves/ Storms / High Seas.

There are Federal Regulations, enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard, as to when boating accidents must be reported. A “Boating Accident Report” must be filed when:

  • A boat occupant dies in a boating accident;
  • A boat occupant is injured and requires medical assistance beyond first aid;
  • A person on board a boat disappears; or
  • A boat causes at least $500 damage to another boat or other property.

In the case of death, the report must be filed within 24 hours. For serious injury, the requirement is 48 hours. For property damage exceeding $500, within 10 days after the accident. When a boating accident occurs, important things to do as a captain include:

  • Tend to safety and get medical help for the injured;
  • Call local waterway Emergency Services and use a lifeboat or floatation device when necessary and if one is available;
  • Try to get identification and insurance information from others involved in the accident. If they do will not divulge it to you, have the authorities get it for you;
  • Make sure an official report is obtained, but do not admit any fault;
  • If you or a family member are (or may be) injured, seek medical attention immediately – and get a copies of the medical report(s). Carefully adhere to all directions and follow-up instructions from medical professions;
  • Notify your insurance company of the accident without admitting fault;
  • File the necessary Boating Accident Reports (as above); and
  • Seek competent legal representation and advice. A good attorney will be much more effective at dealing with insurance companies than a layperson.

At Goldberg Law offices, we have over 23 years of experience helping victims of all types of accidents and their families. We know how to bring claims for property damages, injuries or even death– knowing that while money alone cannot replace those so tragically taken, it can help ease future burdens of those who remain. We have a full-time physician on staff to review the nature of the injuries and technical consultants to help prepare your case for trial or settlement. We are not afraid to go up against any responsible party for payment due – no matter how large, wealthy or powerful they appear to be.

We offer no-charge consultation and will be happy to discuss a potential claim involving injury and/or death from a boating accident. Victims of boating accidents and their families deserve compensation– and the best legal team to fight for them. However, any potential claim must be filed within the applicable Statutes of Limitation, which are very short. We can answer your questions about your claim and concerns about the time-frame in which to bring it. Don’t let the compensation you and your family may be entitled to lapse for failure to file your claim in a timely fashion. Please call today to discuss your potential boating accident claim at no cost to you.