What Happens If You're in a Boat Accident?
If you have ever been on a boat or been in an accident you'll understand how terrifying it can be. Fortunately, many of these accidents can be avoided by following safety procedures.
Contact an attorney as quickly as you can if someone you know was injured in an accident on the water. They can assist you with obtaining compensation from the parties responsible.
Grounding
If you're involved in a boating accident, it can be a very emotional experience. There are a lot of possible causes for a boating accident and you might be unsure of what transpired.
One of the most common accidents that occur is when a boat runs aground. This can be due to various reasons, including not knowing where shallow water is or not staying away from areas with rocks and sandbars.
A boat that is aground can cause severe damage to its hull. It could also cause passengers to be trapped on the vessel or at risk of falling out.
The Coast Guard estimates that groundings are the fourth-most common kind of marine accident. They say that even experienced boaters could run aground, and it's important to be aware of what you should do if you find yourself in this kind of situation.
There are many ways to remove your boat from the ground. First reverse your boat and attempt to push it off of the bottom. This is especially useful for boats with an engine of a significant size that can lift the bow or stern.
A small, light anchor known as a kedge is another option. This anchor can be carried out using the PFD (personal flotation device) or flotation device to aid it.
Once the kedge is set, you will be able to use it to lift your boat from the ground. This is usually quicker than trying to reverse your boat, or trying to lift it off of the bottom.
If you're unable reverse your boat or lift it off of the bottom, you can always get help from commercial towers. It will cost you an average of $150 per hour to call commercial towers.
The Coast Guard recommends that boaters examine charts of the waters they are currently located as well as tide tables for the next high tide to avoid getting grounded. This could make a huge difference in the need to call for help.
Falling Overboard
The risk of falling overboard is one of the most hazardous aspects of a boating accident. This is true especially if you are unfamiliar with the water, or if you don't wear a lifejacket. There are many reasons people may fall off the boat and drown, but negligence or intoxication, as well as bad weather are three of the most common causes.
The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and avoid panic. This will help rescuers to locate you and bring you back on board the vessel.
It's important to get as many crew members involved in the process of recovery as possible. This will ensure that everyone is well-informed about what to do and the equipment that is required.
Learn to do crew-overboard drills with your vessel at least once per year, or perhaps two times, if not more often. These drills will help you be prepared to react quickly when situations arise.
If a person is swept into the water, the first person to see them should shout "Man Overboard!" and then broadcast the message to everyone within a reasonable distance, even if they were not present at the time. This will ensure that everyone aboard the vessel is aware of the situation and is ready to assist in an emergency rescue.
If there is a swim platform or boarding ladder is available, the victim should be taken on board as soon as possible. If your boat does not have a boarding or swim platform, or ladder, a rope lashing can be used to remove the overboard victim from the water.
While the person who has fallen overboard is being rescued, they must stay relaxed and calm to increase the chance of survival. This will prevent the condition that is commonly known as cold shock, which can cause an unintentional gasp or drowning.
The person who is overboard must be kept in sight constantly to prevent them from sinking under water or losing consciousness. This is especially important when you suspect that the victim might have been drinking alcohol which could cause them to lose their balance and increase their chances of falling overboard.
Once the victim of an overboard incident is on the surface of the water, the helmsman must turn the vessel hard and quickly move to the side that the incident occurred and then make an elliptical or an Williamson turn. This will allow them to circle around the victim and pick him or her up. It could take some time, but it is necessary to help speed the rescue of those who have fallen into the water.
Injuries resulting from the malfunctioning engine of a boat
Boats are a wonderful option to spend time on the water, but they are also dangerous. There are many things that could cause an accident on the water, including insufficient equipment or weather conditions that are hazardous, as well as human mistakes.
A malfunctioning engine on a boat can cause injuries to passengers and other passengers on the vessel. If the engine emits harmful carbon monoxide gasses, it could cause poisoning to passengers or even cause death. It is important that your boat is maintained properly.
Broken bones are a frequent injury that occurs in boat accidents. boat accident attorney near me of these injuries result from someone falling overboard. The boat may be damaged by a fractured bone. Other injuries can be more severe and involve the head.
A boat accident can cause serious burns. Burns can cause severe pain, scarring, and permanent disability.
The burns can affect the victim's quality of life and limit their ability to perform normal activities. Some sufferers are left with permanent scars, while some suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after a burn injury.
Recent boat explosions in Missouri have revealed how hazardous a vessel that is not functioning properly could be. Injuries that result from a boat explosion can include severe burns, spinal cord injuries and other injuries.
The majority of boating accidents could be avoided by proper planning and safety precautions. Wearing a life jacket is among the most important safety measures. Another option is to make sure that everyone in the boat is sitting securely prior to starting the engine. Utilizing an automatic engine cut-off switch is a great idea when you are on the water with no one else.
These steps are easy to follow, but there are instances when they can be ignored. This includes boating in the rain or when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
Fortunately the injuries can be avoided, but they can still be extremely painful and potentially life-changing. If you've suffered an injury in a boating accident You should consult an experienced attorney to learn more about your options.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident on the boat and you are concerned about the injuries, make sure that all your requirements are addressed in the earliest time possible. Injuries sustained in a boating accident could be life-threatening, which is why it is important to make it to shore and see the doctor as soon as you can.
If your injuries aren't serious it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. This will ensure that you do not end with more severe injuries later which could result in permanent disability, or even death.
Make a Headcount and gather Information
It is essential to know the names of those on board the vessel at the time of the accident. This information will be helpful for future insurance claims and civil suits.
It is also advisable to request the names, contact information and ID cards of all other passengers who were on the ship. This information will be valuable in proving damages in court and securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Report the Accident
Texas law requires all accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $2,000 to be reported as quickly as possible. This is essential to ensuring that you are able to make a claim to be compensated which can be vital in the event that your claim is denied by the insurance company.
It is a good idea to take photographs of the accident, the damaged vessel and any other factors you believe could be useful in your legal case. This also gives you the chance to gather any witness statements that could be relevant.
Contact an attorney for personal injury in case you're unsure of how to document a boat accident. They can help you navigate the process, and help you gather evidence that is crucial to your case.
In addition to physical injuries Boating accidents' victims are also prone to emotional trauma and mental stress. This can lead to PTSD and other issues. Contacting an Austin personal injury attorney as soon as you can after the incident is a great idea to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that all necessary evidence is collected.