With nice summer weather comes the desire to be outdoors and indulge in water-related activities. For some people, this involved taking out their boat that has been covered all winter. While this can be exciting for boat owners, it is important to know that boats can be dangerous if they are not used correctly. This involves taking care of the boat as well. If they fail to do so, an accident can happen that can cause serious, life-changing injuries to a person. This is why all people need to be careful when they are on or around a boat.
Boat owners have an obligation to keep the vehicle in good condition before it even goes near the water. This ensures that it will function properly when it is supposed to. If a person becomes injured as a result of the owner’s negligence while on the water, they can be held liable. When this happens, the injured party may be eligible to receive compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and more.
What is Boating Negligence?
Once a boat is in proper condition to hit the water, it is up to the owner to make sure they implement the right safety precautions. This ensures that those who are on and near it cannot be harmed. A boat owner may be negligent for the following:
- If he or she is not an experienced boater
- If he or she collides with another object because of inattentiveness, drowsiness, etc.
- If he or she does not provide proper safety equipment on board and someone becomes injured as a result
- If he or she operates the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If he or she causes an injury due to speeding
Recovering Compensation
When a person becomes injured due to the negligence of a boat owner, they may want to hold that person responsible for their injuries and the damages incurred as a result. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit. This requires the injured party to prove negligence by satisfying the burden of proof. This can be done with evidence that shows the owner’s poor behavior was the direct cause of the accident and the injuries sustained. Evidence may be pictures or videos of the scene, medical documentation of the injuries, and any witnesses.
It is important to be careful using social media after a personal injury accident. This is because insurance companies sometimes watch a victim’s social presence after the accident to see if they say anything to invalidate their claim.
Contact our Firm
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
