FOLLOW US ON
Whether you are boating professionally or recreationally, you could be at risk of a major accident. Just like the highways and roadways, some rules keep boaters safe on the water. When a boat owner or operator fails to observe those rules, it can lead to serious injuries and expensive medical bills. A respected personal injury attorney may be able to offer support with recovering damages.
Many people wonder what remedies they may have after a boat crash. An Aurora boat accident lawyer could help you by reviewing your claim and providing you with information about your potential remedies.
For another boat operator or owner to be liable in a boating accident, they must have breached a duty of care towards others on the water. Generally, this means being negligent, though reckless or intentional behavior will also lead to liability.
One of the leading causes of boating accidents is a lack of safety training. Many people operate boats without fully understanding water safety rules. Most people involved in boating accidents are relatively young—usually between the ages of 20 and 40. Their lack of experience could cause them to do something that is considered dangerous – which might make them liable if the worst happens.
In addition to understanding how to operate the vehicle, operators should know boat safety rules and maritime law. Maritime law covers important information like right-of-way, when to yield, and how to operate a vehicle safely. Boater safety training also covers additional information, like the suggested safety equipment for boaters. Of course, just like other vehicle operators, boaters should follow speed limits and any other posted signs or regulations. A boat accident lawyer’s first job will be to look for these signs of negligence in an Aurora crash.
One of the most reckless things an operator can do is operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Just like operating a motor vehicle on the roadways, the law limits people to a blood alcohol content below .08 to legally operate a boat. It also prohibits people from being under the influence of illegal drugs and some legal drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, that warn people that they can impact safe vehicle operations.
Boats can lead to three main types of injuries—impact injuries, water injuries, and burn injuries. Impact injuries happen because of the force of the boating accident. Generally, boaters and their passengers are unrestrained in the vehicle. Even a moderate impact can lead to people falling, hitting objects, and sustaining injuries like bruises, contusions, soft-tissue damage, broken bones, and head injuries.
Impacts can also lead to people being ejected from the boat into the water. Many people think of hitting the water as no big deal, forgetting that the surface tension of water means that hitting it at a high enough speed can be similar to hitting concrete. That can lead to head and neck injuries, spinal injuries, and even paralysis. Once a person is in the water, they are at risk of hypothermia and drowning.
Since boats are surrounded by water, it may seem counterintuitive that fire is a considerable risk. However, fires are a massive cause of injuries on boats. Passengers may struggle to put out a fire, especially in the confusion following an accident. If left unchecked, the fire can cause burn injuries and even contribute to the risk of an explosion.
While some injuries are more common than others, a boat accident can lead to almost any type of injury. To get compensation for those injuries, a lawyer in Aurora needs to establish a clear connection between the boat accident and the harm that you sustained.
Getting injured in a boating accident can be a traumatic and frightening experience. Just like with a car wreck, the first step is to contact 911 and request first responders to care for any people injured on the scene. You should consult with an Aurora boat accident lawyer to ensure you know all of your potential rights and remedies. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.