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Hundreds of people turn to their boats for relaxation and fun each summer, whether they are enjoying the mighty Mississippi River or exploring all Forest Park and Creve Coeur Lake have to offer. Unfortunately, the popularity of boating also means that there are occasions where negligent actions put other people in danger.
If a day of relaxation turned into a boat accident for your family to endure, we want you to know that you do not have to handle what happens next alone. Our St. Louis boat accident lawyer can review your case and let you know if you may be eligible for personal injury compensation.
No one ever expects a boat accident to happen. Being out on the water is not a place we associate with tragedy, however, accidents can happen and frequently do. Knowing what to do after a boating accident is crucial for handling the aftermath and pursuing compensation if the other boater caused the accident. St. Louis, MO, has several “things to do” after an accident. For instance, you should:
When reporting a boat accident, you must remember to report within 48 hours if someone dies or is injured. You must report even a minor accident within five days. The report can be made to the Missouri State Water Patrol or Missouri State Highway Patrol by dialing *55 on your cell phone or 1-(800)-525-5555.
Following any accident resulting in injuries, promptly seek legal counsel to explore compensation options from the other boater, particularly if you feel they caused the incident. Seeking compensation may allow you to get help paying medical bills, lost wages, and/or future medical care.
Like car accidents, boaters can be held liable for an accident if it is proven they breached their duty of care to passengers, endangered others, or violated state boating laws. When pursuing liability, you must prove they exhibited negligent actions like boating while under the influence, speeding, or failing to yield. You can also seek compensation if the boater did not have proper training since Missouri boaters must have a boater safety ID, meaning they have completed an MSHP-approved boater safety course.
However, it all depends on the situation, as some incidents may require different types of evidence. This is why photos of the accident scene, your accident report, and other information are vital to most boat accidents. From your documents, a skilled legal team can tell you what evidence will help your case the most.
There are limitations on filing a claim against someone who has caused you harm, as in a boating accident. It falls under personal injury statutes, and Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120 states that victims have up to five years to file a lawsuit. However, some exceptions and circumstances may lengthen your time to make a claim, so please call a professional to confirm what the deadline should be.
At McCready Law, we work hard to get results for our clients. We can help you seek compensation for injuries or damage caused by a severe incident on the water. Therefore, when you are ready to see what your rights may be and what money you can recover from your accident, contact our St. Louis boat accident lawyers for a free consult. We will be waiting to hear from you.