Accidents involving boats often result in very serious injuries. Boating accidents may be due to unintentional operator error. However, other factors may also play a part in causing boating accidents. Poorly designed boats and other boating equipment and negligent, dangerous drivers are responsible for causing some boating accidents. Evaluating all the possible causes of a serious accident is a job for an experienced boat accident lawyer.
Civil and criminal lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer when some type of failure of either the boat's machinery or its hull caused an accident. Boat accident lawsuits also can result when a boat operator causes an injury while operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or in some other negligent fashion.
After an accident, the US Coast Guard requires a boating accident
report be filed when:
A life is lost due to the accident.
Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid.
There is damage by or to the vessel and other property.
Any person on board a vessel disappears (under circumstances indicating possible death or injury).
Injury victims may also need an attorney's help in finding an appropriate medical specialist or pursuing a certain course of legal action.
