What Happens If You're in a Boat Accident?
If you have ever been on a vessel or in an accident, you will know how terrifying it can be. Fortunately, the majority of these accidents can be avoided by following the proper safety guidelines.
If you or a loved one is injured during a boating accident, it's important to contact an attorney immediately. They can assist you in recovering compensation from the party responsible.
Grounding
It is a terrifying experience to be involved in a boating accident. You may not know the exact cause of the incident because there are so many things that could happen.
A boat that is in the water is among the most common accidents. This can be due to a number of reasons, including not knowing where shallow water is or not staying clear of areas that contain rocks and sandbars.
A boat that runs aground can cause significant damage to its hull. It can also result in passengers being stuck on the boat or at risk of falling overboard which is a very dangerous situation.
The Coast Guard estimates that groundings are the fourth most frequently occurring type of marine accident. Even experienced boaters may run over the side of the boat. It is important to be prepared in case this occurs.
There are several ways to lift your boat off the ground. You can first try to reverse your boat, then push it away from the bottom. This is especially helpful for boats with a large engine that can lift the bow or stern.
An extremely light anchor, also referred to as a kedge is another option. You can typically take this anchor out to the spot where your boat is, using a PFD or flotation device to provide support for the anchor.
Once the anchor is set, you can then use it to pull your boat out of the ground. This is usually faster than trying to reverse your boat, or trying to pull it off the bottom.
You can contact an commercial tower for help if you cannot reverse your boat or even push it off the bottom. It will cost you $150 per hour, on average, but it's well worth it for the chance to get back on shore.
To prevent grounding to avoid grounding Coast Guard advises boaters to review a chart of the waters they are in, as well as tide tables for the next high tide. This could make a major difference in whether you have to call for help.
Falling Overboard
One of the most risky aspects of a boating accident is slipping overboard. This is especially true if you're experienced in the water or even if you're not wearing a lifejacket. There are several reasons that people could fall overboard and drown, however carelessness, bad weather and intoxication are three of the most common causes.
The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and avoid get anxious. This will make it easier for rescuers to locate your location and return you on board the vessel.
It's a good idea for as many crew members to participate in the recovery as possible. This will ensure that everyone is aware of what to do and what equipment is needed.
At least once a year, or two times a year, if you can, practice crew-overboard drills. These drills will allow you to understand how to respond quickly when a situation arises.
If a person falls into the water, the first person to spot them should shout "Man Overboard!" and then broadcast the message to all within hearing distance, even if the person was not present at the time. This ensures that everyone on the vessel is aware about the incident 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 is possible. If your boat does not have a swim platform or boarding ladder, a rope lashing can be used to remove the victim who was overboard out of the water.
While the overboard victim is being rescued, they should stay relaxed and calm to increase the chance of survival. This will prevent the common ailment known as cold shock, which can result in an accidental gasp or drowning.
The person who was overboard should be visible always to prevent them from sinking under water or losing consciousness. This is particularly important if the victim has consumed alcohol, which could make them lose their sense of balance and increase the likelihood of falling overboard.
After the person who fell overboard is on the surface of the water, the helmsman must turn the boat hard and quickly towards the side where the incident occurred in an elliptical or a Williamson turn. This will allow them to circle around the overboard victim to help him or her up. This could take some time but it's essential to accelerate the process of locating and helping someone who's fallen overboard.
Injury from a malfunctioning boat Engine
Boats are usually a great option to spend time on the water with family and friends however, they can be risky. Boat accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, such as equipment malfunctions bad weather, or human mistakes.
A malfunctioning engine on a vessel can cause injuries to passengers and other passengers onboard. If the engine emits harmful carbon monoxide fumes, it could poison passengers or even cause death. It is vital that your boat is maintained in a safe manner.
Broken bones are a frequent injury that occurs in boat accidents. Most of these injuries happen when a person falls off the boat. The boat could be damaged by a fractured bone. Other injuries can be more serious and involve the head.
Serious burns are yet another type of injury that can occur in boat accidents. These burns can cause extreme pain and scarring, and they can lead to long-term disability.
Burns can also impact the victim's ability to carry out their normal activities and improve their quality of life. After an injury to the burn, some victims will suffer permanent scars. Others may suffer from post-traumatic disorder.
A recent explosion on a boat in Missouri exposed just how risky a malfunctioning boat could be. A boat accident can result in severe burns, spinal injuries and other injuries.
Most boating accidents are preventable by careful planning and taking safety precautions. Wearing life jackets is one of the most important safety precautions. Another thing to do is ensure that everyone in the boat is seated securely before you start up the engine. If you are on the water, it's best to have an automatic shut-off switch for your engine.
These rules are easy to observe but there are instances when they may be overlooked. These include boating in bad weather or when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
These injuries can be prevented but they can be painful and life-altering. If you've suffered a serious injury as a result of an accident on the water and you are in need of an experienced attorney to find out more about your options.
Contact Us
If you or someone close to you has been injured as a result of an accident on the water, it's essential that you get your needs addressed as quickly as you can. Injuries sustained during accidents on boats can be life-threatening, which is why it is essential to get to shore and see a doctor as quickly as you can.
It is crucial to seek medical attention as quickly as you can, even if the injuries aren't severe. This will ensure that you don't end having more severe injuries later, which can lead to permanent disability, or even death.
Take a Headcount and Gather Information
Regardless of how you got into the boat accident it is vital to determine who was on the boat at the time of the accident. boating accident lawyer near me can be beneficial in the event of insurance claims and civil lawsuits later on.
It is also advisable to inquire about the names, contact numbers and ID cards of any passengers on the ship. This information will be valuable when it comes to proving damages in court and securing compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses.
Report the Accident
Texas law requires that all accidents resulting in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $2,000 must be reported to authorities as soon as is possible. It is crucial to do this in order to file a claim with the insurance company of the party at the fault.
It is recommended to take photos of the boating accident as well as the damaged vessel and any other details you believe could be helpful in your legal case. This will also give you the opportunity to gather any witness statements that may be relevant.
If you are unsure of how to document the boat accident, it is a good idea to talk to an attorney for personal injury. They can guide you through the process, and help you gather evidence that is essential to your case.
In addition to physical injuries caused by a boating accident, victims also suffer from emotional trauma and mental anguish. This can result in PTSD and other issues. It is a good idea to contact an Austin personal injury lawyer immediately after the incident to make sure that your legal rights are protected and that all the necessary evidence is collected.