9 July 2020
 Categories: , Blog

Boating can be a great way to enjoy the warm weather during the summer, but boating accidents do happen out on the water. While many people are familiar with the laws regarding car accidents, boating accidents are completely different and require most people to get a better understanding of the law. This is what you need to know when it comes to liability in a boating accident.

How Do General Negligence Laws Apply?

Most boating accidents fall under general negligence law rather than a specific set of laws gears towards boaters. This means that anyone that is injured on a boat and looking to seek compensation must look at several factors. Was the person operating the boat using reasonable care? Did not using reasonable care lead to an injury? Did that injury cause damages that can be calculated in the form of medical bills, lost wages, and things of that nature? These questions will let you know if you have a case on your hands for a personal injury lawsuit. 

Does No-Fault Insurance Apply To Boats?

If you live in a state with no-fault insurance, you may assume that the same laws apply to boat accidents that cause an injury. These no-fault laws do not apply to boat accidents, which means another boat operator can be found liable for any injury that they cause. This would mainly apply if one boat were to hit another boat, where you need to look at the boating laws and who had the right of way, or who was operating their boat without reasonable care.

Do You Have To Report A Boating Accident?

A boating accident is going to be a bit different than a car accident because you cannot exactly call the police to the scene and make a report. There are actually laws that make it mandatory to report accidents that happen while out in the water on a boat. You may need to report the incident to the local coastguard, as well as fill out a formal report about the incident.

Do You Need A Lawyer To Handle A Boat Accident Related Injury? 

Chances are that you are completely unfamiliar with the laws regarding boat accidents and personal injuries. If you do find yourself in this situation, be sure to reach out to a lawyer to help handle the case for you. They'll be able to look up your local laws so that they know the proper steps to take for you to receive the compensation you deserve.

For more information, contact a boat accident lawyer today.