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Any accident involving a water-going vessel such as a ferry, ship, boat or personal watercraft is considered a boating accident. Accidents may include collisions, capsizings, sinkings, passengers overboard, and explosions/fires.
A personal watercraft is defined as a vessel that utilizes an inboard motor to power a watercraft that is operated by an individual in a kneeling, sitting or standing position. Personal watercrafts include vessels such as jet skis.
Maritime law governs the transportation of people and goods on navigable waters. Navigable waters generally include oceans as well as large lakes and rivers that are used for interstate commerce. If a boat accident occurs on navigable waters, maritime law determines the grounds and process for related legal claims.
Most boating and maritime regulations require boating accidents to be reported to local authorities or the U.S. Coast Guard if:
Depending on the severity of the accident, you should contact the appropriate authorities and request emergency medical responders. After attending to any injuries, you should gather pertinent information including:
Document as much as possible about the circumstances and effects of the accident, including taking photographs and video if possible. Do not admit fault or make statements to insurance companies representing other involved boat operators.
Follow the steps above, preserving as much evidence and information as possible, and contact the experienced Little Rock boating accident lawyers at the Duncan Firm for a free case consultation by filling out the form on this page or calling 877-638-6226.
Compensation in boating accident lawsuits is similar to that in other personal injury accident cases and may include money for:
