What You Need To Know If You Are Injured In A Boating Accident
If you have received injuries from a boating accident, that was the fault of someone else, you will need to know the following key points. This way, should you decide to take legal action, you will be prepared.
The Cause Of The Accident
While you may not be able to blame another boat operator if the cause of the accident was related to the weather, you can still seek compensation from the insurance company for your injuries and damages to your boat. Of course, if there were other factors involved, such as the consumption of alcohol, distractions on the other boat, or a failure of their equipment, it is important to know this. This way, you can talk with your attorney regarding the best course of action.
The Full Extent Of Your Injuries
Sometimes, the full extent of your injuries may not be known for a few days or weeks after the boating accident. For example, back or neck problems may not be noticeable for several weeks after the accident. Make sure that you are attending all of your scheduled appointments with your primary care doctor and the specialists that you may be referred to. It is important to make sure that all of your pains, problems, and methods of treatment are well documented. Whether you are simply suffering from whiplash or a broken bone, it will need to be clearly referenced in the medical records that will be gathered for legal proceedings.
You Will Need Witnesses
It may be difficult for someone who just showed up to the scene of a boating accident to determine who caused the collision. After all, it is not as though there are lines or barriers in the water for traffic like there is on the roads. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you are getting in touch with everyone who could be a witness to the events that lead up to the accident. They may be able to simply write a statement and that can be taken to court, or they may be asked to testify in person. Do not make the mistake of assuming that it is not worth the inconvenience to ask people to help you, because their witness statements can make or break your case.
With all of this in mind, you will also need to spend time finding the best possible legal representation you can get. Ask a lot of questions during the consultation in order to ensure that the attorney you are talking with is one that has plenty of experience with similar types of cases.