With summer weather approaching, people in the state of New York are looking for ways to get out of the house. For many people, this can include taking their boat out onto the water. This can be a fun and exciting activity but it is important to remember that it can also be dangerous. Boats are vehicles just like cars, which is why they should be operated safely to avoid causing an accident. If the person who owns the boat does not take care of it or is negligent in driving it, accidents can happen that have the potential to cause life-changing injuries. Injured parties can pursue legal action against a boat owner with the assistance of an experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
What is Boating Negligence?
It is the job of a boat owner to make sure the right safety precautions are implemented while the vehicle is on the water. This is done to ensure the safety of those on and around the boat. A boat owner may be negligent for the following:
- If he or she is not an experienced boater
- If he or she collides with another object because of inattentiveness, drowsiness, etc.
- If he or she does not provide proper safety equipment on board and someone becomes injured as a result
- If he or she operates the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If he or she causes an injury due to speeding
How Can Boat Owners Prevent Accidents?
When a person owns a boat, they take on certain responsibilities to keep their boat in good condition. This ensures that accidents cannot happen once the boat hits the water. The following are some of the things a boat owner should look out for:
- Any signs of blade pitting should be immediately addressed
- Be sure the vessel is not taking on water
- Check for scrapes on the hull
- Ensure the through-hull connections are not leaking
- Closely check the transom, cockpit, gunwales, and the outer edge of the bow
- Keep working flares on board in case of an emergency
- Make sure the anchor is firmly attached to the boat and has enough length of ground tackle
- Always keep an operating manual for the boat radio and engine on board
- Keep all safety equipment on board. This can include fire extinguishers, personal flotation devices, ventilation, backfire flame arrestor, sound-producing devices, and marine sanitation devices
- Keep important documents such as accident report forms, owner contact information, an updated registration decal, marine towing membership card, Certificate of Number, and vessel registration
Recovering Compensation
When a person becomes injured due to the negligence of a boat owner, they may want to hold them liable for their injuries and damages incurred. This is possible through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit. It is important to know that this requires the injured party to prove negligence by satisfying the burden of proof. This can be done with evidence that backs up the claim that the boat owner’s behavior directly caused the accident to happen, thus leading to their injuries. Evidence may be pictures or videos of the scene, medical documentation of the injuries, and any witnesses.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.