With the warmest season upon us, you can expect to see more and more boats out on the water. Boating is a summer favorite, and many people enjoy taking boat rides and bringing their friends with them. Whether you鈥檙e fishing or just cruising along, boating is a widely recognized summer pastime. However, unfortunately, many boaters do not follow the boating rules and regulations as closely as regulations of the road when they are driving their automobiles. If you find yourself injured in a boating accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the most important boat safety rules and regulations?
If you are a boat owner, there are several things you must do in order to ensure your boat is safe before bringing others on board. Here are just some of the things you must consider before and after setting out:
- Ensure the through-hull connections are not leaking
- Check for prominent scrapes on the hull
- If the boat is in the water, ensure the vessel is not taking on water
- Always have working flares on board
- Always have the necessary safety equipment on board, such as personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, horns, backfire flame arrestor, and marine sanitation devices
- Do not operate your boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Always be aware of your surroundings and any other oncoming boats or debris
How do I know if I qualify for compensation?
If you were a passenger on a boat and were injured due to another party’s negligence, it is important you consider the circumstances when determining your course of action. If a boat owner was behaving negligently in any way, there is a good chance you will be entitled to compensation.
How may I prove another party鈥檚 negligence?
The best way to prove another party鈥檚 negligence will always be via picture or video. If you or someone else on board was able to capture the accident on camera, you stand a far greater chance in proving your claim. Additionally, it would help if any other passengers who witnessed the incident could verify your claim. Lastly, always seek medical attention after an accident, as you will receive the necessary paperwork regarding your medical condition. You may present this as additional proof of your claim. It is important to note that certain injuries take a couple of days to set in, so seeing a medical professional is almost always your best option.
Contact our New York firm
At Mark L. Bodner, P.C., we are committed to guiding clients through each step of the medical malpractice claims process. Our firm understands how traumatic it can be when you become a victim of medical malpractice. We are prepared to fight on your behalf to help you recover a maximum compensation award. Contact our firm today.