While boating offers a fun method of travel and recreation, without proper care, boaters can cause accidents that result in severe injuries. When a boater chooses to operate a vessel while intoxicated or drive recklessly, they endanger the lives of everyone around them. According to the American Boating Association (ABA), there were approximately 4,168 boating accidents in 2019.
If you or a loved one got injured in a boating accident, you can recover compensation. However, navigating the claims process can be difficult, especially if the liable party does not have adequate insurance coverage. It can also be complicated if you do not know the exact cause of your accident.
An Andrew boating accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can review maritime laws as they affect your case and work to get you the money you deserve. They can prove how another party’s negligence resulted in your injuries and plan a course of legal action on your behalf.
Let Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers handle your case. When you reach out to our law firm today, we can provide you with a free case review. To learn more about how our boating accident team can help you, dial (337) 777-7777.
Examples of Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a study in 2019 that outlined some of the common causes of boating accidents. The cause of your accident will give your lawyer insight into who can be held financially accountable for your damages.
Some causes of your boating accident may include:
Colliding with Another Boat or Fixed Object
A boat may collide with another object if the vessel is moving too fast, or the operator is not paying attention. Boat collisions can result in serious injuries, including burns, broken bones, and near-fatal drowning. An operator who has little to no experience operating a boat may not have the skills to prevent an accident from happening.
Explosions
Leaking fuel tanks and flammable gas can result in a boat exploding. This can result in severe burns that require immediate medical attention. If this happened in your situation, liability may rest on the boat’s manufacturer or attending mechanic.
Capsizing or Sinking
Your boat may have capsized or sunk, depending on the nature of your accident. This may have happened because you ran into shallow waters or collided with another object. Liability, in this case, will rest on the details of your situation. If there were no signs that alerted you to an unsafe area, and that site was under the control of a government agency, you could have a case against the party responsible for maintaining the premises.
However, if your accident directly stemmed from the actions of another boater, then you may be able to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation. An Andrew boating accident lawyer can review your case and determine what options you have for recovering compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a boating accident lawyer serving Andrew, call (337) 777-7777
What Not to Do After a Boating Accident
Many injured parties in boating accidents are unsure of what they should do following the incident. The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months following your accident will influence the outcome of your personal injury case.
Following a boating accident, you should avoid:
Admitting Fault for the Accident
Many people knowingly (or unknowingly) admit that the accident was their fault. Any statements that could be interpreted into an admission of fault can be later used against you. It could also give the other party’s insurance company grounds for denying your claim. If the liable insurance company tries to speak to you directly, or asks you to give a recorded statement, refer them to your legal team.
Failing To Seek Medical Attention
You should go to the hospital or visit a doctor’s office after a boating accident. Not getting medical attention puts your health at risk because there are many injuries you may not know you have sustained. Additionally, speaking with a health care provider can work to connect your injuries to the event that caused them. Your medical bills, imaging scan results, and the dates of follow-up appointments can be used to supplement your case.
Failing To Report Your Accident
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, you will need to report your boating accident if the incident resulted in any injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $500. You will need to include your name, address, and the identifying number of your vessel in writing. Again, this could work to tie your injuries and property damage to the accident.
After a boat accident, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. A member of our team can explain what actions can support your case for compensation. To learn more about working with an Andrew boating accident lawyer, dial (337) 777-7777.
Andrew Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
How an Andrew Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Your lawyer will evaluate the evidence and facts of your case to determine your eligibility for pursuing a civil action. They can also explain what recoverable damages you may be able to collect.
Your lawyer will:
- Manage the paperwork and filing in your case
- Explain your legal options as they become available
- Itemize your accident-related losses
- Notify the liable party of your legal intentions
- Interview witnesses to the accident
- Consult with field experts to learn more about your boat, accident, and injuries
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company
- Prepare your case for court, if needed
Your lawyer can also explain what bearing Louisiana’s statute of limitations may have on your case.
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Start a Free Case Review with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
When you team up with an Andrew boating accident lawyer, they can employ a variety of legal measures to recover compensation for your damages. Whether you were injured or lost a loved one as a result of a boating accident, we encourage you to reach out to our team today. To get started with a free, no-risk case review, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777.
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