Taking a boat out to a beautiful lake or into the vast ocean is a thrilling adventure and can often be a beautiful experience. Going into your favorite lake or ocean with friends and family is a fabulous way to enjoy the day and make memories. Unfortunately, boating accidents happen every day, which is why it’s important to know what to do if you are ever involved in a boating accident.
Furthermore, filing a claim for injuries sustained in a boating accident can be complex. There are federal and state laws governing the waterways when there’s a boating accident, making boating accidents complicated legal matters. However, making a claim properly may be the only way to take care of your rights and protect your family. Working with a trusted Arizona boating accident lawyer is the best way to ensure you file your claim correctly so you can recover and get the maximum value of your negligent damages claim.
These steps you should take immediately after a boating accident to help protect youryou’re your family’s safety and the legal requirements so you will help rather than harm the more complex “nautical” personal injury claim(s) of all involved.
The first priority should be to ensure everyone’s safety. Boating accidents can result in severe injuries and drownings.
Being out in the water is vastly different from a car accident. Depending on the amount of damage, there is a risk of the boat sinking. Unlike a car accident, there’s no way to walk away from the accident or find help, which is why it’s essential to get back to shore as soon as possible.
When a boating accident occurs, call for help as soon as possible. It’s imperative to call for help if there are injuries involved so that dispatch can provide immediate care as soon as you arrive at the shore. This initial report will be essential to determining liability during an insurance claim. Also, some Arizona lakes share shorelines with California, Nevada or Utah, so the jurisdiction of the boating accident claim can be tricky without legal guidance.
Once everyone is safe and getting the first aid or other help they need, it’s vital to exchange information with the others involved in the accident, even more so than an auto accident, because of the difficulty of tracking down the adverse boater and finding the eyewitnesses later. This information is needed for insurance companies when filing a claim for any injuries and later if no settlement is reached.
After the accident, you will need to contact your boat and medical and perhaps other insurance company/companies and provide them with information about the accident. This is where the contact information and the report you filed after the accident will need to be presented.
Boating accidents can be scary and overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. They are technically more challenging than auto collisions and law enforcement investigations and reports may be lacking. The injuries sustained may be more extreme and traumatic in a boating accident. Victims of boating accidents may be facing life-changing injuries plus costly medical bills. These victims may still be able to obtain fair financial compensation for their injuries, but it can be more difficult. An attorney who knows boating accident law can do what is needed to ensure you obtain the maximum amount available for your boating negligence claim.
A skilled Arizona personal injury lawyer is your first line of defense after sustaining an injury in a boating accident. Victims of boating accidents may suffer severe injuries that result in costly medical bills. A personal injury claim is your best option for recovering compensation for your injuries. The boating negligence claim can quickly become complicated. Remember two things: (1) call us ASAP, as the evidence in a boating case disappears fast, and (2) our legal fees are the same if you hire us sooner than later, so take advantage of getting more of our legal work for your case at no extra cost because we will start immediately and spend more hours for you.
At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, we know that the legal process of filing a claim can be a handful, especially if you are trying to recover from an injury. Our specialist attorneys have the experience and knowledge to tackle your boating accident claim, regardless of how challenging your claim may be. You can schedule a consultation to discuss your situation with us today at (928) 778-2660 or fill out our contact form.