Given the beautiful weather that Florida and many other parts of the world experience all year long, it should come as no surprise that thousands of boating accidents take place on a yearly basis. Some of the accidents that occur result in serious injuries, while others end in fatalities. That said, accident victims and/or their families should let an attorney at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. assist them with their cases to ensure that their rights are properly preserved.
Sometimes, victims are not only left to deal with their injuries, but they are also often faced with the task of trying to determine their next course of action all on their own. But accident victims do not have to try to handle their issues themselves. As a firm that has handled numerous vessel accident cases for clients, we are quite familiar with some of the more common questions that are on the minds of many accident victims. The following information is provided to give accident victims and their loved ones an idea of how the law works with regard to vessel accidents, as well as their rights and responsibilities under the law.
What Types of Occurrences Can Be Considered “Boating Accidents?”
Typically, a boating or vessel accident involves an accident or injury that takes place on a ship, boat or other type of water vessel. For instance, an accident that takes place on a ship could involve injuries that were sustained by a passenger due to the negligence of a ship worker. Another type of accident might involve someone who was recklessly operating a boat or other water vehicle.
To be clear, the U.S. Coast Guard notes that a boating accident has occurred when either an individual on a vessel dies or becomes hurt beyond that which first aid can repair; an individual who is on a vessel disappears and it is presumed that the individual has either died or has been injured; or a vessel incurs damage or causes damage to other property. If any one of these scenarios fit your situation, you are encouraged to contact a boating accident lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. right away.
What Do I Need to Do After an Accident on the Water?
An accident report will need to be submitted whenever there’s an accident in which an individual dies; a person is hurt such that he or she requires medical treatment beyond simple first aid; a vessel is completely lost; someone disappears and the circumstances indicate that he or she may be either injured or dead; or there is damage to the vessel and/or property that is more than $2000.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Boating Accidents?
The short answer is “yes.” However, the statute of limitations will depend on where the accident took place and whether or not it will be subject to state laws or federal maritime laws. That is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident has occurred in order to ensure that any applicable time limitations do not expire.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident on the water, let an experienced legal professional at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. help you with your case.
