Be Careful While Operating Your Vessel To Avoid A Boating Accident
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
Car crashes, trucking accidents, and automotive recalls usually gain the most attention from news outlets. Roads in Florida, as well as the rest of our great nation, can become jam-packed with traffic at a moment's notice. It is not uncommon for a person to be driving along at top speed, only to have to bring their car to a screeching halt before they know it. Most folks understand that when there is a battle between flesh, bone, and metal that the harder substance usually wins the fight. Participants are left with broken bones, cuts, and countless other injuries that require medical attention. Luckily, paramedics and other emergency personnel tend to show up quickly to treat the wounds. However, when a person is involved in a boating accident help is not always so readily available. People take their vessels out for different reasons. Some boat owners go fishing while others just water ski, play, and have fun. Regardless of why they are out on the water, colliding with another craft is a real possibility and one that can have catastrophic consequences. The most prominent concern after a crash is that the boat will sink. Do a visual inspection before leaving the port to ensure that the craft is seaworthy. Make sure that there are enough life-jackets for everyone that is going to be on board, and keep a well-stocked first aid kit so that medical attention can be given whenever the need arises. All of the running lights should be in working order, and double check the plug before putting the boat in the water.
If an accident occurs, make every effort to provide first aid to those participants with injuries. It is imperative to remember to stay calm. Much like road rage, the same events can happen out on the water, and getting into an altercation is the last thing that anyone needs. Contact the coast guard, 911, or another appropriate emergency service for help. If the other vessel is taking on water and sinking, transfer the occupants onto your boat and carry them safely to shore. People may even want to tow the other craft with them, but this action could result in damages being inflicted on their boat, which may cause it to sink too. Victims that fall in the water can face hypothermia from the chilly water, or they might even accidentally drown.
Do you live in North Port, Ft. Meyers, or another surrounding area? Were you involved in a boating accident that left you with injuries? If you answered yes to these questions, give our office a call for a free case review. You may be entitled to a fair amount of compensation for your damages. Medical bills can pile up quickly while trying to recover, especially if you have to miss a substantial amount work. Don't get left holding the bag for expenses that you did not cause. For more than 30-years our attorney has represented clients, helping them obtain the settlements that they deserve, and if given the opportunity, he will be happy to do the same for you.