Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Boating Accidents in North Carolina
Summer is here and that means an increase in boating in North Carolina. Whether on a lake, river, or the ocean, boats are a popular way to spend the hot days of summer. With many boats on the waterways, accidents occur frequently. Many times, they are minor but a major accident could cause serious or life-threatening injuries. When that happens, you may need to take legal action to seek compensation for your resulting medical bills and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you get the money you deserve.
What Causes Boating Accidents?
Just as with auto accidents, there are many reasons why boating accidents happen. Some of the most common causes include speeding, mechanical failure, operator inexperience, poor weather conditions, and boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. BUI happens frequently because many people use their boats for recreation and may drink or do drugs while aboard. Impairment occurs on the water, just as on land and may result in recklessness. A boat operator could face criminal charges for boating while intoxicated.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission plays a role in the reporting and investigation of boating accidents. Boaters are required by law to report a boating accident anytime an incident or accident results in a serious personal injury, death, or disappearance. In addition, you must report any accident that causes property damage of more than $2,000. You must file a report within ten days. In the case of a death or disappearance, you must make the report immediately and no later than 48 hours after the incident. They provide a 24-hour reporting phone number (800) 662-7137 to report boating accidents.
Investigating Boat Accidents
An investigation will need to be completed to determine the cause of a boat crash. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will conduct an investigation after it receives an accident report. They will review the details of the case and speak to operators and witnesses. It may be necessary to conduct an independent investigation into the accident. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will help guide the process as well as gather the necessary documentation required for legal action if needed.
What to Do if You Were Hurt in a Boating Accident
If you were seriously hurt in a boating accident, you could be owed money for your injuries. Severe injuries may require hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long recovery periods. The costs for these medical services can be astronomical. The negligent party may be responsible for paying your medical bills, along with other damages such as money for pain and suffering and lost wages. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident and keep copies of your medical records and bills. Contact a personal injury attorney to assist you, and take note that if you need to file a lawsuit, you must do so within three years of the injury.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a boating accident, you may need to file a claim. Contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to request a consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.ncwildlife.gov/boating/laws-safety
https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/html/BySection/Chapter_1/GS_1-52.html
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/boat-1370911
See Our Related Video from our YouTube channel:
See Our Related Blog Posts: