Boating is one of the most common summer activities. With that being said, it is important to take precautions to prevent accidents. Read on and reach out to one of our skilled personal injury attorneys in Baltimore County.
How can I prevent a boating accident?
There are several steps you should take when preparing and operating your boat in order to ensure optimal safety. They include, and are not limited to, the following:
- Look for scrapes on the hull
- Any indications of blade pitting should be immediately addressed
- If the boat is in the water, be sure the vessel is not taking in water
- Ensure the through-hull connections are not leaking
- Closely check the transom, cockpit, gunwales, and the outer edge of the bow
- Always keep working flares on board in case of an emergency
- Make sure the anchor is firmly attached to the boat and has enough length of ground tackle
- Always keep an operating manual for the boat radio and engine on board
- Make sure you have all other required safety equipment on board including fire extinguishers, personal flotation devices, ventilation, backfire flame arrestor, sound-producing devices, and marine sanitation devices
- Some of the documents you must have on you include accident report forms, owner contact information, an updated registration decal, marine towing membership card, Certificate of Number, and vessel registration
What are my legal options if I was injured in a boat?
If you were hurt on a boat as a result due to another boat owner’s negligence, may want to consider your legal options. However, in order to obtain the compensation you need to heal, you will need to provide proof of negligence. To accomplish this, be sure to take the following steps:
- Call 911- The police can dispatch an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, and more.
- Seek medical attention- Be sure to go to the hospital, your doctor, or an urgent care facility right after an accident. This will confirm that your injuries are adequately treated while simultaneously supplying you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries. Be sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any applicable medical documents.
- Document the scene- While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, document the scene. If you are able, take photos and videos of the dangerous conditions that caused your accident to occur.
- Receive witness contacts- If anyone saw the accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events.
If you have been hurt in a boat accident, our firm will support you. Give our firm a call today to speak with a skilled and reliable personal injury attorney.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND FIRM
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
