Boating Accidents and Maritime Accidents

Boating Accident Types
- Collision with recreational vessel
- Collision with a fixed object
- Grounding
- Flooding/Swamping
- Falling overboard
Contributing Factors of Boating Accidents
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
- Machinery failure
- Navigation rules violation
- Weather
- Hazardous water
- Force of wave/wake
Common Injuries from Boating Accidents

- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Concussion
- Hypothermia
- Internal organ injury
- Laceration
Safe Driving Tips
- Always wear a properly fitting life jacket. It can save your life if you or someone you love goes overboard. Falling overboard is one of the top five reasons for boating accidents.
- Always pay attention while operating a boat and continuously look out for other boaters.
- Collisions with fixed objects and collisions with other recreational vessels are the top two reasons for boating accidents.
- Always follow the waterway rules and laws
Safe Driving Tips
- Initial Investigation: If possible, take photos of the scene and write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses. No matter how minor the accident, always call 911. The police report may provide vital information for your case.
- Medical Treatment for Injuries: Receiving medical treatment is an important step in creating a case. Be honest with your doctor about the severity of your injuries so the doctor can provide you with the necessary treatment. Always continue the treatment the doctor has prescribed, or insurance may see the discontinuation of treatment as an indication you are healed. Document each doctor’s visit so we can include your medical costs in the settlement or award.
- File Claim with Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the accident. Your insurance company should take the necessary steps to reimburse you for damages. If the at-fault operator’s insurance company attempts to contact you for a statement or settlement, do not respond until after your consultation with Counsel Hound. We are working with your best interest in mind, and you may be eligible for more than what the insurance company of the at-fault operator will initially offer.
- Counsel Hound Consultation: Fill out our contact form, and we will set up an initial meeting to discuss your options. We work with lawyers across the nation, and you will be referred to the best-suited lawyer for your case at no cost.
- Settlement Demand: After your medical treatment has been finalized, we will begin the settlement process to maximize your compensation for damages. This process may involve negotiations with the insurance company.
- Settlement or Lawsuit: Once a final offer has been reached with the insurance company, you will decide if you would like to settle or file a lawsuit. Your Counsel Hound lawyer will advise you on the benefits of settling or continuing a lawsuit in order for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
- Trial: If you decide to decline an offer for settlement, we will guide you through the discovery, mediation, and trial. During discovery, both parties will exchange information to build their case. After the discovery period, you may go through a mediation where a neutral third party helps to facilitate a discussion between both parties. This may provide a second chance to accept a settlement before the trial. If mediation does not resolve the lawsuit, we will move to trial and work to convince the judge and jury that the at-fault boat operator acted in a negligent manner resulting in you suffering a loss.
Counsel Hound will connect you to the qualified representation you need to navigate this process successfully.
Compensation
- If your injuries required surgery, physical therapy, prescription drugs, medical equipment, repeat doctors visit, we would work to have you reimbursed.
- If the accident forced you to miss work or suffer a wage decrease at a new position, we would prove your losses with timesheets.
- If your boat was totaled during the accident, we would include the cost of repairs in the losses sustained.
- If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, we would work to recover funeral or burial costs.
In Recent News
Counsel Hound provides no-cost consultations and case evaluations
Unexpectedly losing a loved one is a traumatic experience. Counsel Hound lawyers are here to support you through this process. You may be eligible for a wrongful death claim and may be able to recover medical and funeral/burial expenses as well as compensation for emotional pain and suffering.
The police provide valuable resources before you even leave the scene. They will determine if any boat operators were under the influence, driving a stolen vessel, had a suspended/expired license, expired/no insurance, etc. The police report will be extremely useful for building a case against the at-fault operator and provide photos and witness. There is also no way for you to verify if the other operator has given you valid information (name, number, insurance).
If the at-fault operator’s insurance company attempts to contact you for a statement or settlement, do not respond until after your consultation with Counsel Hounds. We are working with your best interest in mind, and you may be eligible for more than what the insurance company of the at-fault operator will initially offer.
No-Cost Case Evaluation
Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
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Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!