Watercraft Accidents

“Watercraft” accidents are any accidents that occur on a boat or other water vessel.  A boat can be a privately owned boat as well as a jet ski or other similar personal watercraft.

An operator of a boat must use the same reasonable care while driving a boat on the waterway as a driver of a car would have to use on the road.  Typically, that means the driver must use the same degree of care that would be required of a reasonably prudent driver acting in the same or similar circumstances.  Generally, for a boat operator to meet the test of reasonable care, he or she must maintain a reasonable watch for other boats, other watercraft (jet ski), water skiers, swimmers and rock formations.  Furthermore, a boater's degree of care does not stop with his operation of the boat.  All boaters also have a duty to maintain their watercraft in a safe operating condition, which includes proper mechanical maintenance as well as proper equipment.

It is critical that all boating accidents be investigated as soon as possible to assess and determine liability.  To analyze the evidence properly, the attorneys at Duvel Law, APC., will review the accident scene, review any photographs and accident reports, speak to witnesses and consult with expert witnesses if necessary.    

To make sure you preserve as much evidence as possible following a boating accident, make sure that the police, coast guard, or other policing agency is called to the scene and that an accident/injury report is filed. You should also gather the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses to the accident. 

If you have sustained injuries as a result of a watercraft accident, obtain medical treatment immediately.  Be sure to tell the doctors all of your complaints of pain, no matter how minor they may seem at the time.  It is important that you are very specific in your description of your injuries, as messy or incomplete medical records can be a potential problem during your lawsuit. 

Our experienced attorneys will discuss your situation and present you with all the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies to make sure all your needs are handled quickly and professionally.