Boating Accident Lawsuit: How to File a Claim and Recover
Michigan offers beautiful waterways suitable for recreational boating. For this reason, boating is one of the favorite pastimes of many Michigan residents. However, with recreational activities come unavoidable accidents. In the case of boating, accidents can lead to costly medical bills and property damages.
To people who recently got involved in boating accidents, the rules governing claiming compensation and filing for damages may be overwhelming. It is best to approach personal injury law firms like The Clark Law Office to understand what to prepare to recover compensation for damaged property, medical bills, or lost income.
Types of Boat Accidents
Before reading up on the filing for compensation, it’s crucial to know the common types of boat accidents in Michigan. Depending on the accident and who is at fault, the value of one’s compensation may vary. Here are some of the most common causes of boat accidents in Michigan:
- Collision with other boats
Depending on the impact of the collision, this type of boat accident can lead to simple property damages or fatal disasters. In collisions, both boat operators are usually at fault. However, there are times when one may be more liable than the other. In this type of accident, the injured passengers or the non-liable operator can file for damages.
- Hitting a strong wave
Bodies of water are unpredictable. No matter how careful a boat operator is, there are times when strong waves can crash against the boats and cause them to be diverted into unplanned directions. A boat out of control can collide with many things—from rock formations, large, submerged objects, to even other boats. Liability here depends on whether the accident is caused by unavoidable weather conditions or the neglect of the operator.
- Collision with submerged objects
There are things below the water’s surface that may damage boats in waterways. Depending on whether it is the fault of the operator or the layout of the waterway system, the factors in claiming and recovering compensation for damages may differ.
Accidents happen for many reasons. Sometimes, operators are inattentive or careless. Operators may even be inexperienced or may not have enough people on their team to have a proper lookout. After the boating accident, it is important to determining the type of boat accident and cause of the boat accident. By knowing what went wrong and who is at fault, claiming compensation can become easier and faster.
What Should Be Done After a Boating Accident?
Immediately after a boat accident, the passengers and operators need to assess the accident and determine if there are injuries. Once everyone’s status is known, contact 911 and reach out to authorities. Collecting the information of all witnesses and people involved is essential, too — their input may be valuable when proving things in court. Lastly, file a boating accident report based on the facts one has gathered.
During this process, having a helpful personal injury law firm like The Clark Law Office can help.
How to File and Recover Compensation for Boating Accidents in Michigan
One of the most crucial steps in filing for compensation in boating accidents is investigating the cause. As mentioned, personal injury lawsuits related to boating accidents in Michigan take into consideration who’s at fault in the accident. Gathering enough proof to show that the accident was caused by someone else is the key to successfully win compensation.
However, this isn’t easy to do alone, especially without prior experience. This is where experienced personal injury lawyers can come in. They can help claimants collect reports, witnesses, and other evidence related to the accident. After documenting all evidence, they can help negotiate with the other side to reach a settlement. If unable to see eye to eye during the settlement, this is where court filings and hearings will begin.
It’s easy to get lost in all the legal jargon and requirements when filing a case for compensation. To make things easier, reach out to trusted personal injury law firms like The Clark Law Office.
Let The Clark Law Office Deal with Your Boating Accident Case
Are you in the middle of dealing with a boating accident and do not know where to start? Contact The Clark Law Office now and let us help you with your case. We have years of experience in all things personal injury, including boating accidents. To know more, you may call us at (517) 347-6900 or send an email to info@theclarklawoffice.com.
Sources:
Common Types of Boat Accidents:
https://www.justia.com/injury/motor-vehicle-accidents/boating-accidents/
What to do after boat accident:
https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/what-to-do-after-a-boating-accident-31048
Personal Injury Claims after a boat accident:
https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/personal-injury/claims-liability-boat-accident.html
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