Boating Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, the right personal injury lawyer can make certain that you recover the maximum benefits you deserve under the law. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, you need the very best attorney; our lawyers and outstanding support staff can help. Please call us, or drop by any of our fourteen locations throughout Rhode Island and SE Massachusetts, and let us go to work for you now!

Southern New England’s waterways are spectacular and boating is a great way to enjoy our rivers, lakes, beaches and coasts. Unfortunately, over 700 deaths occur every year in the United States as a result of boating accidents. In addition to fatalities tens of thousands of people are injured as a result of capsizes, falls overboard and collisions with other vessels. Water sports, while entertaining and exciting, pose unique dangers of personal injury and wrongful death. Complex legal and safety issues could be involved.

Collision with other boats, or other type of watercraft, is the most common cause of injury or death in boating accidents. Other causes of injury are slip and falls, reckless driving, drunk driving, boat malfunctions and inexperienced water craft operators. It is a general rule of law that the owner and operator of a boat have a duty to exercise the highest degree of care in order to prevent injuries and death to others.

Any injury that occurs on or with a boat, ship, ferry or personal water craft (jet ski) is considered a boating accident. Legal claims involving water accidents can involve complex legal and technical issues. The lawyers at d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C., are experienced in handling complex lawsuits involving injuries sustained in boating accidents.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A BOATING ACCIDENT

• As a service to our web page visitors, our lawyers have prepared the following suggestions on what to do if you are in a boating accident. Please feel free to use this information, or carry it with you for your use in the event that you are involved in a boating accident.

• Report the accident to either the state agency regulating boats or to the United States Coast Guard, or both.

• If you are involved in a collision with another boat or an "allision" (which means striking a fixed object or a non-moving vessel), you should immediately contact the state agency regulating boats to ascertain what type of report is required, if any

• Remain on the scene, render aid, and timely report the boating accident to an appropriate law enforcement agency.

• Report the incident to your insurance company

WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A BOATING ACCIDENT

• TRY NOT to make any statement to the marine patrol or to the Coast Guard without your attorney's counsel and advice because this communication may be very important later on in your claim.

• DO NOT make any statement to an insurance adjuster without your attorney's counsel and advice. You have the right not to give a recorded statement. An appropriate response to an insurance adjuster under the circumstances would be, “I'm not ready at this time to make a statement or answer your questions.” “May I have your name, your company's name, and your telephone number and I will get back with you soon.” This response gives you room to breathe and time to contact an attorney.

We hope that this brief discussion has given you some insight into some of the complexities involved in boating accident cases. Most importantly, if you or a loved one has been in a boating accident, you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.