Each spring Rhode Islanders take their boats out of storage and haul them to the dock. Before launching your boat, you should make sure that it is ready for the new season. This means checking the fluid levels, reconnecting the fuel lines, and inspecting the engine. These steps will ensure the smooth operation of your watercraft throughout the season. However, the most important step you can take is having the necessary safety equipment. Unexpected things can happen when you are out at sea so it is important to be prepared for the worst.
In case of an emergency, you should have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and life preservers. In fact, under Rhode Island law all vessels must have at least one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on the vessel. These personal floatation devices must be: (1) in good condition, (2) easily accessible, and (3) the proper size for the intended person. In addition, children under the age of thirteen must wear a life jacket at all times while on deck.
National Safe Boating Week Promotes “WEAR IT!” Campaign
National Safe Boating Week begins on May 17 this year and the Safe Boating Council is promoting its “Wear It!” campaign. This campaign is intended to promote life jacket use by showing that it is easy and effective because your life jacket only works if you are wearing it. Every year there are hundreds drowning and near-drowning events that could have been prevented by wearing one of these personal floatation devices.
In fact, Coast Guard statistics show that 85% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. The “Wear It!” campaign hopes to change these statistics by showing that modern life jackets are comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear. Some of these newer life jackets are inflatable making them much more comfortable and lightweight than their older counterparts.
Visit http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/ to learn more.
Injured in a Boating Accident? Know Your Rights!
Boat accidents can happen in an instant. A collision with another boat or a collision with a dock can cause passengers to be thrown overboard or suffer serious injuries. In many cases injuries suffered by boat passengers are very similar to auto accident injuries. For example, bruises, cuts, whiplash, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries are common injuries among both types of accidents.
Victims of these types of injuries are often left with substantial medical bills and lost income. If you have been injured on a boat due to another person’s negligence, then you should talk to a Rhode Island boat accident attorney as soon as possible because you may be entitled to recover money for your losses.
In order to protect your legal rights it is important for you to move quickly. First, you will want to work with your attorney to gather evidence of the accident and your injuries. Second, if the boat accident resulted in $2,000 of property damage or the need for medical treatment an accident report will need to be filed with the Coast Guard. Third, you will need contact and insurance information from the person who is at fault. This will allow your attorney to contact the insurance provider and begin the negotiation process. Fourth, you will want to keep accurate records of your medical treatment and lost income in order to establish that you are entitled to recover for these amounts.
d’Oliveira & Associates has been practicing personal injury and disability law for the past 25 years. Call 1-800-992-6878 or submit an online contact form today.
Providence Boating Accident Lawyer | d’Oliveira & AssociatesProvidence, RI 02909
Phone: (401) 831-8600
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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