Boating is a popular way to enjoy a warm spring or summer day, whether on the Tennessee River, Guntersville Lake, or other navigable waterways near Huntsville and throughout Alabama. However, just as some drivers on land act negligently, watercraft operators may fail to behave responsibly or lawfully, and their misconduct could lead to serious or even life-threatening injuries for others.
Filing a civil suit over a boat-related injury follows some of the same procedures as pursuing compensation for a car crash, but key differences exist that are difficult to navigate without the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney. To preserve the opportunity to pursue fair financial restitution after a boat collision caused by another party, it is advisable to contact a Huntsville boat accident lawyer as early as possible.
What to Do After Getting Hurt in a Boating Accident
Under Rule 220-6-.06 of the Alabama Administrative Code, the operator of any non-commercial vessel involved in an accident that results in death, disappearance, incapacitating injury lasting more than 72 hours, or property damage exceeding $2,000 must file a written boating accident report with the Marine Police Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This report must be submitted within 10 days of the incident and must include detailed identifying information, as specified in the rule, regarding the vessels, individuals, local conditions, and safety equipment involved.
In addition to submitting a boating accident report when required, anyone involved in an incident on the water should seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment helps reduce the risk of long-term harm and creates formal documentation of crash-related injuries, which a Huntsville boat accident attorney could use to support a future civil claim.
Holding the Right People Accountable for a Boat Collision
The party primarily at fault for a boat-related injury is usually one or more of the operators directly involved in the incident. Any unlawful or broadly irresponsible act while operating a watercraft on a navigable waterway constitutes a breach of the duty of care all boaters owe to one another. If that breach directly causes an otherwise avoidable injury, the injured individual could pursue legal action based on the negligent conduct of the at-fault operator.
It is important to note that companies renting boats for short-term use are generally not liable for injuries caused by a renter’s negligence. However, liability may arise if a rental company provides a vessel in an unsafe condition or allows an obviously impaired individual to operate one. A boat injury lawyer in Huntsville could explain these exceptions in greater detail based on the facts of a specific case.
Speak with a Huntsville Boat Accident Attorney Today
In many ways, collisions between watercraft can be even more dangerous than collisions between motor vehicles. Unfortunately, that also means that seeking civil restitution for a boating injury that was someone else’s fault can be uniquely complex as well, particularly if you try to navigate the state’s civil court system without a knowledgeable legal professional on your side.
Retaining and working closely with a Huntsville boat accident lawyer could make a world of difference in how smoothly your case goes and what kind of resolution it ultimately has for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
