There are over 21 million boats on the water as of 2012 according to the National Recreational Boating Survey. When people are injured in jet ski and motor boat accidents, one of the most frequent questions they have is what kind of compensation they can collect.
The fact is, when it comes to injury and liability, accident claims tend to be fairly similar regardless of the cause. That means many of the same compensations for when one is injured in an auto accident can also be collected when one has been injured in a watercraft accident. Those expenses are:
- Lost income or wages
- Medical care for related injuries-both immediately and in the future
- Physical damages to property
- Punitive damages (sometimes)
- Pain and suffering
In general, the first three items are the easiest to establish and the most commonly sought, with the latter two types depending on the exact circumstances of the accident and the details of the case.
How to pursue compensation
Generally speaking, you will want to consult a personal injury attorney who focuses on the kind of injury you have received. That is because while personal injury claims tend to cover some of the same general areas no matter what kind of accident one is in, the medical details and necessary criteria to establish liability and damages are unique. That means if you are in a boating accident, your best results will usually come by working with an attorney who deals with a lot of boating accidents. The same is true if you are in a car accident – you need someone who handles car accidents regularly enough to really understand them.
Once you have established a relationship with an attorney, she or he will be able to review your case with you and advise you about your next course of action, including what damages (if any) you should consider pursuing.
Safe boating
While no one can prevent all accidents, it is also simply impossible to expect one to occur. Following well-established safety procedures, maintaining your own situational awareness, and making sure you have the insurance coverage needed to manage your risks in case of an accident all go a long way toward keeping yourself and your passengers protected, though.
When that foresight still is not enough to avert an accident, then it is time to reach out for help. That is why there are attorneys who make it their business to understand the unique needs of boating enthusiasts, especially when it comes to recovering from an accident.
