Just the same as a motor vehicle accident, you can suffer a variety of injuries in a boating accident. For that reason, it’s critical that you assess your situation and receive medical treatment should you find yourself in this unenviable position.
Understanding the most common types of injuries will allow you to focus your attention appropriately in the event of an accident.
- Drowning: Even though you should wear a life vest when boating, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll do so at all times. Furthermore, this type of safety device doesn’t guarantee your protection against drowning. If you’re involved in a boating accident in which you find yourself in the water, it’s important to get to safety as quickly as possible.
- Brain injuries: Brain injuries in boating accidents typically occur in two ways. First off, you could strike your head during the incident, such as on the vessel itself. Secondly, you could find yourself submerged underwater for an extended period of time, thus depriving your brain of oxygen.
- Back and neck injuries: These come in many forms, such as a neck injured caused by whiplash. Back and neck injuries range from minor, such as strains and sprains, to severe, such as fractures and spinal compression.
- Lacerations: There are many parts of a boat that can cause lacerations in an accident, such as the propeller and the actual structure of the vessel. Deep lacerations can result in severe bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Electrocution: Even though boats are designed to prevent electrocution, anything can happen in an accident. For example, if the boat takes on water, it could result in the electrical system becoming submerged.
It doesn’t matter if you’re operating a boat or simply a passenger, you must always consider the potential for an accident. When you prepare accordingly, you’re in position to deal with anything that comes your way.
Should you suffer an injury in a boating accident, get to dry land as quickly as possible. This puts you in position to receive medical care.
Once your health is stable, you can revisit the cause of the accident and take steps to hold the at-fault party responsible.
