There’s just something about boating and Midwestern summers. Most days, it’s the most perfect combo. But every now and then, a day on the water can result in a great deal of pain—and even losses. Accidents do happen, but it’s not always on the owner to blame. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone gets injured on your boat, it’s important to be aware of certain legal concepts, including the key steps you can take to protect your rights and the safety of everyone involved. Our St. Louis, MO boat accident injury lawyer is here to provide support; read on or reach out if you have a question you want to discuss.
Your Liability As A Boat Owner
All boat owners have the responsibility to operate their boats safely. If someone got hurt on your boat, and it was because of your careless operation, excessive speed, or alcohol use, they may have a case against you. In other words, they can hold you financially liable for all of their medical bills and any other damages they’ve accrued from their boat injury.
To prevent this from ever happening, it’s important for all boat owners to do everything within reason to keep their boat a safe and reliable place for everyone aboard. As long as you did your part, liability for a passenger’s accident could extend to a different party.
Say you share ownership of the boat with family members and weren’t even present when the accident occurred. You may still face liability depending on the circumstances, but others may hold greater responsibility for the incident.
Immediate Actions To Take After A Passenger Gets Hurt
In any injury or accident scenario, the first step is to always get to safety. If someone gets hurt while on your boat, do anything you can to help them. Find a dock and call for emergency help if the injury is serious. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s wise to encourage the person to seek medical attention.
Next, make a report. In Missouri, boating accidents that involve death, disappearance, or injury requiring medical care beyond first aid must be reported to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You may also need to notify the U.S. Coast Guard if the accident involves certain conditions. Failing to report can result in penalties.
Insurance And Financial Responsibility
It’s common for boat owners to carry insurance, but coverage and policies can vary widely. Some policies adequately cover medical expenses for passengers, while others only cover liability if you were at fault. If your policy is limited, though, you may be personally responsible for damages. Before ever heading out on the water, review your insurance policy so you know what all is covered and how the terms and conditions may affect your responsibilities if an accident occurs.
Common Causes Of Boating Accidents
Accidents on the water can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Operating the boat under the influence of alcohol
- Too many occupants / overcrowding
- Excessive speed or reckless driving
- Lack of life jackets or safety equipment
- Collisions with other boats or fixed objects
- Bad weather or poor visibility
- Inexperienced boat drivers / boat passengers
By being cautious and prepared, you can lower the risk of accidents, but you cannot eliminate the possibility entirely. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a boat, we can help you understand your legal options.
Who Else Could Share Responsibility?
In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for a boating accident. For example, if another boat operator acted recklessly and caused a collision, they may be considered the at-fault party.
Manufacturers may also be held accountable if a mechanical defect or faulty safety equipment contributed to the injury. Even passengers who act carelessly, such as interfering with the driver’s ability to operate the boat safely, could be considered partially at fault.
Determining who is responsible is often a key step in pursuing a claim, and multiple parties may be named depending on how the accident occurred.
Knowledgeable Guidance After A Boat Injury
If someone was hurt on your boat, it’s fair to have questions about liability, insurance, and how to best proceed from here. At Goldstein and Price, L.C., we can help you find a path forward—whether you’ve been a boat injury victim or the owner of a boat that’s recently experienced an accident. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team or set up an appointment.