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Boating Accidents
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a free case evaluation<<<<<<<
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident,
the right personal injury lawyer can make certain that you recover
the maximum benefits
you deserve under the law. If you or a loved one has been involved
in a boating accident, you need the very best attorney; our lawyers
and outstanding support staff can help. Please call us, or drop
by any of our fifteen locations throughout Rhode Island and SE
Massachusetts, and let us go to work for you now!
Southern New England’s waterways are spectacular and boating
is a great way to enjoy our rivers, lakes, beaches and coasts.
Unfortunately, over 700 deaths occur every year in the United
States as a result of boating accidents. In addition to fatalities
tens of thousands of people are injured as a result of capsizes,
falls overboard and collisions with other vessels. Water sports,
while entertaining and exciting, pose unique dangers of personal
injury and wrongful death. Complex legal and safety issues could
be involved.
Collision with other boats, or other type of watercraft, is
the most common cause of injury or death in boating accidents.
Other causes of injury are slip and falls, reckless driving,
drunk driving, boat malfunctions and inexperienced water craft
operators. It is a general rule of law that the owner and operator
of a boat have a duty to exercise the highest degree of care
in order to prevent injuries and death to others.
Any injury that occurs on or with a boat, ship, ferry or personal
water craft (jet ski) is considered a boating accident. Legal
claims involving water accidents can involve complex legal and
technical issues. The lawyers at d'Oliveira & Associates,
P.C., are experienced in handling complex lawsuits involving
injuries sustained in boating accidents.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A BOATING ACCIDENT
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As a service to our web page visitors, our lawyers have prepared
the following suggestions on what to do if you are in a boating
accident. Please feel free to use this information, or carry
it with you for your use in the event that you are involved
in a boating accident.
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Report the accident to either the state
agency regulating boats
or to the United States Coast Guard, or both.
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If you are
involved in a collision with another boat or an "allision" (which
means striking a fixed object or a non-moving vessel), you
should immediately contact the state agency regulating
boats to ascertain
what type of report is required, if any
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Remain on the scene,
render aid, and timely report the boating accident to an
appropriate law enforcement agency.
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Report the incident to
your insurance company
WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A BOATING ACCIDENT
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TRY NOT to make any statement to the marine patrol or
to the Coast Guard without your attorney's counsel and
advice
because
this communication may be very important later on in
your claim.
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DO NOT make any statement to an insurance adjuster without
your attorney's counsel and advice. You have the right
not to give
a recorded statement. An appropriate response to an insurance
adjuster under the circumstances would be, “I'm not
ready at this time to make a statement or answer your questions.” “May
I have your name, your company's name, and your telephone
number and I will get back with you soon.” This response
gives you room to breathe and time to contact an attorney.
We hope that
this brief discussion has given you some insight into some
of the complexities involved in boating accident cases.
Most importantly, if you or a loved one has been in a boating
accident, you need a law firm that can handle these cases.
If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle
your
particular case we will be happy to use our experience and
know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with
the legal
representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never
charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.
To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.
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