Boat Accident Attorneys If you've been injured in an accident on the water and you've been injured, you must seek out an attorney to defend your rights. No matter if it was in a kayak or a sailboat, there are laws that can protect you in the event of an accident. These laws cover the Federal and state laws, as well as local laws. There are risks of injury while kayaking or canoeing. Kayaking can be a relaxing activity for all ages, but it comes with the possibility of risk. You need to be careful when kayaking in the ocean or on a river. Always wear a life vest and ensure you have plenty of water available and wear the appropriate equipment to ensure that you don't suffer injuries. Be aware of potential dangers that are not visible to the naked eye. You might find alligators in certain rivers, such as. The weather can also hinder your enjoyment of your sport. If you're kayaking in colder waters, you should wear dry suits or a wetsuit. Although kayaking and canoeing are not as dangerous as swimming, they come with their own set of risks. The most obvious risk is drowning however there are other risks too. The most frequent causes of death for kayakers and canoeists include hypothermia, head injuries that are traumatic, and dehydration. Although injuries can happen anywhere in the water environment however, they tend to happen in boats. Many studies have been conducted on injuries suffered by kayakers to discover the factors that contribute to injuries. One of the most striking findings was that the risk of injury was closely related to the amount and duration of your kayaking experience. Another was that the frequency and quantity of your kayaking excursions was a strong predictor. Based on data from a study of 219 injured kayakers, researchers were able identify a number of important characteristics about the nature of injuries sustained by kayakers. The most important of these is the "severity" of the injury. It can be determined by looking at the percent of kayakers injured and have completed a full recovery. These results suggest that for the majority of injuries the outcome isn't all that shocking. However there was a third of injured kayakers did not get a full recovery. A large portion of injured kayakers didn't get time away from their sport. One method to reduce the risk of injury is to improve your paddling technique. Avoid paddling against currents particularly. This can cause muscle cramps, strains, or scratching. It is also recommended to avoid brushing against tree branches or other objects that could cause injuries. It is recommended to wear a helmet that has an integrated face mask and an appropriate vest. You should also be sure to keep track of the forecast for weather conditions to avoid a capsize or getting caught in a massive wave. It is also advised not to try to paddle across the bows of large vessels. This could cause you to lose your balance, or even get stuck in a sweeper. Overall kayaking can be considered a safe sport if you adhere to security precautions and follow the correct techniques. However even the most skilled canoeists and kayakers could be injured. A properly designed boat safety system can stop drownings You must ensure that you have the correct equipment to keep you safe while on boating trips. In some cases, accidents can happen without warning. If you're not prepared, you could be in the middle of a major accident. Life jackets are the most essential piece of safety equipment. They will keep you afloat and prevent you from drowning. They also come in throwable flotation devices. They won't save your life , if they're not used. Another important piece of boat safety equipment is the VHF radio. This type of radio is essential in emergency situations, as it allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and other rescuers. You can also talk to other boats via this radio. Based on the region you reside in, certain kinds of boats might require that you have a VHF Radio onboard. Also, ensure that all people on your boat are wearing life jackets. This is due to the fact that if someone is thrown overboard, they won't have enough time to swim to the closest life ring. They might drown if they are unable to get on the boat again. Last but not least, you should never drink alcohol on boats. It can affect your balance and judgment. You should also keep your children near you when you are on the water. Children are at risk of injury when playing around the boat or when they swim. It is an excellent idea for children to carry a first aid kit as well as a cell phone to help them if they need it. Other pieces of safety equipment include navigation lights, sounding devices, and whistles. You can ask the Coast Guard or your local maritime authority if uncertain about the equipment you should be carrying. They will have an inventory. In addition, it is recommended to have a set of immersion suits on hand to protect you from hypothermia. You should also carry an emergency kit along with flares and maps in a bag that is floating. You may want to think about getting a VHF-FM Marine Radio with Digital Selective Calling System for your boat. These devices are optional however, they could be a lifesaver. There are a lot of mistakes you can make when you're on the water. If you're not careful you could get hit by a wave, tossed over by a car or simply be unable to find your way to shore. It's essential to know the rules of the road and to be aware of your surroundings. A lifejacket is mandatory and you should not be drinking. Find more information about boat safety on U.S. Coast Guard's website. In addition to the basics you'll also need be able to operate your boat. You must be familiar with your throttle and steering wheel, and also the best place to sit on the deck. You must also ensure that you are not distracted by the other passengers on the boat. Inattention of the operator was a major factor in 581 accidents and 363 injuries in 2011. You should be able reach an extinguisher to use in an emergency. You should also have a cell phone, a map, and flares onboard. Accidents on boats are covered by federal laws, state, as well as local maritime laws. Boating is a great pastime. However, accidents could cause serious injuries to both the boat's operator and passengers. It is crucial to know the laws governing accidents on boats. When you're injured on a boat, you may be owed significant compensation. An experienced lawyer can assist you in recovering the injuries. A case in federal court is considered when an accident occurs on a recreational boat. In certain circumstances, however, the case may be considered in the state court system. It is vital to determine whether the boating incident falls within maritime law or state personal injury law. To determine whether you are able to pursue a maritime claim, you will have to gather evidence and demonstrate that negligence was the cause. For instance, if were operating a vessel then you must show that the captain was negligent in the course of his duties. Employers can sue when your injury was caused by an employee's negligence. There are no limitations on the amount of non-economic and economic damages you may receive but punitive damages will be limited to $250,000 and $750,000. You can also sue for maintenance and cure. This refers to medical expenses as well as the amount you'll need to live. You'll be required to file a state court report when your case is filed. This is required if the incident occurred in navigable waters , such as the ocean, lake or river. If you're injured or killed while on the boat, you have to make a formal report. If the owner isn't available to report the incident or report the vessel, the person who controls the boat will have to file the report. A product liability law may be used to make an action. You could be entitled to compensation if your injury was caused due to the defective product. An attorney can assist you in determining the cause of the incident, regardless of whether it was the result of negligence. In addition, you could pursue a claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product. Maritime law is generally very complicated. You'll need an experienced attorney who has knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to boating accidents. Morgan & Morgan understands the laws and can assist you to get the compensation that you deserve. The law firm has top experts to assist you demonstrate your case. The firm has vast experience in handling maritime injury claims. For a no-cost consultation, you can contact them. If you or someone close to you is injured in an accident on the boat, you should consult with an experienced attorney as quickly as you can. An attorney can assist to obtain the compensation you have to pay for medical expenses as well as other expenses.