When you’re out on the water having a great time and enjoying the sun and the waves, the last thing you expect is to become involved in a boating accident. Unfortunately, boating accidents are on the rise and more and more people are being carried away from the water in emergency vehicles instead of going home in their own vehicles like they had planned. If you or a loved one were injured in a DUI Boating Accident, here’s what you need to do.
DUI Testing for Any Boating Accident
According to the Insurance Information Institute, over half of all boat accidents involve alcohol or illicit drugs. Additionally, alcohol is the leading issue involved in boat accidents that result in a death. If you’ve been in a boat accident, it’s important to ensure that the other driver is tested for boating under the influence.
Emergency Medical Treatment
As with car accidents, it’s important that you seek medical care as soon as possible after the incident, even if you feel you’re not seriously injured. You could be in shock and be unaware of injuries that you’re suffering from, and getting checked out will give you peace of mind. Additionally, seeking medical treatment right away will help strengthen your case later should you decide to bring forward a claim for the damages you suffered.
Collect Evidence
Evidence is crucial in any case, and a boating accident case is no different. In fact, evidence may play an even more critical role in boating accidents caused by a DUI. If possible, take photographs of the boat accident before your boats are moved. If you’re not able to, simply take photos of the damage to your boat and any injuries to your passengers as soon as you can. Also, ask witnesses to get in contact with law enforcement in order to provide an official eyewitness statement as to what happened.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in a DUI boating accident, you are likely suffering from significant injuries. Many people are unable to return to work and may even be temporarily or permanently disabled after the accident. Some families are unfortunate enough to lose a loved one in a boating accident and are faced with funeral expenses and lost income.
Don’t wait to contact an attorney after a boating accident. At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we have the experience and resources needed to provide you with an aggressive defense after you or a member of your family were hurt in a boating accident. Contact us today for a consultation by calling 855-693-9084 or 978-744-8000.
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