Common Types and Causes of Boating Accident Injuries and What to Do If You are Suffering from One

Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to a report released by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in 2011, brain injuries rank second in the leading causes of death resulting from boating accident injuries. Such injuries are usually caused when a person is deprived of oxygen after being underwater for too long or carbon monoxide exposure. The impact that occurs when one is thrown against a boat wall or another vessel after a collision is another major cause of traumatic brain injury from boating accidents.

Lacerations

Boats rely on propellers to facilitate motion. Propellers are sharp in nature and rotate at a high speed making them dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with them as they can easily cause deep lacerations. 

Burns

Electrical faults or explosions and fires that occur in the engine room can cause burn injuries for ship crew members. If these fires travel outside the engine room or are on a smaller vessel, passengers can sustain serious burns. 

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head and body move suddenly and in a manner that strains the neck. Passengers can suffer from whiplash if the boat makes an abrupt stop or turn. It is normally only a mild muscle strain, but in certain cases, it can be serious or fatal.

Spinal Cord Injuries 

When two boats collide, the impact can cause spinal compressions (pressure on your spinal cord), which results in spinal cord injuries. Spinal compressions can also occur due to the impact waves have on the vessel.

Drowning

After a collision, a boat can capsize or people can be thrown off the vessel, forcing them to swim to safety. However, even if a person knows how to swim, they may drown due to the disorientation caused by the incident, exhaustion, or due to other injuries they may have sustained from the collision.

Injuries to Bones and Ligaments

Passengers can hit walls or rails by falling or as a cause of the impact of a collision with another vessel, which can result in broken bones and ligaments.

Limb Amputations

The propellers of a boat are very sharp and usually operate at high speeds. If a person accidentally falls near the blades or the boat driver is not aware of people in the water, the injuries sustained can result in the loss of limbs.

The boating accident injuries detailed above can be severe and even fatal at times. When these injuries are caused by the negligence of another, there is legal recourse victims should take. Retaining the help of a boating accident lawyer is the first step. Call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below to be matched with a premier boating accident lawyer near you. 

Causes of Boat Accident Injuries

The circumstances of boat accidents vary from case to case, but there are several causes of accidents that commonly occur. These causes include: 

Onboard Slip and Fall 

Propellers Accidents

Though it is rare, boating accident injuries can be caused when the boat’s sharp propeller comes in contact with an individual, causing lacerations or even limb amputations, as mentioned above. 

Run-Over Accidents

Boats running over individuals are most common with smaller boats like personal watercrafts and jet skis, and often affect divers and snorkelers. Such incidents are usually traumatic. These accidents typically occur when there is high traffic of both vessels and people in the water.

People Thrown Overboard

Boating accidents can lead to instances where boat passengers are thrown overboard. When this occurs, there is a high risk of sustaining injuries from the fall or by drowning. 

Collisions With Other Boats

When boats collide, there is a high likelihood that passengers will suffer injuries. This is because, unlike in vehicles, boat passengers do not use seat belts and are often not seated. This puts them at a high risk of being thrown around in an accident, increasing the likelihood of sustaining injuries like fractures and concussions. These accidents commonly occur when boat operators do not follow maritime laws which govern the water, and in places with high boat traffic. 

Maritime Law

Also known as admiralty law, maritime law is a collective of laws, treaties, and conventions that govern and address nautical issues.

Due to the broad and complex nature of maritime law, it can be challenging to seek compensation in boating injury claims from the responsible party. This is why if you were injured in a boat accident, it is crucial to seek legal counsel. Call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below to connect with a specialized boat accident injury lawyer. 

Finding the Leading Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accident injuries are often preventable and are caused by the negligence of another. It is important to seek legal help to obtain compensation in order to mitigate the costs of these injuries. To help you understand the complexities of a boating accident lawsuit, you will need an experienced and reliable maritime law attorney. The Law Center can help.

The Law Center

For victims of personal injury, obtaining the necessary information and access to the best lawyers can be challenging. The Law Center is committed to getting these victims the legal and medical resources and guidance they need following an accident. With partnerships with distinguished law firms all over the country, The Law Center can connect you with the leading attorneys in your area who are best equipped to handle your case. If you have been injured in a boating accident injury, call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below for immediate legal assistance.