Have you or someone you love been injured in a boating accident?
Every year, around 1,000 people die in boating accidents in the United States. The vast majority of these accidents are in recreational or leisure boats, and many are preventable.
Boating accidents are a type of motor vehicle accident that includes accidents involving a boat, ferry, ship, jet-ski, or other types of motorized water transport. These accidents can occur as a result of driver negligence or recklessness, such as boating under the influence. Especially during the summer months, rivers, lakes, and oceans are busy with leisure boating, swimmers, and even commercial vessels. The large amount of water traffic increases the likelihood of an accident.
Commercial Boat Liability
Any time that a boat is used for the transport of goods or passengers and it is available for use or rental by the general public, it is considered a common carrier. Charter boats, cruise ships, ferries, and tour boats are all common carriers. Common carriers have increased responsibilities towards their customers and goods. As opposed to the reasonable care that most people must take, operators of common carriers must assume the utmost diligence for the protection of their passengers.
Boat Premises Liabilities
If you are a passenger on a boat, even if it is a private boat, you are entitled to reasonable precautions for your safety. Therefore, if you suffer an injury due to negligent care of the ship, you may file a personal injury claim. For example, if there are broken tiles on the deck of the ship that cause you to fall and sustain an injury, it is a premises liability and the boat owner or operator is responsible for your injuries.
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