Boating is a popular activity in Connecticut, and our state is home to around 90,000 registered vessels. Because so many people enjoy water activities on Connecticut’s 3,000+ ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, safely navigating the bodies of water that allow boating is a top priority.
Despite every effort by most boaters and swimmers to maintain safety on the water, accidents do still occur. If you’ve suffered personal injuries from a negligent boater, contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. Our Litchfield boat accident lawyer has been fighting for injured clients for over 100 combined years, and this extensive experience means we know how to create a strong legal strategy for you.
Boat accidents, or boating incidents, can include more than just one vessel colliding with another boat or object. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) states that a reportable boating incident occurs whenever a boat or its equipment is damaged or when someone onboard is injured, dies, or disappears. This can include instances when the boat:
If you are involved in a reportable boating incident in Litchfield or the surrounding areas and someone dies or disappears, you are required to notify DEEP immediately. Accidents involving injury must be reported to the local police department, the US Coast Guard, or another law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction.
Just like in other motor vehicle accidents, boat accidents can cause a range of injuries due to the force and impact of the collision. These include broken bones, bruising, lacerations, whiplash, concussions, and internal organ damage. The added element of water in a boating accident also creates another hazard, and victims may experience complications stemming from a near-drowning, such as:
A Litchfield boat accident attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation for these serious injuries.
Inexperience is among the most common causes of boat accidents. Even though Connecticut requires boat operators to have a valid boating certificate, this does not necessarily provide boaters with the experience needed to operate their vessels safely in every situation. Many boaters are also unfamiliar with Connecticut’s complex boating laws or water navigation systems.
Other common causes of boat accidents include:
A boat accident lawyer in Litchfield can help assess whether inexperience or other negligent actions contributed to the accident.
In addition to notifying the appropriate law enforcement agency, it’s important to do the following things if you are involved in a boat accident in Litchfield:
Getting the medical attention you need after any accident should be your top priority. Not every injury is immediately symptomatic, so it’s your safest option to have a medical professional rule out any potential injuries.
Drowning is a major concern in boating accidents. Check to ensure that no one has fallen into the water, and if they have, help them get back to the safety of the boat.
Operators of boats involved in accidents are required to remain at the scene as long as doing so will not endanger anyone.
The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, will fight tirelessly for your right to recover damages from the at-fault party in your boating accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Litchfield boat accident lawyer.
