Whether you are involved in a boating accident in Ohio during the warmer months or even in the winter, you should know what to do to maintain your eligibility for compensation. While most boating accidents in Ohio do occur when the weather is warmer and people are engaged in recreational boating activities, cold-weather fishing on lakes can also occur during the winter months, and boating accidents are not dependent on the temperature.
Indeed, statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard underscore that boating accidents occur year-round. A boat accident can happen at any time of the year. The following are steps you should take if you are injured in a boating accident.
Document the Boating Accident Scene
As much as you are able to do so, document the scene of the boating accident. Assuming it happened on the water and well offshore, it may be difficult to obtain clear pictures or other documentation of the area where it happened, especially if your boat has now drifted from the initial scene of the collision.
If you are able to do so, note the coordinates where the boat accident happened so that it may be possible to obtain evidence from the scene at a later date. Also be sure to obtain contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, including information from witnesses who may be able to speak to the at-fault boater’s intoxication or distraction.
See a Doctor as Soon as You can
You need to obtain a medical assessment as soon as possible. Even if you do not think you sustained serious injuries and you are more concerned about the property damage to your boat, signs or symptoms of a serious injury can appear hours, days, or even weeks following the accident. By seeking a health evaluation quickly, your doctor can identify any injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma that could worsen without proper medical care.
Pay Attention to the Statute of Limitations
Under Ohio law, most personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations. What this means is that, for most boating accident lawsuits, you will only have two years from the date of the boating accident to file a lawsuit. You might be thinking that two years is long enough that you do not have to move quickly, but the time can pass faster than you realize. In addition, especially with boating accident cases where much of the evidence is submerged, getting started on your claim as quickly as possible often can mean that it is possible to locate and preserve more evidence to support your case.
Contact Me for Assistance with Your Case
Boating accidents can happen in Ohio at any time of the year, from summer recreational boating accidents to fishing accidents during the winter months. Whether another boater was responsible for your injuries, or your boat was improperly serviced by a negligent mechanic, I will do everything I can to keep this promise: I’ll Make Them Pay!® Give me a call as soon as you can at 877.944.4373 to discuss the particular facts of your boating accident and your options for seeking financial compensation.
