Questions about Boating Accidents
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
What kinds of boating accidents make a case?
If someone has been injured because of a boat or ship, a boating accident case may be considered. Boating accidents are obviously different than auto accidents. Boats can capsize and sink with the passengers or crew going overboard and disappearing.
Do I have to file a boating accident report?
Under federal law, a boating accident report (BAR) must be filed if one of the following occurs:
- There is damage to the boat or property in excess of $2000
- More than basic first aid is required to treat injuries
- The boat is a complete loss
- Someone disappears from the boat in a way that may indicate they have drowned
- Someone dies
What must be done in filing a boating accident report?
You must file a BAR in the state the boating accident occurred, the state the boat is numbered in, or, if the boat contains no number, in the state it was used. The boat’s owner must also make the report if the boat’s driver was killed or incapacitated in the boating accident. Furthermore, there is a time limit to filing a BAR:
- Within 48 hours of the accident if a person has died within 24 hours of the accident, a person has disappeared, or a person requires medical treatment
- Within ten days if there is only damage to the boat or other property
What is maritime law?
Maritime law is also known as Admiralty law and is the body of law governing maritime activities (like operating a boat). Maritime law only affects boats and ships that are on navigable waters, or shipping lanes in which people or goods are transferred from state to state or country to country. Due to maritime law, boating accident claims can become very difficult.
What do I do if the Coast Guard asks me for a statement regarding my boating accident?
You should avoid making any kind of statement beyond basic information about your boating accident until you have spoken to an attorney. In this way you can avoid admitting fault or stating something that might be very important down the road.
If you have been injured or involved in a boating accident around the Oklahoma City area, please contact the experienced boating accident attorneys at Stipe & Belote for an initial case consultation.
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