Boating Accident Questions

Serving West Virginia and Ohio, including Parkersburg, Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington, Wheeling, Belpre, and Athens

Do I have to file a boating accident report?

You must file a boating accident report in the following instances:

• A death occurs
• Someone is injured severely enough to require more treatment than just first aid
• The boat is lost
• The boat is damaged beyond $500

There is a short time limit for filing boating accident reports. You have 48 hours to file the report if a person passes away within one day of the accident or if a person must receive medical treatment beyond first aid. You have 10 days to file the report if there are no injuries, but just property damage is involved.

What is a personal watercraft (PWC)?

The U.S. Coast Guard makes this classification. It refers to vessels that use an inboard motor to operate a water jet pump as the main way of moving the boat along. PWCs are designed to be driven by someone kneeling, standing, or sitting in the boat. Examples would be jet skis and Wave Runners. PWCs must follow the same rules that apply to other boats.

The insurance adjuster asked me to record a statement. Should I do that?

You should never provide a statement to the insurance company without consulting with an experienced boating accident lawyer first. The lawyers at Jan Dils & Jim Leach, Attorneys at Law can advise you before you speak with the insurance agent so that your statement does not potentially jeopardize your settlement.

What is Maritime Law?

Maritime Law, also called Admiralty Law, is a set of laws which govern how people and goods are transported over navigable waters. Navigable waters include any waterway which can transport people or goods between states and other countries. That waterway must be usable for interstate commerce. So if a boat accident occurs on navigable waters, it will fall within maritime jurisdiction. Maritime Law will then determine what claims may be filed and how they can be dealt with.

How can your lawyers help me after my boating accident?

Our attorneys have handled many boating accident claims, and we have a thorough understanding of the complex laws governing these cases. We will conduct an investigation to conclusively prove negligence in your case, and we will employ expert witnesses to help prove this in court. Our lawyers will battle the insurance companies so that you are treated fairly and offered an appropriate settlement.

Please contact our West Virginia and Ohio boating accident attorneys to schedule your free initial consultation. Our boating accident attorneys represent boat accident victims throughout West Virginia and Southern Ohio including the communities of Belpre, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Athens, Morgantown, Charleston, and Huntington.