Tragic Boston Boat Crash Leaves One Woman Dead
As the weather heats up in New England and people are out in our waterways for recreation or work, the risk of accidents on the water increases. Massachusetts boating accidents and collisions can be especially deadly when passengers are ejected from a watercraft into open water as the trauma from a crash is compounded by the risk of drowning. A local news report discusses a recent boat collision in Boston Harbor that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old woman.
According to the report, a boat with eight people on board collided with a fixed navigational beacon that was in the harbor. The collision sent all eight people into the water. After emergency responders were notified of the accident, Coast Guard and other authorities were able to rescue seven of the occupants. The last occupant was not found until the next morning when her body was recovered from the harbor. The article does not state if any of the occupants of the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the crash or if intoxication was involved in the cause of the accident.
Navigating crowded or shallow waterways can be very dangerous, especially at night. All occupants of a boat should be wearing life jackets at all times the boat is in motion, and the operator of the craft must be careful to avoid potential hazards, as not all features or beacons are illuminated at night. In the event of an accident that results in injury, death, or drowning of a passenger, the owner or operator of the boat may be liable for the damages incurred.
Although a boat owner may be personally liable for any injuries or deaths caused as a result of their negligent operation of a boat, the boat may also be covered by liability insurance that will compensate the victims of an accident. Massachusetts law does not require boat owners to obtain liability insurance, although many financing institutions or marinas may require coverage. Any boat owner who intends to use their vehicle for recreation or work should seriously consider purchasing liability insurance to cover themselves and their passengers in the event of an accident. Liability insurance coverage on a boat functions similarly to liability coverage on a car or truck. With the help of a Massachusetts personal injury attorney, an injured party can make a claim with the insurance company that issued coverage on the boat. If a fair settlement cannot be worked out, then a negligence lawsuit can be pursued against the operator of the boat as well as the insurance company.
Have You Been Injured in a Boating Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of a Massachusetts boating accident, the attorneys at the Neumann Law Group may be able to help you seek compensation for your loss. Our experienced attorneys represent clients in all types of Massachusetts personal injury cases, including boat accidents, slip-and-falls, defective products, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. Contact us today to take the first step toward getting the compensation that you deserve. Call our office at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney at our law firm.
