Mississippi Boat Accident a Sad Reminder of the Dangers on the Water

Warm weather means many things, including an increase in the number of boaters taking to the water. Boating is a popular recreational activity, but it is not without dangers.

Mississippi Boat Accident Leads to Heartbreak

A recent Mississippi boat accident serves as a sad reminder of the significant risks of operating and riding in a vessel. In April 2011, a young boy was killed in a head-on boat collision. The fatal boat accident occurred at Rotten Bayou near the Jourdan River, just north of I-10 in Hancock County.

Although drowning is commonly cited as the cause of death in boat accidents, it was not the case in this collision. The boy succumbed to injuries directly related to the head-on collision. He had been riding on the 19-foot Critchfield skiff, when it collided with the Boston Whaler.

What You Need to do Following a Boat Accident

While boating can be an enjoyable activity, it can lead to serious injuries, even death, as illustrated by the proceeding story. Even if you are an experienced boat operator and take all of the necessary steps to ensure the safety of those riding in your vessel, it is often “the other guy” you have to worry about. Below are some of the things you need to do if you find yourself involved in a vessel collision:

• If you are still in the boat, identify whether anyone needs medical attention.
• Contact the U.S. Coast Guard and inform them of the accident. Make sure you tell the Coast Guard if you need immediate medical care.
• After everyone is safe, obtain the information of the other boat operator, passengers and witnesses to the accident.
• Write down the name of the other vessel and its registration number (or other identification number).
• File a boat accident report wit the Coast Guard, if needed. A report is required if someone is killed in the incident or disappears, injuries sustained require more than first aid, the damage to the vessel totals $2,000 or higher, or if the boat is destroyed.
• Contact an experienced boat accident attorney. Boating accidents are complex and it is important that an attorney who understands maritime law represents you.

We Can Help

If you or a family member has been injured in a Mississippi boating accident, a boat accident lawyer from the law offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom may be able to help you. For answers to your questions, contact us by calling (877) 724-7800 or filling out our online form.

We represent individuals have been injured in boating accidents, as well as maritime workers who have been hurt offshore.

Be sure to order a free copy of our book, How to Hire the Best Attorney for Your Maritime Injury Case.