Philadelphia has a rich maritime tradition thanks to its position along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. Unfortunately, powered and non-powered boats can cause serious property damage and injuries if they aren’t operated responsibly. The process of filing a lawsuit and getting fair compensation after a boat collision can be challenging without help from a seasoned attorney.
Working with a Philadelphia boat accident lawyer will be key to getting the payments you need and holding the negligent party accountable. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers has helped over 30,000 people win compensation after severe accidents. We are ready to fight for you, too.
What to Do Immediately After a Boat Collision
Under Pennsylvania law, anyone involved in a car crash resulting in injuries or serious property damage must report the incident to law enforcement and help other people at the scene who need it. There are similar requirements for people involved in boat accidents; specifically, Pennsylvania Code §§101.2 through 101.4 requires boat accident victims to file a written report with the state Fish and Boat Commission. This report must come within ten days of any accident resulting in $2,000 or more of property damage or the total loss of a vessel, and within 48 hours of any accident resulting in a death, disappearance, or injury requiring professional medical care.
In addition to meeting these reporting requirements, it’s a good idea to collect as much evidence as possible showing how the boat accident happened and what injuries you suffered. Your skilled Philadelphia boat injury attorney can gather information like witness testimony, photos of the accident scene, footage from a cell phone or surveillance cameras, and medical reports. This information can be crucial to building a strong claim for compensation.
Liability for Accidents on the Water in Philadelphia
Boat accident lawsuits are similar to ones built around auto accidents. For one, “comparative negligence” can also impact the amount of compensation you can receive after a boating collision. If a Pennsylvania court decides that the person filing suit was also negligent and contributed to their own injuries, it can assign them a percentage of fault for the incident.
Based on that percentage, the court can reduce the amount of compensation they can receive through a successful case result—or prohibit them from getting anything. Representation from an experienced lawyer at our firm is essential to fighting allegations of partial liability and maximizing your compensation after a boat accident.
Talk to a Philadelphia Boat Accident Attorney Today
In many ways, boat accidents can be even more dangerous and deadly than car crashes. Whether you’re dealing with life-altering injuries or need help paying short-term medical bills, you deserve fair financial recovery for the harm someone else caused you.
A Philadelphia boat accident lawyer can be your ally from start to finish of your claim. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will work tirelessly to get you every cent of the compensation you deserve. You will not owe us anything until we win on your behalf, so call today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your case.
