Set Sail for Success With Irpino as Your First Mate
There’s nothing more relaxing or enjoyable than a peaceful boat outing on the lake or in the Gulf. Unfortunately, there are times when a boat ride can lead to tragedy. In 2015 alone, nearly 20 people died and more than 60 were injured in more than 100 boating accidents.
A boat accident lawyer in Louisiana with Irpino, Avin & Hawkins will be there for you if you are ever involved in this type of event. Here are a few tips on staying safe, whether you’re behind the wheel or you’re a passenger on a vessel.
Boating Safety Tips
By following some simple tips, there’s an excellent chance you’ll never need one of our maritime accident lawyers in New Orleans.
First of all, you always need to be aware of the weather. It might be bright and sunny when you hit the water, but that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Keep up to date by checking the radar and get out of the water immediately if the winds start blowing extremely hard and the temperature drops suddenly. These are indications a violent storm is heading your way.
Never go it alone and always use common sense. Have someone with you who knows how to handle your boat should anything happen to you. That person not only needs to know how your boat operates, but also needs to know safe boating practices. When you’re at the helm, stay at a safe speed and make sure there’s plenty of room between you and any other vessels in the area. A large boat might not be able to turn as easily as you can or be able to stop as quickly as you.
Finally, you always need to leave a float plan with someone on land so they know where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. Include the contact information of all people on the boat, the type of boat and registration information and a detailed trip itinerary. Also, list the kinds of signal and communication equipment on board.
And while it should go without saying, everyone on your boat needs to wear a life jacket at all times.
What to Do in Case of a Boating Accident in New Orleans
If you are ever involved in any boating accident and your vessel is still afloat, find out whether or not anyone needs medical help. Provide first aid to whoever may need it and contact the Coast Guard as fast as possible. They should be able to get to you quickly by tracking your location beacon. Get anyone who’s fallen overboard back on the boat as fast as you can.
If the boat is sinking or showing signs that it will sink, get on top of whatever floating debris you can and immediately signal for help. Your life jacket is called that for a reason — it can help you stay afloat until help arrives.
Once you get back on land, see a doctor to make sure you’re not injured. Certain injuries might not show symptoms until well after an accident. For example, some back and neck injuries can take weeks to manifest. If you can’t prove your injury occurred due to the accident, you will very likely not be able to obtain compensation from those who are to blame.
Get in touch with a boat accident lawyer in New Orleans with Irpino, Avin & Hawkins as soon as possible once you get back home. We’ll make sure your rights are protected at all times. Contact us online or call 800-7500-LAW to schedule a consultation.