Latest News

Boating accidents almost always leave immense devastation in their wake. The injuries that result, however, aren’t always apparent in the immediate aftermath.  

Put another way, it’s not uncommon for those involved in wrecks on the water to put off seeking care. There’s so much to do following such an incident that their health often takes a back seat. 

 If you were recently in a boating accident, however, you should prioritize your well-being above all else. That means visiting a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel relatively fine, here are some of the biggest reasons to undergo a comprehensive evaluation right away:  

You May Have Sustained Injuries with Latent Symptoms  

After any kind of traumatic event, you can’t necessarily trust how you feel. Adrenaline can mask worrisome symptoms, so you might not think you need medical attention when in reality you do.  

It’s also worth noting that some impact injuries may not manifest symptoms for days or even weeks. Examples include internal bleeding, whiplash, and brain damage. If you wait until you experience issues to seek treatment for such injuries, serious complications could result.  

By visiting a doctor as soon as possible regardless of how you feel, you can protect your health while increasing the chances of a promising prognosis.  

You Need to Ensure a Link Between the Accident & Your Injuries  

If you decide to file a personal injury claim against those who were liable for the boating accident, you’re going to have to prove causation, which usually starts with presenting your medical records. In undergoing a comprehensive exam right away, you’re ensuring a legitimate paper trail will exist between the incident in question and your injuries.  

If you were to wait days or even weeks to seek care, on the other hand, it would be much easier for the opposing party to argue that your injuries were the result of some other incident that actually occurred after the boating accident.  

You Must Take Reasonable Measures to Mitigate Damages 

Accident victims are expected to mitigate damages when recovering from their injuries. This starts with treating their injuries promptly. If you fail to arrange for adequate care and end up suffering complications as a result, you could be deemed liable for a portion of your damages.

Under California’s pure comparative fault rule, this would reduce the total compensation to which you’re entitled. As a plaintiff, your own negligence offsets the defendant’s liability. That means if you incur $50,000 in recoverable losses but you’re deemed 10 percent responsible for the severity of your injuries, you would only be able to recover up to 90 percent, or $45,000.  

Discuss Your Case with a Boating Accident Attorney in California  

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating boating accidents can be. That’s why we’re determined to advocate for those who have been hurt in such scenarios.  

If you’re recovering from serious injuries that you sustained through no fault of your own, we’ll use all the resources at our disposal to help you seek justice. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or fill out our Contact Form to set up a free case review with a boating accident lawyer in California.