Oregon is home to many lakes and rivers, especially in the city of Portland, which lies between the Columbia and Willamette rivers, making boating a popular leisure activity for locals and visitors alike. However, as more people share the waterways, it can create an increased risk of boating accidents when combined with speeding, too much alcohol intake and inexperienced operators. This can cause serious and even fatal injuries for those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The skilled Portland boating accident lawyers at Rizk Law are ready to help you obtain the maximum compensation for your claim. We have years of experience protecting the rights of injured victims and their families and providing high quality legal representation.
Contact us today for a risk free, no obligation legal consultation to review your case. There are no upfront fees or costs involved. You do not pay us anything unless we recover the compensation you deserve. Our office is located at 0434 SW Iowa Street, within walking distance from the Willamette Park overlooking the Willamette River.
Call us now at 503.342.0783 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.
What To Do If Injured in a Boating Accident in Portland
Being injured in a boating accident can be a scary experience. This makes it difficult to know what to do or how to respond. Knowing the steps to take after a boating accident can help keep you safe and protect your legal right to pursue a claim for compensation. This includes the following:
Seeking Medical Care
The first thing to do is to determine whether you or anyone else needs immediate medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries to be minor, it is important to see a doctor right away. Many significant injuries caused by a boat accident may not be apparent until days or even weeks later.
If you are capable, assist anyone who is injured or in danger while waiting for help to arrive. Use an onboard emergency medical kit and if someone has fallen overboard, assist the victim with getting back on the boat by throwing him or her a life jacket or floating ring to prevent him or her from drowning. If the boat is sinking, try to help ensure your safety and the safety of others by climbing on floating debris and signaling for help.
You should never leave the scene of a boating accident, especially if anyone needs medical assistance.
Gathering Evidence
Once out of immediate danger, you will need to gather essential information, such as:
- Names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information of the boat operators
- Names, addresses and phone numbers from anyone else on board, especially people who may have contributed to the accident
- Names and contact information from any eyewitnesses from ashore or on a nearby vessel
- Registration or identification numbers from other vessels involved
You should also take photographs of the accident scene, including pictures of damage to the boat, the scene and your injuries, if it is possible to do so.
Reporting the Accident
The operator or owner of a boat involved in an accident must file a Boating Incident Report Form with the Oregon State Marine Board under the following circumstances:
- If a person dies, disappears, or is injured and receives medical treatment, the form must be filed within 48 hours
- If there is damage to property totaling more than $2,000, the form must be filed within 10 days
If the operator is unable to submit this for any reason, other occupants involved in the accident can submit the report (ORS 830.480). When reporting the accident, be sure to provide accurate information, but do not provide any unnecessary information or speculation as to what caused the accident. Do not admit to any wrongdoing even if you believe you were at-fault. Let the authorities investigate the accident and put all the facts together. Taking any responsibility could hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
Contact a Portland Boating Accident Attorney
If the boating accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal right to file a claim and be entitled to compensation for any damages suffered. It is in your best interest to contact a boating accident attorney in Portland to review your case and discuss your legal options right away.
Filing a boating accident claim can be complicated and confusing if you are not familiar with Oregon boating laws, statutes and regulations applicable to your case. Let our knowledgeable attorneys help you find a resolution so you can focus on your recovery.
Call 503.342.0783 to schedule your free consultation today.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Portland, OR
Boating can be a fun experience, but this type of activity can also be extremely dangerous. Boat operators and owners have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of everyone on board their vessel. When that duty is breached, it can result in boating accidents. Some common examples of breaching the legal obligation to keep other safe include:
- Operating in rough weather conditions
- Failure to pay attention to surroundings
- Violating boating laws and navigation rules
- Overloading or overcrowding the boat
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessively speeding or making reckless turns
- Failing to conduct proper maintenance
Even with all the necessary precautions a boat operator or occupant can take, an operator of another vessel can be inattentive and careless. According to recreational boating statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,291 accidents resulting in 2,629 injuries in 2017. In the state of Oregon, there were 60 recreational boating accidents with 12 fatalities.
If you believe your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a boating accident lawyer in Portland to discuss your right to compensation. If you have a valid claim, we can handle all of the necessary details on your behalf.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now.
Oregon Boating Laws
Oregon passed a law in 1999 that requires all powered vessel operators to successfully complete an approved boater education course to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or more on Oregon waterways. Boat operators are also required to carry proof of boater education and have their vessels appropriately titled and registered.
There are also certain age restrictions for boat operators in Oregon. No one under 12 years of age is allowed to operate a boat or obtain a boater education card. However, people between 12 to 15 years of age may operate certain powered boats by taking an approved boating safety course and applying for or carrying a boater education card. This includes vessels with:
- Less than 10 horsepower without adult supervision
- More than 10 horsepower under the direct supervision of an adult 16 years of age or older (18 years of age or older for personal watercraft) who has completed the above requirements
Boater education courses can be taken online or in a classroom setting. Taking a course can help boat operators to become responsible and educated on boating safety and boating laws.
At Rizk Law, our Portland boating accident lawyers have detailed knowledge of Oregon boating laws and how to apply them to your case.
Talk to a member of our legal team by calling 503.342.0783.
Recovering Compensation After a Boating Accident
After a boating accident, there are many different types of compensation available for a personal injury or property damage, including compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and physical and emotional suffering.
This is why you should hire an attorney who can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Our Portland personal injury lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim, negotiate compensation and file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
In Oregon, the deadline for filing a boat accident lawsuit is only two years from the date of the accident, so it is important to act quickly because it takes time to build a strong claim and file a suit. If you fail to file within the two years, you lose the right to do so.
To find out how we can help you through this process, call us at 503.342.0783.
Speak with a Skilled Boat Accident Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a boating accident in Oregon, it is a wise to speak with a licensed Portland boating accident attorney. We can help secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
At Rizk law, we are prepared to help boating accident victims hold any at-fault party liable for injury-related losses. This could include the operator or owner of the boat, the manufacturing company, the rental company, or other occupants who acted in a negligent or reckless manner. Our attorneys have experience handling these types of cases and are here to help.
Contact our personal injury lawyers in Portland today to schedule your free consultation. We take all of our cases on contingency, which means there are no costs to worry about unless you obtain fair compensation.
Fill out our Free Case Evaluation form or call 503.342.0783 today to get started.