Our Minneapolis Injury Lawyers are Highly Skilled
Victims of boating accidents should not delay contacting The Bill Coughlin Law Firm, because we offer a “free first visit” and free case evaluation with a Minnesota boat accident attorney. We also take cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay for our attorney fees until we produce a settlement.
Boating accidents caused injuries, death and property damage in an almost unbelievable amount.
The majority of boating accidents are the result of carelessness, operator inattention, excessive speed and operator inexperience according to reports by the US Coast Guard.
Recent statistics show that boating accidents resulted in approximately 3,500 injuries and 39 million dollars worth of property damage.
It is believed that the actual numbers are much greater because large numbers of boating accidents are not reported.
Federal law requires boating operators to file accident reports with the nearest state boating authority. See 33 CFR 173.55. Yet, the U.S. Coast Guard found that only five to ten percent of non-fatal boating accidents are actually reported.
It is quite important for boat owners to know that it is a legal requirement that one file a Boating Accident Report (BAR). Failing to do so is a misdemeanor in some states.
When and under what circumstances is a BAR required? The Code of Federal Regulations 33 CFR 173.55 (2001) requires a BAR to be filed with the nearest state boating authority when any of the following occur through involvement with your vessel:
• A person dies; or
• A person is Injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, i.e. treatment at a medical facility or by a medical professional other than at the accident scene; or
• Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 or more or there is a complete loss of any vessel; or
• A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.