Take action by putting these tips in mind as you aim to recover from the losses and damages you have suffered.
A ferry boat is an essential means of travel for some people who have to cross rivers or lakes to get to their destination on the other side. Operators are covered by licensure standards and other laws meant to protect passengers on board, considering that a ferry service is a form of public transportation. As much as they practice due care in letting passengers cross safely, operators may overlook safety standards and execute actions that could cause more than just delayed arrivals.
Accidents involving ferry boats can endanger lives and create an unsafe riding environment that can result in trauma for vulnerable passengers, such as children and the elderly. Whichever the case, you are well within your rights to take legal action when you get injured on board a ferry boat, especially if an accident causes a debilitating condition and a lengthy hospital stay. Someone must be held accountable, and to do that would require following a few essential steps.
1. Request Medical Attention Quickly
Whether it’s a slip-and-fall incident or burns caused by a gas explosion, you will need to seek immediate medical treatment right away, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Even minor scratches could indicate more serious underlying injuries, and some manifest only weeks after the accident. Don’t delay, especially if the accident is preventable.
The crew may also have fallen short in checking the vessel for issues and ensuring a safe environment for passengers. This will help in establishing that their lapses caused your injuries in the first place. Gather your doctor’s findings, noting that your injuries were caused while you were on board at the time, which will strengthen your claim.
2. Talk to Witnesses and the Boat Captain
As you get treated for injuries, you will need to ask other passengers what actually happened if you were the only one injured on board. If more people were, then share your accounts. At this point, you may even contemplate launching a class-action lawsuit against the crew and the ferry operator for committing preventable operational errors.
These errors may come in the form of accepting passengers above the maximum capacity and improper handling. The crew may also prepare their incident report in line with operational standards, so it’s crucial to talk to the boat’s captain and provide your account of what happened.
3. Get a Maritime Lawyer on Your Side
There are accidents on board a ferry boat that could upend a person’s life, especially if the ordeal left them disabled and traumatized. Being a victim of preventable errors, you have no other option to recover physically and financially than to take legal action. Bear in mind that injuries that happened offshore require the expertise of a maritime lawyer.
Considering that maritime accidents are subject to unique legal conditions, you will need a firm that has a proven track record within the jurisdiction where the accident happened as well as other areas such as accidents involving maritime workers. If you were injured aboard a ferry boat or even a chartered vessel in Miami, contact Brais Law Firm today and get the legal representation you deserve.
4. Document Everything You Observe
With the help of your maritime lawyer, you can build a case that’s solid enough to help you recover your losses. Much like any other legal action, a maritime accident claims success relies heavily on the amount of evidence you are able to collect.
Not only will you have to gather medical records and eyewitness testimonies, you will also need photographic proof if indeed the ferry you boarded was poorly maintained or failed to comply with public transportation safety standards. With this much evidence, you will be able to strengthen your claim and move on.
Endnote
Being a passenger on a ferry boat, getting injured is unforgivable. Take action by putting these tips in mind as you aim to recover from the losses and damages you have suffered.
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