According to the latest data from the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,439 boating accidents in 2021, resulting in 2,641 injuries. If you’ve been in a boating accident and need to file a claim in Lake Charles, LA, you have to act fast.
You also want to avoid some common mistakes which can impact your compensation.
Here are a few boating accident claim mistakes to avoid at all costs.
1. Not Asking Questions
When searching for a personal injury lawyer for your boating accident case, you want to remain as involved as possible. If this is your first time being in a boating accident or if you’ve been seriously injured, you’ll likely have questions.
Now is the time to ask your lawyer what to expect, how to prepare for the process, and what steps to take. Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have on your mind, and be open to communication.
You want a boating accident lawyer that will be there with you at each step in the process. You need to feel comfortable talking to them, and they should be transparent about how the claim is being handled.
2. Waiting Too Long to Start the Claim Filing Process
Missing the claim filing deadline is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Personal injury victims have a limited amount of time to file a claim. The statute of limitations varies based on your state.
It’s one year here in Louisiana. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin filing a boating accident injury claim.
3. Not Getting Medical Attention
Another mistake is waiting too long to get medical attention. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you feel okay at the time. Some injuries aren’t apparent until hours or days later.
Boating accidents can cause severe injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Anoxic brain injury
It’s critical to have the right medical documentation to support your claim. Any gap in treatment can hurt your claim, especially when it comes to the insurance company.
4. Not Hiring the Right Attorney
If you don’t hire an attorney that specializes in boating accidents, they may not have experience with a case like yours. They might wait too long to collect evidence or miss crucial steps that could help you win the case.
Wright & Gray’s boating accident lawyers have extensive experience with these cases. They know what to do and what to expect, as well as Louisiana’s laws and requirements concerning boating.
Don’t Make These Boating Accident Claim Mistakes
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident here in Lake Charles, don’t wait to take action. Avoid these common boating accident claim mistakes, which can affect the outcome of your case.
After a traumatic event that results in personal injury, you want the right law firm on your side to fight for your compensation. The Wright & Gray Law Firm is here for you. Our experienced boating accident lawyers have the expertise you need.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.