Did you know about 31 million people in the U.S. seek emergency medical care every year as a result of accidental injuries? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that these bodily injuries include broken bones, muscle tears, serious cuts, and life-threatening damage to internal organs.

These personal injuries can turn one’s life around. At a moment least expected, it could happen. Whether it’s a bruise or a potentially debilitating spinal cord injury, it can disruptive to the injured’s daily routine and life.

Add to the physical pain is the mental anguish caused by the burden of significant medical and treatment costs. With the disturbance in one’s life coupled with unscheduled hospitalization and related expenses, these personal injuries can really turn one’s life upside down.

If you or a loved one has been injured on account of another person’s fault or negligence, it is highly recommended that you get in touch with a personal injury attorney.

Personal Injury Cases in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, the most common causes of personal injuries usually involve cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Slips and falls and getting struck by a hard object are also typical reasons. Other causes include animal bites, medical malpractice instances, and use of defective products.

Did you know many of these personal injury cases are preventable? With proper observance of care, conduct, and regard for safety, these injuries won’t occur.

As a result of these injuries, the injured person will suffer disruption and costs. By these reasons, he or she is entitled to seek indemnity.

If you or a loved one have been injured under these circumstances, it pays to have legal representation to help you pursue your action for indemnity.

So when should you seek the help of a personal injury attorney?

In many cases, accident victims tend to become reluctant in seeking legal representation or help from a personal injury lawyer. Oftentimes people tend to forego seeking an attorney’s help in minor fender bender cases where there are no bodily injuries are involved. One way or another, the person who incurred damage may be able to handle the issue without too much problem.

But where serious physical injuries are involved, it is critical to get a personal injury attorney who can help make a well-informed decision about the legal issues.

Should you come across this personal injury situation, whether it’s you or a loved one who’s suffered physical injuries, the sooner you get legal representation, the better the chances of success in your lawsuit.

You need to understand that there is a certain window for you or your loved one to file an action for indemnity on account of the physical injuries suffered. Beyond that period set by law to file, you are barred from pursuing any action against the offender.

Failure to seek legal guidance after suffering a serious injury after a car accident can be very costly. It’s not that you are not familiar with your rights but how you present your case to achieve a successful outcome. Which is why you need a personal injury attorney to help you pursue your legal action.

Looking for a Las Vegas personal injury attorney? Reach out to Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney? appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

If you’ve never been in a car accident, know that it can be one of the most stressful moments in your life. Aside from concerns for your physical well-being, there’s also legal and insurance matters you need to think about.

In Las Vegas, you are required to obtain car insurance coverage, which will answer the costs of damage after a car accident.

It’s normal to have a lot of questions regarding your insurance concerns. For one, you might wonder if your insurance provider will cover the damage. If yes, how much or to what extent will the insurance company cover?

In this article, we will discuss the answers to commonly asked questions about car insurance coverage.

What does your car insurance cover?

Your car insurance coverage will depend on the policy you secured for your vehicle. Since it may vary, you will need to ask your insurance provider about the exact coverage amounts.

Normally your car insurance coverage will include minimum coverage for bodily injuries for each person as well as property damage.

While many car owners prefer to have higher amounts of insurance coverage (above the mandatory coverage set by law), some may only secure under-insurance coverage. In cases where the under-insured motorist is at fault and the damage is greater than his or her insurance coverage, the latter shall be personally liable to pay for the difference.

Will a car accident increase your insurance coverage rates?

Yes, if you are the driver at fault. As someone who was responsible for the car collision, your insurance provider may see you as someone risky. Thus, your insurance premiums may go up.

However, if you are not the driver at fault, normally there will be no increase in your insurance coverage rates.

Insurance coverage rates are generally determined based on the motorist’s driving record, type of vehicle, and purpose or use for that vehicle.

What documents or records do you need to secure following a car accident?

Standard practice requires you to report the car accident to the police. This is common where there is major damage to the vehicles involved or when there is someone injured or dead as a consequence. So make sure you secure a police report of the car accident.

Where there are bodily injuries, always call for medical help. Dial 911 for emergency services. There may be need for more medical attention at a later time, as some injuries or symptoms will only become apparent days or weeks after the car accident. So it’s best to keep a record of everything related to your medical care.

Should you keep a record of your car repair costs?

Yes, definitely. Just like the police report and your medical record, you need to secure receipts or documents relating to your car repair (should you decide to have it fixed before securing your insurance indemnity).

Your insurance provider may have a specific car shop for you to bring your vehicle in for fixing. So it’s best to ask about these details before pursuing any repair job.

Things To Carefully Consider Before Telling Your Insurance Provider

Right after an accident, you may be in shock. Stress may get the best of you. Confused, you may make statements while you’re not fully conscious.

Relax. Have presence of mind.

You should always avoid offering your opinions admitting fault. Your insurance provider might accept this as a confession, which they could use to avoid paying indemnity.

Never say you’re not injured. Some symptoms may only appear days or weeks later. When answering critical questions, stick to the facts. Also don’t accept any settlement offers without speaking with a lawyer first.

Need a Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post Must ask questions for the insurance company after an accident appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

Imagine cruising through the highway at moderate speed. Approaching the intersection, you took your eyes off the road for a couple of seconds to adjust the volume of the radio. But those few seconds are all it took for the traffic light to change.

Because you didn’t notice the car in front of you slowed down, your car crashed into it. Whichever way you look at it, this accident was your fault. So what do you do now?

In our series of articles, we always featured scenarios where you are the party who sustained injuries or incurred damages as a result of car accidents. But what if you are the erring driver? Are you wondering what to do if the car accident was your fault? Let’s explore this context.

Getting into a car crash is scary enough by itself. But when the accident was your fault, it’s all the more stressful. You tend to feel even worse because you will likely shoulder the repair costs and other expenses for your vehicle and of the car you bumped.

When you get in a car accident, there are a few things you should do. Similarly, there are things you should never do. In this article, we will focus on those things.

What to Do

Accidents can happen, especially in fast-moving roadways where a quick moment of distraction may lead to catastrophic consequences. When it was you through your fault or negligence that set off the car accident, here are important steps to consider. These simple guidelines seek to protect your rights while saving you from hassle down the road.

Call the police. In all car accidents, whether minor or high-speed, you will need to call law enforcement officers. The reason behind this, among many others, is that you need a police report in support of your claim for compensation for damages with your insurance provider.

Check for injuries. It could be a scratch, bruise, muscle strain, or sprain. Injuries are not uncommon in car accidents. So make sure to check your person for injuries. Same goes with other people in the car. See if they suffered minor or major injuries. Call an ambulance if you’re not sure as to the severity of their injuries.

Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers. Make sure you request for these bits of information of the other drivers. Obtain their phone number, email, and insurance information whenever possible.

Take photos. Make sure to get photos of the scene of accident as well as the damage incurred by all vehicles involved. These images will come in handy when you need to file an insurance claim, among other things.

Call your insurance provider. Notify your insurance provider about the car accident.

Never Do These Things

Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. In a stressful situation such as a car accident, emotions tend to run high. Avoid getting mad or causing a scene by yelling or otherwise. Stay calm and relaxed. It can help you think better.

Never admit fault. Even if you believe it was entirely your fault, never say it was you who caused the car accident. This admission may be exploited by the other drivers, creating more liability for you.

Don’t apologize just yet. While it’s good to express regret over something you believe was your wrongdoing, don’t apologize just yet. Your apology might be construed as an admission of fault or negligence.

Never discuss the details of the accident. As a rule, only speak with the police, your insurance provider, or lawyer about the details of the accident.

Never leave the scene first. Make sure the police have investigated and made a report about the accident before leaving the scene.

In case of doubt, speak with a highly experienced car accident attorney to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

Need a Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post What to Do If the Car Accident Was Your Fault appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

After getting involved in a car accident, the next logical step would be to pursue an insurance claim for damages. But before you can obtain compensation, your insurance provider might ask you a couple of things before releasing the compensable amount.

First on the list would be an investigation on your claim. To open a formal inquiry for the release of the compensation for damages, your insurance provider may require a photo inspection.

So what is a photo inspection? What are its purposes?

There are two main instances where insurance companies require photo inspection for car insurance purposes. First, there’s the pre-insurance photo inspection, and, second, it’s the insurance claims inspection following the car accident.

Pre-Insurance Photo Inspection

In some jurisdictions, car insurance companies may require a photo inspection of the vehicle before issuing an insurance policy and providing coverage. This constitutes proof of the physical condition and visible state of the vehicle to be insured at the time of the application for insurance coverage. In this manner, the photos serve to protect the car owner and car insurance company, as it makes into record the prevailing circumstances as it relates to the vehicle.

The inspector for the car insurance company may require a reading of the vehicle’s identification number. He or she may also inspect the odometer reading, check on the condition of the car, and scan for the car’s accessories, if there are any.

The car insurance inspector will record these discoveries and readings, which will form part of the application for insurance coverage. Depending on the state of your vehicle, there is a good chance you’ll get a lower cost of your car insurance coverage if you comply with the requirement for pre-insurance photo inspection.

Insurance Claims Inspection Following a Car Accident

Typically the next step following a car accident is to file a claim for damages with the car insurance company. For this reason, the insurance provider will assign a claims adjuster to investigate your claim. Part of the claims investigation procedure is the requirement of photo inspection, which shall be used to assess the extent of the damage and determine the corresponding amount of compensation.

While insurance companies follow different procedures in inspecting the claims, the idea is the same. The claims adjuster will inspect the scene of the car accident, assessing the damage of the vehicle. Alternatively he or she will go to your home, if the vehicle to inspect is there. And taking of the photos of the car will be part of the inspection process.

Some insurance companies give vehicle owners the option to take their cars to the latter’s preferred repair shop. It’s best to ask your insurance provider if it offers this recourse.

What Happens Next?

With these photos, the claims adjuster will identify the dents, scratches, or damage and determine the extent of the costs for repair. He or she will then prepare a written estimate.

If you think the estimates provided by the claims adjuster isn’t accurate, you may make an appeal. For this purpose, you need to obtain a cost estimate from an independent appraiser, to be submitted in support of your appeal.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Negotiating with a claims adjuster can be a lengthy and protracted process; it can be frustrating at times too. If you believe you are entitled to a higher compensable amount that what was offered, consider hiring a car accident attorney.

Want to have your case evaluated by an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

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In minor car collisions, they’re ideally no-fuss. After the accident, there will be a quick exchange of contact numbers, insurance information, and other key details, and then that’s it. Drivers involved in the accident will let their respective insurance providers handle these matters. How convenient, don’t you think? So you might wonder, is there a need to call the police?

Actually, yes, parties involved in a car accident may still need to contact law enforcement officers. No matter how minor the accident was, you’ll still need to secure a police report on the collision. Truth be told, reporting the matter to the police will save you from the hassle later on.

While reporting to the police is imperative, what’s optional is informing the insurance provider. Parties to the accident may dispense with the intervention of the insurance companies. For instance, they may opt to have their respective damage repaired out of their own pockets.

The Importance of Securing a Police Report

A police report covers the circumstances surrounding the accident. With this document, it negates the likelihood of creating assumptions as to what happened. Thus, in the event of a legal action for recovery of damages, it effectively eliminates disputes on the turn of events.

It becomes easier to seek compensation because the police report can strengthen the case. Whether the car accident is a major or minor one, it is best to secure this piece of paper.

This unbiased account of the accident contains the following information:

• Names of the parties involved,
• Injuries sustained by the parties, if any,
• Damage to the vehicles involved,
• Time, date and place of the accident, and
• Statements of witnesses.

Here are tips when reporting a car accident to police officers.

Call 911 Immediately

If you’re involved or witnessed a car accident (especially a major, catastrophic one), the first thing you need to do is call 911. Do this even if there are no apparent injuries or damage. The purpose is to let the police officers ascertain the circumstances and write a report on the incident.

There will be an investigation as soon as the police officers will arrive. Searching questions will likely focus on who or what caused the accident and how.

Law enforcement officers will also want to obtain the personal and contact information of the involved drivers and passengers, if any. The police, however, will focus more on the driver; whether there was a likelihood that he or she drove under the influence.

Witness on the scene as well as injured bystanders will also be requested to give their personal and contact information. Statements will also be obtained.

Based on the investigation, the police officers responding at the scene will make the report.

What If There Are No Police Officers at the Scene

There may be instances when police officers don’t respond at the scene of the accident. Thus, you may need to file your own report to the police as soon as possible. In support of your narrative, taking photos and/or videos that cover all angles is highly recommended.

Collect as much evidence as may be available and necessary in support of your side of the story. This may be needed as it is not uncommon for the party at fault to change their story to evade liability.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

To cover your bases, seek legal representation from an experienced car accident lawyer. With his or her help, you can ensure that your interests and rights are protected during your action to obtain compensation for damages.

Looking for a highly experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post Reporting a Car Accident to the Police appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

In a world of laptops and mobile devices, pens and papers may seem obsolete. But actually, they are far better in terms of retaining what you want to remember. There’s a study about this, really. Note-taking can boost memory, allowing the brain to retain more information or understand certain concepts. Which brings us to this point.

Jotting down what happened following a car accident paves way for a more accurate account of the events that unfolded. Note-taking is better than solely relying on memory and then recalling it to mind.

With the frailty of the human memory, we tend to forget things deemed important details of the car accident. However, as time passes, we are likely to miss out on the key particulars. As a result, we fail to communicate these details to law enforcement officers or the insurance provider.

Admittedly writing down notes may be the last thing that comes to mind following a car accident. But this shouldn’t be the case. Jotting the details down can spell the difference between securing your lawful claim for compensation and losing it out in a lengthy, painful legal battle.

That being said, here are simple tips on taking down the important information following a car accident.

Write It Down ASAP

Following a car accident, your paramount concern should be your safety and well-being as well as that of others. After making sure everyone is safe or has been medically attended by EMT, begin your jotting down process.

When writing down the details of the car accident, do it like a play-by-play narration of the events. Start from the few moments before the accident, progressing into the accounts during and after the unfortunate event. The trick is to recount the events as if you’re a sportscaster or observer.

Make sure you have the basic details like time, date, and place of the car accident. If you can, get the names of those involved too as well as the witnesses.

Don’t focus to highlight the circumstances surrounding the event. For instance, were the roads slippery that day? Were there a lot of cars? How fast were they going?

Also, whenever possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, focusing on the damage of your vehicle. Pictures are very helpful in corroborating your narrative.

Jot Down Your Injuries or Damage

Were you injured as a result of the car accident? If you observed bruises, sprain, or any pain following the collision, write them down as detailed as possible. Include injuries of a non-physical nature such as depression, anxiety, and loss of sleep. There may be conditions or symptoms that develop days, weeks, or months after the accident. Record them as well.

The sooner you record these details, the more you can set forth on paper. More may mean credible, which the court will appreciate. In support of your statements, seek medical intervention, and have a certificate issued ascertaining these injuries.

Keep Track of Your Expenses and Losses

Take note of the missed workdays, expenses incurred for the treatment, and other lost economic or financial opportunities. Should you pursue legal action to recover compensation for damages, these notes can be very helpful.

Seek Legal Representation

If you figured in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation from an experienced lawyer. A qualified attorney can help protect your interest and ensure that your rights are protected.

Looking for a Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post Writing Down What Happened in a Car Accident appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

Imagine hopping into your car. Whether you’re going to work, a friend’s house, on an errand, or going on a road trip with family. You’ve only one focus in your mind: going to your next stop as safely as possible.

You grabbed the wheel and stepped on the gas. A couple of minutes later, you got hit by another car. You check on yourself. See if you have bruises or injuries. After ascertaining you’re good with only a minor bruise on the head, you step out of the car and see the damage.

Regardless of who is at fault, it’s never a good time to get involved in a vehicular collision. Whether it’s just a slight fender bender or a catastrophic car crash, it’s inconvenient and costly, if not life-threatening. Nonetheless, there are a couple of things you need to take care of when you’re involved in an auto accident, and take care of it relatively quickly.

First off, appropriate medical attention for the bruised or injured. For this purpose, you need to seek help by calling 911. This brings the matter to the attention of the emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers. You may also look for help from nearby people.

Contacting the Police

Medical concerns aside, in every car accident, you’ll need to have police officers on the scene. In most cases, you’ll need to secure a police report when filing appropriate action for recovery of damages. Your insurance provider will also require a police report before processing your claim for indemnity.

But assuming you didn’t call for law enforcement officers, how long should you report a car accident? Similarly, when should you notify your insurance provider about the incident?

In this article, you will find general answers to all time-related questions as well as issues relating to statutes of limitations as it pertain to the filing of accident claims.

Q. Am I required to report the car accident?

Not really. There are rare instances when you may not be required to file a report at all. For example, you dented or scraped the paint off your car when you hit your gate while backing out. Another instance is low-speed minor collision and the other driver is willing to compromise to avoid lengthy or costly litigation.

Other than those exceptional circumstances, you may need to file a report with law enforcement. You will use the police report to file a claim for indemnity or pursue a legal action for compensation for damages.

Q. When should I report the car accident?

As soon as possible. When there are law enforcement officers responding to the scene, you can file a report therein.

On the other hand, most insurance providers have 24-hour hotlines dedicated for filing accidents and/or claims. If you’re not sure when to give notice to the insurer, read through your insurance policy.

Filing a Lawsuit

When dealing with a car accident, you have to comply with the statute of limitations as it relates to filing an action in court.

Statute of limitations is the strict time limit for filing an action. Every state, however, has its own set of statute of limitations; i.e., when is the last day for filing an action. Different states may also have different types of claims. With regards to legal matters, it is best to consult with a lawyer about these things.

Want to speak with a Las Vegas car accident attorney? Contact Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

The post Reporting a Car Accident appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

Car accidents are unexpected. When they happen, the events can turn out really fast. So fast that even if foreseen, it can be inevitable and difficult to stop. But for the people involved, it is as if time freezes and the world stops. Then everything becomes a blur.

Save for minor car collisions, catastrophic traffic accidents can cause confusion in the minds of the people involved. It is uncommon for these folks to have an exaggerated startled response. There may be crying spells and racing heartbeats. Panic will ensue.

For the people in these unfortunate occurrences, there may be little time to mentally process what just happened. It can be a chaotic and overwhelming moment. In any stressful traffic situation such as a car accident, it is important to stay calm. This gives the mind enough thinking space to process the situation and allow the person to assess what needs to be done.

In this article, we highlighted the important steps that every person involved in a car accident needs to do. Whether it’s a devastating car collision or a minor, low-speed bump, we want to emphasize to focusing on the moment and what needs to be done to best recover from the injuries and address the overall situation.

As a victim of a car accident, the individual’s initial priority is his or her safety. Life and limb should take precedence over anything else. Next would be property; i.e., how much damage did the car incur? Last but not the least comes the possibility of pursuing legal action.

Here are important things to consider following a car accident.

Ensure the safety of everything in the car.

If you’re in the car that’s involved in the accident, your health and well-being should be of primary concern. If you have people with you in the car, look after them too.

However, in cases of serious injuries, especially when the injured person is also unconscious, do not move them unless it is absolutely necessary. Wait for the medical personnel to arrive and handle them. In any other case, call 911.

Contact the police especially in cases where there are injuries or death or serious property damage; in the latter case, you’ll need a police report.

Stay at the scene.

Never leave the scene of the accident. If you do, you may be charged with a serious criminal offense. That’s a hit-and-run if you do that. However, if possible, move the vehicles out of the traffic so as not to cause obstruction on the roadway.

3. Exchange contact, insurance, and other vital information with the other drivers.

Speak with the drivers involved in the accident. If possible, obtain their contact information. Also it is important to verify their name with their driver’s license. Get their license plate number and insurance information too.

4. Take photos of the damage.

The images you’ll take will form a crucial part of your evidence. These pictures will be useful when comparing photos before the accident and thereafter. The photos will also be used in support of your claim with your insurance provider or should you pursue legal action in court.

5. Call the insurance company.

Inform the insurance provider of the fact of the accident. Supply the details as to the incident and furnish them the police report and other requirements in support of your claim for damages.

6. If you have injuries, write it down.

If you have sustained injuries, seek medical attention. But don’t forget to keep track of your injuries.

Got involved in a vehicular collision? Get in touch with our highly experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney. Look to Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

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Don’t Drink and Drink This 4th of July

This coming 4th of July, there will lots of fireworks, grilling, and booze. But did you know the rate of drunk-driving incidents is also high during this wonderful occasion? It’s an unfortunate fact that needs to be addressed by authorities. But more importantly, it starts with every driver. Road safety is a responsibility and duty of every individual person who operates a motor vehicle on the roadways.

In view of the dangers of and the potential catastrophe arising from drunk driving, the law requires drivers to be sober when operating their motor vehicle.

On the 4th of July, join us in celebrating the momentous occasion. Bring out the picnics, grills, and barbecues. Of course, the salute to our independence wouldn’t be complete without the awesome fireworks. But don’t let your merriment be compromised by an unwise decision to drink then drive. It’s deadly.

Drive Sober

Before you have fun this 4th of July, think safety first. If you’re planning to drink that day, make sure you have a designated driver who’s sober. Because here’s why. Check out these statistics on drunk-driving.

Did you know around 10,400 people died in 2016 due to car crashes related to drunk-driving? That’s about a third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.

On 2016’s 4th of July celebration, there were 188 people who died due to drunk-driving. That accounts for a 28-percent increase from 2015’s 146 fatalities. There were three times more deaths at night that the daytime on the independence day celebration.

Drunk-Driving Is Illegal

Not only is it a dangerous stunt, drunk-driving is also illegal. So for this year’s 4th of July celebration, we urge everyone to steer while sober, not drive while drunk.

This 2018’s independence day celebration, there will be a campaign to put an end to drunk driving. It’s called the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign. On this day, you’ll see a lot of law enforcement elements dispersed throughout the streets to compel observance or compliance of drunk-driving laws.

Police officers will be accepting zero excuses from drivers who drive while drunk. The objective of the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign is ensure the safety of all people who share the roadways. Anyone who will drive while under the influence or otherwise impaired will be taken off the streets and apprehended.

In this year’s 4th of July celebration, we invite everyone to join in our efforts to stop this deadly stunt. Together let’s spread awareness of this life-saving measure in the hopes that this campaign will completely keep our roads safe from drivers under the influence.

Drunk Driving Can Cost Lives

Drunk driving is never acceptable. It puts everyone’s lives, limbs, or properties at risk. This illegal behavior should be stopped. And when it does, it can save countless lives. Who knows, the lives saved may include yours and your family’s.

So for this year’s independence day celebration, commit only to driving when you’re sober. Make sure your senses are not impaired and you have presence of mind behind the wheel. You can still enjoy the festivities. Should you decide to partake in alcoholic beverages, just make sure you have a designated driver who’s sober.

If you see someone who’s under the influence or intoxicated and about to driver, contact your local law enforcement elements. Or if you have a friend or family member who’s about to drive despite drunk, grab the keys and let someone who’s sober and reliable to drive for him/her.

The post Don’t Drink and Drive This 4th of July appeared first on Empire Law Group, Las Vegas car accident attorney Dan J. Lovell.

The sun’s out and the weather’s warm. What a perfect time to go boating. Summer is the ideal season to take the family and friends and hop on a boat and get on the water. Whether you’re regularly taking a boat trip or just on specific occasions, it is important to always keep safety in mind.

For boat owners or operators, make sure that the vessel is in seaworthy condition. The boat also needs to have sufficient provisions while the crew must be competent and well-trained to take the boat onto the sea. Failure to observe the requisite degree of diligence on their part can lead to liability for damages in favor of the injured persons.

Passengers, on the other hand, should follow the rules as they pertain to their safety. Any contributory negligence on their part may negate or diminish any liability on the part of the boat owner or operator.

But ultimately, your safety is your responsibility. Be alert for potential accidents, and always be mindful of any catastrophe that may arise in the seas. Here are simple boating safety tips to observe when you, your family, or your friends are out on the water.

Don’t Drink and Boat

Just like driving automobiles, alcohol and boating don’t mix well. If you want to partake in the festivities with these beverages, make sure you have another person who will operate the vessel. Operating the boat while intoxicated can just be a dangerous as drunk-driving.

Check the Weather

Before heading to the open water, always check the weather reports. Know what’s brewing and what to expect when you head out there. A seemingly bright, sunny weather can turn into a storm out of nowhere. Should you notice a formation of dark clouds or a drop in temperature, get back to the docks.

Make Sure You Have Proper Boating Equipment

Know what tools and equipment are essential for every boating trip, and make sure you have them for the trip. First off, there should be ample number of life jackets for the crew and passengers on board. Lift rafts, emergency lights, and extra batteries should be available too. Other essentials include cellphones and other communication devices, flares, and first-aid kits.

Let Others Know You’re Going Out to Sea

This is important. If anything bad should happen, the informed person can always contact the authorities for help. What’s crucial is that there is someone who may suspect of the happening of an unfortunate event then seek assistance.

Learn to Swim

Should the boat capsize or sink, swimming becomes a critical skill that can save your life as well as others. Of course, it helps to have a life jacket to help you keep afloat when you’re already in the water for hours and tired.

Take a Course in Boating Safety

Some jurisdictions require boat owners or operators to undergo basic boating education or training courses before they can take their vessel off to sea. This is not just a regulatory matter; compliance with the rule may save a life or two while you’re out there.

Comply with Navigation Regulations

The rules are set for everyone’s safety and convenience. Make your boating activity a fun and safe experience by paying attention to the rules.

If you or your loved one has suffered injuries on account of a boating accident, look to our highly experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney. Call on Dan Lovell of Empire Law Group.

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