Boating Accident

Summer is the greatest time of year to go boating, but it’s also one of the scariest.

Every year in Mississippi, hundreds of boating accidents occur, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. While some of these incidents are out of boater’s control, many are preventable with proper preparation and education. To legally operate a boat in Mississippi, register your boat with the state’s wildlife and fishing department. If you’re caught unregistered, you’ll face a $250 fine.

You’ll also need to make sure there’s at least one Wearable Personal Floatation Device (WPFD) on board for each passenger. Passengers aged 12 and under are required to have a WPFD. If you’re using a boat over 16 feet long, make sure you’re equipped with a Fire Extinguisher. This extinguisher is approved by the Coast Guard. Register your boat with a certification card and keep your card with you. This card must be kept with you at all times, even when you’re not on the water. File a report of your boating accident within five days and call us immediately. Call 1-800-INJURED (1-800-465-8733) or fill out the contact form below.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING BOATS ACCIDENTS IN MISSISSIPPI

Boaters in Mississippi are obliged to file reports of accidents involving fatalities, serious injuries, incapacitating conditions lasting more than 24 hours, and/or property damage totaling more than $100 . Depending on where an accident occurred, it must be reported to either the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources or the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

A boating accident involving a fatality must be notified within 48 hours. Accidents that cause property damage, injuries, or both must be notified within five days. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks must be informed of any boating mishaps that take place north of Interstate Highway 10. occurrences of accidents south of Interstate.

We are standing by ready to assist you 24/7. Your case will begin with a FREE consultation. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay NO LEGAL FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE. Call 1-800-INJURED (1-800-465-8733) or fill out the contact form below.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE A BOAT

Boating and Alcohol In Mississippi, it is illegal to operate a motorized boat, PWC, or any other type of personal watercraft with an engine with more than 25 horsepower while intoxicated. A boater is considered under the influence when their BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is 0.08 percent or greater, they are intoxicated, or they have been exposed to a substance that impairs their ability to drive. To learn more about the dangers of operating a boat while impaired by alcohol, please take a boating safety course. A first-time BUI conviction in Mississippi carries a fine of up to $1000 and up to two days in jail. Repeat offenders will face more severe penalties, including jail time and additional fines, as well as the loss of their boat operating privileges.

The types of boating accidents that occur most frequently are collisions with other vessels or fixed objects, skier mishaps, falling overboard, or capsizing. The legal rights applicable to your claim will vary depending upon certain factors such as your categorical relationship to the vessel (as a quest, employee, or bystander, etc..) as well as the literal events surrounding the incident that could have feasibly had an impact on the outcome.

It is crucial to receive legal advice. If you or a loved one is involved in a boating accident call us immediately. 1-800-INJURED (1-800-465-8733)