The aftermath of a catastrophic accident can be a chaotic, frightening and stressful time for victims and their families. Those who survive a serious event may not know how or if they can make a full recovery and are often in a significant amount of pain. Those who do not survive an accident have families who are grief-stricken, angry, confused and frightened about what the future might look like.
It is very common for victims and their families to have questions and concerns that must be addressed. Generally, the first matter that must be settled is: What happened? After that can come questions of who is to blame, whether an incident could have been prevented and what do victims and their families need to begin the recovery process. These are likely among the concerns of eight people who were recently injured in a boat accident and the families of four people who were killed.
The tragic accident is still under investigation and only a few details have been reported. What is known, however, is that three boats were involved in the crash when one boat, traveling at a high speed, T-boned a second boat. How the third boat was involved is unknown. A total of 22 people were on the boats and authorities say that alcohol was found on the boat that caused the crash.
While the injured victims focus on recovering and the families of those were killed begin the seemingly impossible process of coping with the loss, investigators are working to find answers that will be crucial. It is likely that they will establish if alcohol played a role in the crash and if one or multiple boat operators were negligent or reckless.
Once these questions are answered, those devastated by the crash will want to consider their legal options. After the negligent party or parties have been established, families may choose to file a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. There is nothing that can undo a catastrophic accident or replace a loved one; but holding the appropriate parties accountable can help people find some peace and relief that can help them recover.
Source: Local 10, “New details released in fatal Fourth of July boating crash,” Ben Kennedy, July 7, 2014
