Virginia Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering miles of sandy shores and a bustling boardwalk. However, accidents can and do occur, leading to serious injuries.
If you are injured in a beach or boardwalk accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to protect yourself.
Common Beach and Boardwalk Injuries That May Qualify as Personal Injury Claims
Beach and boardwalk accidents can result in various injuries, including:
- Bone fractures and broken bones may occur from slips, trips, and falls, particularly on uneven boardwalk surfaces, sidewalks, or slippery areas near the water.
- Back injuries are another common beach accident injury that may occur, including sprains, herniated discs, or other serious back issues.
- One of the most serious beach accident injuries is spinal damage. An injury to the spinal cord could result in paralysis or long-term disability.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are also serious; these injuries range from concussions to more severe brain trauma.
- Incidents of near-drowning may also occur and can be classified as a personal injury if negligence is found.
- Laceration injuries from broken glass, shards, nails, metal, and other sharp or pointed objects may also constitute a personal injury.
It’s important to take necessary safety precautions whenever you visit a beach. Should an accident occur, you know (and can prove) that you took utmost precaution.
Personal Injury Lawyers and Proving Liability
Research is key! Law firms like Silverthorne Attorneys are beacons of knowledge where you can learn more about personal injury law.
This point begs the following questions:
- Who can be held liable?
- How do you prove liability?
Various parties may be held responsible, including government agencies if the accident occurred on a poorly-maintained public boardwalk. A property owner (or a business owner) could be at fault if you’re injured on the commercial premises. Other beachgoers may also be responsible if their behavior caused or contributed to the beach injury.
If you believe negligence played a role in your beach accident injury, explore your options for compensation.
A lawyer may find that a negligent party was in breach of duty. They may also prove direct causation and damages, depending on the case. That’s why documentation is essential.
What to Do After a Beach Accident
Taking immediate action is crucial If you are involved in a beach accident.
Follow these steps ASAP:
Seek medical attention first. Even minor injuries should be addressed. Having injuries checked by a healthcare provider will provide vital medical documentation.
Document the beach accident scene as soon as you can. Take photos of where the accident (and injury) occurred with a smartphone. This includes all hazardous surfaces, including broken boardwalk planks or dangerous beach conditions. Injury images are used as claim evidence.
Gather Beach witness information, including the names and contacts of those who witnessed the accident. Report the beach incident to the proper authorities. This could be a beach patrol officer, lifeguard, or the police.
Notify your insurance provider after the accident and detail the incident.
Stay Safe and Know Your Rights
Remember to research all beach accident laws local to Virginia Beach. Keep the above tips in mind whenever you go to the beach to avoid accidents and to take immediate action should the case arise.
We want our readers to live their best lives in Virginia Beach. That means staying safe, happy, and healthy!
Events
