Legal Boating Tips

Many people are injured on boats and personal watercrafts. The boat owner is liable for any injury caused by the negligent operation of the vessel, whether the negligence consists of a violation of statutes of the state, or in the failure to observe ordinary care in the operation of the vessel. The owner is not liable unless the boat is being used with his or her expressed or implied consent. It is presumed that the boat is being operated with the knowledge and consent of the owner if it is driven at the time of the injury by his or her son, daughter, spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, or other immediate member of the owner's family. To protect yourself as an owner you should always make sure you have the proper insurance for the boat. Depending on the size of the boat, this insurance may be written as part of your homeowner's policy or a separate marine insurance policy. Like auto insurance, every company's policy is different, so it is important to understand what the particular policy covers before you purchase it.