Maryland Boating Accident Leaves Six Injured

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Soraya Dadras

In Ocean City, MD six people were injured in a boating accident. The boat involved in the accident was a sixteen foot open cockpit boat which was holding seven people when the accident occurred. The boat struck an intercoastal waterway marker injuring six of the people on board, one of them being an eight-year-old child. 

 

Jode Dritzel, 38, was operating the boat when the accident occurred. State police are stating that the accident was a result of an operator error. Eight year old Jared Dritzel was airlifted to Cooper County Trauma Center from the Ocean Center Airport. The flight crew reported that Jared Dritzel is reported to be in stable condition. According to police, Jared was thrown from the boat when it struck the channel marker. The other four people who were involved in the accident were Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. While no charges have been filed, the accident is still under investigation by the State Police Marine Unit. 

With every body of the water there are risks for all different kinds of water sport accidents. Boats in particular can have faulty mechanical components and could have encountered a serious engine issue. In some cases the driver had been suffering a serious illness that impaired their driving or was even injured while driving. Boating accidents can have many complicated and intricate reasons for occurring. Contacting a professional who understands the dynamics of these types of accidents is always the best option when in these situations.

 
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Injured in an Accident: Don't Rush to Settle

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Martin Solomon

Former clients call and ask for advice about what to do when they are involved in a minor auto accident.

They tell me that they have been in an accident but, other than being a little sore, they feel fine. They go on to say that the insurance company has offered to repair their car, pay for their emergency room visit and give them $500 for any “inconvenience”. What should they do?

This happens so frequently that it does not take me long to reply. I tell them the story about a similar call I received when I first started practicing law.

Many years ago, a young woman called for her husband who had recently been involved in a “minor” collision. She told me that since he had only been sore for a couple of days after the accident, he agreed to settle his claim for $1,500 (which back then was a great deal of money for a “no injury” claim).

Six or seven weeks later, his soreness became radiating pain which eventually required surgery costing many thousands of dollars. However, since he had given up his right to recover, he was not able to be compensated for any more than the original $1,500.00.

The lesson is, don’t be in a hurry to settle a “minor” collision accident, even with only “a little soreness”.

Injuries may take time to develop and mature. As a general rule, settling any claim in less than six months may not be a good idea.

Every injury is different and the decision to settle should not be made in haste.

Consulting with an attorney soon after the accident in order to get a professional opinion about the specific facts of your accident is sound advice, even coming from an attorney.
 

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