Common Causes of Cruise Accidents

Whether you are by yourself or with a few good friends, going on a cruise can be a lot of fun. You get to see beautiful views of the ocean, visit gorgeous islands and everything you need is in one place. However, things can sometimes go wrong on a cruise ship. Here are a few common causes of cruise accidents:

Storms

When you are in the middle of the ocean, there is always the chance running into a storm. Cruise lines do their best to monitor storms and go in a different route if they know a storm is coming. However, if a cruise ship does run into a big ship, the results can be deadly.

Assaults

Cruise ships can carry thousands of passengers at one time. With so many people in tight quarters, assaults can occur. Passengers can get angry with each other for one reason or another and cause bodily injuries. Sexual assault, in particular, is becoming increasingly more common on cruise ships. Alcohol is often abundant on cruise ships, which can increase the risk of sex crimes. Perpetrators believe they can get away with sexual assault on cruise ships because the case usually are not prosecuted.

Fires

Fires can also occur on cruise ships. Fortunately, they are usually subdued and rarely result in deaths. Cruise ships take several preventative measures, like smoke alarms and sprinkler piping, to keep fires away.

Collisions

Collisions with reefs, rocks and vessels have also resulted cruise ship accidents over the years. These types of accidents usually result in serious injuries and fatalities. Cruise ships can use radio communication and navigational aids to avoid these collisions.

Huge Waves

Cruise ships can get severely damaged by huge waves in the ocean. Waves that are up  to 100 ft tall can’t easily be predicted and can cause a lot of destruction.

Onboard Illnesses

Passengers on cruise ships can catch illnesses from one another. Food contamination is a common cause of these onboard illnesses and can lead to many unpleasant side effects, like vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headaches.

What to Do After a Cruise Accident

If you were injured on a cruise, it is important to take action immediately. Report your injury to the cruise ship staff members and try to take photos of the conditions that caused your injury. For example, if you slipped and fell on spilled soda on the floor, make sure to take pictures of the liquid. Also, get medical attention for your injury while you are on the cruise ship.

Contact an experienced cruise accident attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A cruise accident attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the cruise ship and ensure your rights are protected. He or she may help you gather necessary evidence, contact the appropriate witnesses and communicate with insurance companies. With a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer on your side such as the personal injury lawyer Phoenix AZ locals turn to, you may have more peace of mind about your situation.

 

Thanks to authors at Lorona Mead Attorneys at Law for their insight into Personal Injury Law.