Boat, ship & ferry accident compensation claims

What are the most common causes of boat, ship and ferry accidents?

When it comes to possible causes for such accidents, whether they're accidents involving smaller boats or accidents on larger ships and ferries, there are many potential causes. 

One common cause, one which is impossible for anyone to control, is environmental factors. The weather and sailing conditions can change seemingly at any second, which may put vessels at risk of an accident - particularly if the person operating the vessel ignores weather and safety warnings. Rain and wind meanwhile can make for a potentially dangerous ride for those on board. 

In many cases, accidents are caused by negligence - either on the part of a vessel's crew or maintenance team, or passengers. Unchecked and untested equipment; unattended potential hazards; the ignoring of safety measures and rules; and generally reckless behaviour could all lead to, or at least contribute to, an accident on board a boat, ship or ferry. 

There is also the possibility that equipment, even when regularly tested and checked may fail, presenting potentially dangerous situations.

How common are accidents on boats, ships and ferries?

Unfortunately, while not as common as accidents involving other forms of transport, such as cars and lorries, there are thousands of marine accidents and incidents around the world every year. 

According to statistics from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), there were a total of 1530 marine casualties and accidents on board UK vessels, and other vessels in UK territorial waters, in 2021. At the time of publishing their statistics, the MAIB states that 22 investigations had started and 14 of those involved loss of life. 

567 of these accidents involved large commercial vessels. And while the overall number of incidents were higher (117 accidents) on merchant vessels of 100gt or more than on merchant vessels of under 100gt (90 accidents), there were more serious accidents (29 in total) on smaller-sized vessels.

What injuries could be sustained in a boat, ship or ferry accident?

If you were to be involved in a boat, ship or ferry accident, there are a variety of injuries and trauma you may sustain, depending on the type of accident, the severity of it, and the type of vessel.

They range from relatively minor injuries, such as strains and sprains, to more serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma and severe back injuries. 

Additionally, more serious marine accidents, such as those caused by extreme weather conditions or those in which someone goes overboard, can have a large impact on the mental health of anyone involved in the incident.

What should I do if I'm injured in a boating accident?

In the unfortunate event you're involved in a marine accident, and suffer an injury, you should always make getting any medical attention you require, as soon as possible, your priority. This is not only vital for your recovery, but will also help you if you choose to build a boat, ship or ferry accident claim as your medical assessment can be used as evidence. 

With making an accident claim in mind, be sure to speak to any witnesses who may have seen your accident - they may be able to support your statements and help you with your claim later on. Ask if there is any CCTV footage perhaps too, and - if you're able to - take photos of where the incident took place, and the injuries you suffered. 

It is also important that you report your boating accident as soon as possible. If you are in UK waters at the time of your accident, or your accident involves a UK vessel, you will need to file a report with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)

If you're injured in an accident involving a boat, ship, ferry or any kind of marine vessel and it wasn't your fault, and you're ready to talk about making a claim for your injuries, we're here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us on now to speak with our friendly team, request a call back or use our claim online tool to see if you can start your claim online.

Can I make an accident compensation claim if I am injured on a boat, ship or ferry?

Absolutely. If you've been injured in a marine accident in UK waters or on a UK vessel, and the accident wasn't your fault, National Accident Helpline is here to help you along your recovery journey by getting you the compensation you deserve. 

Get in touch with us now to find out if you can make a claim - our friendly team are ready to hear your story and provide the advice and expertise you need. Call us on , request a call back or use our claim online tool to see if you can start your claim online.

Can I claim compensation if I work on the vessel?

Anyone who is injured in an accident on a boat, ferry, ship or any other type of vessel, and the accident wasn't their fault, is entitled to claim for compensation - including anyone working on board the vessel. 

As an employee however, the type of claim you would need to make is likely to be different to that made by a passenger on a vessel. As you would have been injured at work, we would most likely help you with an accident at work claim, which would give us the best chance of winning your case and getting you your deserved compensation.

Can I make a claim for food poisoning on a cruise ship?

When on board a cruise ship, it is likely that you'll be indulging yourself with plenty of time to relax, enjoy plenty of drinks and eat plenty of food. With this, there is always the risk of food poisoning - just as there is when you eat at a restaurant, café or anywhere else. 

Food poisoning can be very unpleasant. Not only could it cause illness, but it is likely to ruin your holiday - one that you may have paid a lot of money for. 

Thankfully, if you've been affected by food poisoning on a cruise holiday, we can help you make a food poisoning claim, to help make it right and get you compensation that could cover at least some of the money you spent on your holiday initially.

How much compensation could I receive for a boat, ship or ferry accident claim?

The amount of compensation you could receive when you make a boat, ship or ferry accident claim will be based on the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the severity of the injuries and trauma you may have suffered. 

Therefore, as is the case with all other types of accident claim, we are unable to provide information of a specific amount you could claim, without hearing your story and details of your accident. 

To find out how much compensation for a marine accident you could claim, speak with our friendly team who'll listen to your story, get an understanding of your situation and explain how we can help you get your life back on track. 

Call us on or request a call back when you're ready - we're waiting to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, perhaps use our compensation calculator for an idea of the compensation you could claim.

How could compensation help?

An accident could be life changing, with any injuries and trauma suffered having a direct impact on your day-to-day life. 

Accident compensation, while not repairing any damage done, can help you get your life back on track. It may help to cover any financial losses caused by an accident that wasn't your fault, as well as any additional costs incurred. 

Additionally, an accident claim often leads to receiving an apology from those at fault. For many, this is an important part of the recovery process, as it confirms that the accident wasn't their fault, provides an element of closure and helps them to move on.

Is there a time limit for starting a boat, ship or ferry accident compensation claim?

Under UK law, to be eligible to claim compensation for your accident, you usually have a three-year time limit from when the accident occurred. Additionally, the accident must have been wholly or at least partially the fault of someone else. 

When thinking of making a compensation claim for your boat, ship or ferry accident, consider the following:

• If you were over 18 at the time of your accident , you have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim for compensation 
• If you were under 18 at the time of your accident, you have 3 years from your 18th birthday - until age 21 - to make a personal injury claim for compensation 

In some cases, such as situations when you or a loved one you're claiming on behalf of has impared psychological function from a serious head or brain injury caused by a marine accident, the time scale for a claim may be longer. 

While there is a limit on the time in which you can make a claim, be assured that at National Accident Helpline we'll never rush or pressure you. We'll simply be here, ready and waiting to help you if and when you do wish to make a claim.

How long could my boat, ship or accident compensation claim take to settle?

The amount of time your boat, ship or ferry accident claim may take to settle is - similar to how much compensation you may be able to get - dependent on the specific details of your accident and injuries, as well as the investigation involved with your case. 

In most cases, you'll need to be prepared for your claim to take some time, there will be plenty of variables involved. It is common for the other side to deny or dispute liability, and even in cases where this doesn't occur, negotiations can be lengthy. 

On some occasions, claims can be settled in around three months. But this is largely dependent on the other party admitting responsibility and liability early in the investigations, and this is rare. 

When you speak with a National Accident Helpline solicitor, they will be able to give you some idea of how long they expect the claim to take, based on your claim, circumstances and their experience of taking care of similar claims previously.

Will I need to go to court?

If worrying about the possibility of having to go to court is stopping you from making a claim, you may be relieved to hear that it isn't likely you'll end up in court. 

Only a small number of claims need a court hearing, about 5% in fact, and in most cases your solicitor will do all they can during their negotiations to keep all parties out of court. 

There is always a small chance of your case going to court, as not all claims are the same. However, you may not need to be present in court yourself. 

Your solicitor will of course advise you of any court requirements and what you may need to do for them.

Can I make a no win no fee bus accident compensation claim?

If you were hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault, yes you can. We work on a no win no fee basis on the vast majority of claims we handle, meaning that if we lose your claim, you'll have nothing to pay to us or anyone else. 

A no win no fee arrangement is the contract between you and the personal injury lawyer we appoint for you.

•  There are no upfront costs and no hidden charges.
•  If you don't win your claim, you pay nothing to anyone.
•  Your lawyer may need to arrange insurance for you to ensure claiming is risk free.
•  You'll never be left out of pocket - that's our guarantee.

Your solicitor will talk to you about no win no fee, our fixed fee structure and what we can do for you if we think you can't claim on a no win no fee basis at the start of your claim, so you've all the information you need to make a decision.

Can I claim on behalf of a loved one or family member injured in a boat accident?

You can, depending on the circumstances surrounding their accident and the injuries suffered from it, make a claim on behalf of a loved one. 

For example, if a loved one has suffered a brain or head trauma from an accident, or has a pre-existing medical condition meaning they can't - in the opinion of a medical professional - make their own decisions, you can claim on their behalf. You can also claim for your loved one or child if they were injured in an accident and under the age of 18. 

As is the case with any claim, it is important to have as much detail of your loved one's accident and injuries when you speak with one of our solicitors. This information will help us investigate your claim and explain how it will work.

What if my child was injured in an accident?

If your child was injured in an accident, and they are under the age of 18, you will be able to make a no win no fee compensation claim on their behalf, as outlined above.

How do I start my claim with National Accident Helpline?

If and when you're ready to make a claim, and to get the compensation you deserve, we're here, ready and waiting for you too. 

To start your claim, simply get in touch with us by phone on , request a call back or online - whichever way you choose, you'll soon be speaking with one of our friendly advisors who are on hand to talk - and importantly, listen - to you and start building your claim.