Accident today at boat ramp!

CaptOchs

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Messages
230
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

BTW: I had several boaters express frustrations to me. One guy was so pumped up he started shouting at every car afterwards that pulled in that the area was for boats only. LOL!
 

oldjeep

Admiral
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May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

How so? I wasn't going to pull out and get back in the end of the launch line again. I was asked three times to move. As Trooper mentioned above, I was "using the area it was intended for, launching my boat." Using the ramps and boat trailer parking lot to turn around at a dead end isn't what the area was built for. Trooper's post makes the most sense.

Here's my view on the deal.
1) You were told to pull into a parking spot out of the way
2) Instead you pulled up into the entrance road to the area on the wrong side of the street

Most reasonable people would assume you were not going to back up to the water from ther past the parking lot entrance and that you were preparing to leave the area
The guy who drove behind you wasn't paying close enough attention and was also at fault
You obviously could not see what you were doing if you were in a position like that and said you had someone guiding you - improper mirrors or you were not using them
The fact that the guy was in there with a car and no trailer is irrelevant - situation wouldn't have been any different if he did have a trailer
 

CaptOchs

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
230
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Here's my view on the deal.
1) You were told to pull into a parking spot out of the way
2) Instead you pulled up into the entrance road to the area on the wrong side of the street

Most reasonable people would assume you were not going to back up to the water from ther past the parking lot entrance and that you were preparing to leave the area
The guy who drove behind you wasn't paying close enough attention and was also at fault
You obviously could not see what you were doing if you were in a position like that and said you had someone guiding you - improper mirrors or you were not using them
The fact that the guy was in there with a car and no trailer is irrelevant - situation wouldn't have been any different if he did have a trailer

OMG.. Again, I was directed to that second spot by the ranger after I rejected his first spot. Cutting across two other ramps didn't seem like a good idea either. The road entrance is pretty wide and I was pretty far off to the side of it. I parked only 60'-70' from the ramp. I've got a 17' Glastron hooked up to a Dodge Charger. It's a pretty small rig considering. I was backing up a little less than walking speed because my wife was guiding me (yeah I know) to the ramp. The guy rounded the curve and cut in tight behind me. He was already there before anyone could react. I have good mirrors and I was using both of them. He must have slipped past the passenger side while I was looking at the drivers side mirror. I think your argument is irrelevant because I knew where the boat trailers were around me. I've got tons of towing experience from little box trailers to 32ft campers. I get my camper in spots no others could. The bottom line to this whole story is cars are not supposed to be flying through high traffic boat ramps. I intend to write a letter and ask them why the rangers allow this to happen despite rules against it.
 

oldjeep

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Messages
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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Well then it is a good thing that you didn't back into an unauthorized bicycle;)

My argument is that if the car had a trailer on the same thing would have happened - the fact that he didn't doesn't have anything to do with the accident. And I'm just trying to point out what I think most would assume with you in that position at that type of launch ;0

The - I'm an expert backer upper but I was being guided by a personwhile backing in a straight line makes no sense but maybe it would if I had been there.

Good luck to you and its good that your boat wasn't damaged.
 

marauder11

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 10, 2011
Messages
176
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Before this get's going even farther. Lets all keep in mind that every situation is not the same. That being said Myself included can only guess as to who is at fault. I have added my 2 cents but am not a trained police officer or other type of person qualified to come to a collision after it has taken place and determine fault. Best thing about this is no one was hurt. If it was me i would have had a police report to cover my ***( even if they found me at fault). I have insurance for this type of unplanned situation.
 

CaptOchs

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
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Messages
230
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Before this get's going even farther. Lets all keep in mind that every situation is not the same. That being said Myself included can only guess as to who is at fault. I have added my 2 cents but am not a trained police officer or other type of person qualified to come to a collision after it has taken place and determine fault. Best thing about this is no one was hurt. If it was me i would have had a police report to cover my ***( even if they found me at fault). I have insurance for this type of unplanned situation.

Isn't fault already determined if one party admits responsibility? Not sure if anyone from law enforcement is still tuning in.

As "jeep" points out this type of accident is almost unheard of. Anyone with an once of logic knows you don't try and cut off someone backing up a trailer because they can't always see you.
 

briangcc

Commander
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Jul 10, 2012
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2,395
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

NYS is a No-Fault state. Went into effect during the 90's.

IF it were to happen again, I'd get pics of the accident, and get the local LEO's involved. It makes it easier for your insurance company to go after the other party.

In any event, since there is vehicle damage, you need to fill out an accident report with the DMV including the other party's info. Legal requirement of the DMV. Forms are available either online, through the DMV, or your insurance agent should be able to provide a copy as well.

I carry insurance on my boat for just this sort of thing...
 

oldjeep

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

That is a good point - here in MN you could get dinged for failure to report an accident if there was more than $1000 total damage.

And x2 on the boat insurance - it is super cheap, no reason not to carry it.
 

CaptOchs

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 3, 2007
Messages
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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

I think "no-fault" was for medical, not property. It's designed to cut through the red tape and get an injured party the medical help they need. NY gives you 10 days (or less) to file an accident report for claims over a certain amount. Not sure what it is. Since he's the one with the damage I'd assume he is going to file if necessary.

As for me, I bought a new prop and I'll keep the old one as a spare. It isn't in bad shape except for that exhaust ring. I don't plan on calling the guy and asking for money.
 

oldjeep

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

All parties in the accident need to fill out an accident report - that is how you get your story documented in case this winds up coming back to you in some way.
 

emoney

Commander
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Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

I definitely see it as the other driver's fault. The fact that he passed on the left, and you were in the left-hand lane, kinda disputes the "he though you were pulling out" theory, because, unless you're in Europe, you would've been on the wrong side of the road, hence he was too. And I disagree about the "no insurance claim because there's no police report" thing. Most insurance companies will process a claim based on two agreeing parties' statements. In other words, if the driver says, "Yeah it's my fault, here's my insurance". Then if the Ins. Co. calls their insured and he tells them the same thing, you have a claim and will receive repair/replace compensation. I must be missing something, because it all seems rather simple.
 

briangcc

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

http://www.dmv.ny.gov/accident.htm

You need to file as well to protect yourself. I've been in (5) accidents, (4) of which were not my fault and each time I needed to fill out the DMV form. It's a pain and hassle but I'd rather have it on file than risk the suspension of my drivers license.

Take it from a guy who's about an hour away from you....you need to fill out that form and notify your insurance of what happened. All it takes it the other party saying they were at a complete standstill and you backed into them for this to take a weird turn.


BTW: From your description of the damage to the other vehicle, he's well over the $1001 threshold in damages.
 

mnypitboat

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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May 31, 2010
Messages
1,091
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Not completely sure how your state works, but I bet that would be considered a "no fault" accident. Had you backed into a person standing or walking or riding a bike behind you it would have been your fault. HOWEVER the car should not have been there. Combined fault. You are responsible for your backing, just as he is responsible for illegally entering the area.

All in all, let it go. Dont stir up a hornets nest. Your boat is fine. Count your blessings and be careful backing in the future.
 

mnypitboat

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Not completely sure how your state works, but I bet that would be considered a "no fault" accident. Had you backed into a person standing or walking or riding a bike behind you it would have been your fault. HOWEVER the car should not have been there. Combined fault. You are responsible for your backing, just as he is responsible for illegally entering the area.

All in all, let it go. Dont stir up a hornets nest. Your boat is fine. Count your blessings and be careful backing in the future.

If you have the other guys info, and your state offers an online way to file a report then go for it, but courts and police can see things much differant than you expect.
 

briangcc

Commander
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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

If you have the other guys info, and your state offers an online way to file a report then go for it, but courts and police can see things much differant than you expect.


Review the link I posted. It's directly from the NY DMV. He's required to file...it's not an optional thing.
 

mnypitboat

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Review the link I posted. It's directly from the NY DMV. He's required to file...it's not an optional thing.

If he doesnt have the other guys info, then how? I also said "not sure how your state works", and I dont live in NY, so I didnt see a need to review it. Each state has differant laws regarding accidents. Is it a government owned and maintained ramp? Is it considered a road, a parking lot, or what? An accident in a parking lot here does not apply to the normal traffic accident laws. Trust me, I actually called the police when some moron backed into my car once and they wouldnt even respond.

I know the law here says you have to report if its over a certain amount, but that applies to public roads. Parking lots, at least here, are differant. The law also states you are supposed to exchange driver info.

I dont remember him saying he exchanged info with the other driver. If he didnt, then he has already violated the law in most states. And according to your link, he has violated the law. At this time its a mute point.
 

CaptOchs

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Love the handle.. Money Pit Boat..

Anyhow, I do have all his info. I still need to check the oil on the drive. Then I'll have to decide if I want to call him and see how he's doing or not.
 

KFS

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
99
Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

The bottom line to this whole story is cars are not supposed to be flying through high traffic boat ramps. I intend to write a letter and ask them why the rangers allow this to happen despite rules against it.

Bottom Line: I agree with you. You had me at "flying through high traffic boat ramps" because the people flying through boat ramps are putting PEOPLE in danger -- not boats.

At the ramp we frequent people routinely let their children ride BIKES down the ramp into the water. The kids will come flying down AS A VEHICLE IS BACKING DOWN THE RAMP. One day two young kid (10ish?) and a teen were riding their bikes into the water and dunking and such. People just have no sense.
 

mnypitboat

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

Love the handle.. Money Pit Boat..

Anyhow, I do have all his info. I still need to check the oil on the drive. Then I'll have to decide if I want to call him and see how he's doing or not.

I think I would leave it alone. As far as I can see you followed the law. the monetary value of damage is subject to interpretation. If you stab that hornets nest, you could get the other party thinking, and if you go to court, I bet they say "no fault", but they might cite you. It seems like you are fine. If you do not find any issues other than a slightly bent exhaust, leave it be. Just my opinion, but I am all about not stiring things up. I have been there and the outcome was never good. I think you may have some liability in the accident, and they might even force you to pay half, if not all of his repairs. If you split the fault and your damage is only, lets say $200, you will be paying a good portion of his bill.
 

bajaunderground

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Re: Accident today at boat ramp!

I would add: This is an internet forum, while most posters are trying to help the OP, they simply cannot gather enough of the facts from a satellite picture and your description. I am not saying any posters are right nor am I saying any posters are wrong. Just that to sit at a computer and decide responsibility is about as good as getting an engine diagnosis over the phone. Can they be right? Sure, but it would be a lot better to get professionals involved in situations like these. Call the authorities, getting a name and number of bystanders and witnesses is a great idea, but from an insurance perspective a police report would help solidify your case or implicate you as the responsible party. Maybe what you were doing was wrong? Maybe it's a 50/50 thing?

I'm at least glad to hear no one was hurt and no ascertainable damage was done to your boat/outdrive (hopefully none will surface?!) and finally, I hope you still had a great day on the water?

Brett
 
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