Injured in a Boat Accident? Call us Today.
A boating accident can have a devastating impact on all involved parties. Boaters frequently fail to seek proper training to operate their boat and fail to gain a meaningful understanding of maritime laws and regulations. As a result, numerous boating accidents continue to occur each year. All it takes is one small mistake or miscalculated action to create a tragic accident on the water. The risk for an accident substantially increases if the boat operator is engaged in risky behavior such as boating while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol combined with lack of experience with operating a boat and the unpredictable nature of the ocean often leads to disaster. You may be left with significant injury, medical bills, emotional suffering, and loss of wages.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a boating accident, please seek the immediate assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer at Krum, Gergely, & Oates, LLC. Our attorneys have the years of experience and knowledge of the law needed to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We will pursue all claims on your behalf, where you have suffered injury from a boating accident. Litigating boat accident claims can be quite complex, as it often involves a combination of State and Federal laws. It is therefore critical to have skilled attorneys, such as the attorneys at Krum, Gergely, & Oates, working on your behalf.
Boating while impaired by or under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substance is the most common cause of boat accidents. Alcohol heavily impairs a person’s motor skills, their ability to make reasonable judgments, and often reduces a person’s reaction time, therefore leading to disastrous effects when operating a boat.
The following are common factors that often lead to boating accidents:
– Boating while intoxicated or impaired
– Operator inattention
– Operator inexperience
– Use of excessive speed
– Boating in prohibited areas
– Capsizing
– Collisions with nearby boats
– Grounding
– Manufacturing defect or faulty equipment
– Hazardous weather or water conditions
Boats are exceptionally heavy vehicles. It is important to note the tremendous power that boats hold and the tragic consequences of operating these vehicles irresponsibly. Boaters should always take the time to properly inform boat passengers of the safety measures that are to be followed while on the water.
Boaters have an obligation to follow the safety guidelines set in place by local State laws and by the United States Coast Guard. Boaters who do not follow these guidelines may be held criminally liable. Possible charges boaters may face if found to have been negligently operating:
– Gross negligence
– Reckless driving
– Boating while intoxicated (if under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance)
These charges all carry heavy fines for the boater. In some cases, the boater could also face incarceration.
In addition to criminal charges, boat operators may also face civil liability. If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation in the following areas:
– Medical/Hospitalization bills
– Loss of wages
– Payment for pain and suffering
– Payment for any permanent injuries sustained
Determining liability in a civil suit; however, is not necessarily clear cut. It is critical to have the expertise of an experienced personal injury attorney who is capable of identifying the cause of the accident and the responsible party, and to link the negligent act(s) to the injury sustained. The personal injury attorneys at Krum, Gergely, & Oates will work tirelessly on your case to obtain compensation for you on your behalf.
There are several low-maintenance steps boat operators can take to ensure the safety of their boat passengers and other boats and boaters in the area:
- Responsible and reasonable limitations on any alcohol consumption, if any such consumption is to occur
- Ensure that you and all boat guests are wearing safety vests and that the vests fit and are worn properly
- Take a boating safety course
- Familiarize yourself with the first-aid kit
- Create a pre-departure checklist (to ensure all necessary supplies and emergency equipment are on the boat in the appropriate spot)
- Conduct safety check while onboard
- Remain attuned to weather conditions and any inclement weather
- Prepare for excessive heat and motion sickness