Top Personal Injury Law Firms - Handling Boating and Maritime Accidents
With boating accidents and maritime accidents on the rise, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks. Recreational boating, including activities like fishing and water skiing, is enjoyed by millions of Americans. However, it’s not without its dangers. In 2022 alone, there were about four thousand boating accidents, resulting in nearly $3 million in damages. If you or someone you know has been involved in a boating accident, reach out to Counsel Hound, one of the top personal injury law firms, for a free consultation and case assessment.
Types of Vessels Involved in Boating Crashes
Data from the U.S. Coast Guard highlights the most frequent vessels in accident reports, like motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats. In 2022, these were the main types involved in recreational boating accidents. Explore the statistics for a better understanding of these incidents and consider reaching out to one of the best personal injury law firms for legal assistance.
- Jet Ski Accidents: In 2020, there were approximately 620 documented jet ski accidents, leading to 476 injuries and 50 “fatalities.
- Propeller Boat Accidents: In 2022, there were 247 instances where “propellers hitting people” occurred, leading to 241 injuries and 39 fatalities.
- Towboat Accidents: In 2022, there were 31 vessels” that got into accidents while being “towed”. These accidents caused four injuries and one fatality.
- Pontoon Boat Accidents: In 2022, there were approximately 147 ” reported injuries caused by pontoon boat accidents and 54 fatalities. Thirty-six of those deaths were due to drownings.
- Kayaks and Canoes: In 2022, a total of 132 fatalities occurred, with 118 instances of drowning, due to accidents involving “kayaking” or “canoeing”.
In 2022, there were around 11,770,383 registered recreational vessels across the United States. If you’re a boat owner, it’s crucial to grasp all safety regulations and what leads to most boating accidents. Understanding these factors can help prevent accidents. Get the assistance of the best personal injury lawyers to protect your rights and seek compensation if you’re involved in a boating accident
Contributing Factors of Boating Accidents
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
- Machinery failure
- Navigation rules violation
- Weather
- Hazardous water
- Force of wave/wake
Our team of the best personal injury lawyers is here to help you. We’ll make sure the boat operator takes responsibility for what happened. We’ll check if they were careless, drunk, or acting recklessly. You can count on us to fight for you and get the best result possible.
Common Injuries After a Boating Accident
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Concussion
- Hypothermia
- Internal organ injury
- Laceration
Safe Driving Tips by Personal Injury Law Firms
- Remember to always wear a “well-fitting life jacket” whenever you’re on a boat. It’s essential for your safety and can be a lifesaver if you or a loved one falls overboard. Falling overboard is among the “top five reasons for boating accidents,” so make sure you’re prepared by wearing your life jacket.
- Make sure to stay vigilant when “operating a boat” and keep a constant watch for other boaters.
- Accidents involving ‘collisions with fixed objects’ and ‘collisions with other recreational vessels’ stand as the primary causes of boating mishaps.
- Remember to always abide by the “waterway rules” and “laws”.
What Causes Boating Accidents?
Boating accidents can lead to serious consequences, including loss of life and severe injuries. According to the Coast Guard, the most common vessels involved in fatal accidents are open motorboats and personal watercraft. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has identified several causes of these incidents:
- Operator error, like not paying attention while driving, caused about 602 accidents in 2022, resulting in 45 deaths and 308 injuries.
- Careless or reckless operation
- Operator inexperience: Different states have different rules, so be aware of North Carolina’s regulations before boating. Inexperienced operators caused 464 accidents, 69 deaths, and 249 injuries in 2022.
- Boating under the influence: Alcohol was a factor in 215 accidents, leading to 88 deaths and 148 injuries. Just like driving, 0.08% is the legal limit for operating a boat.
- Drug use also resulted in eight accidents, six deaths, and two injuries in 2022.
- Speeding was a factor in 320 accidents in 2022, resulting in 35 deaths and 288 injuries.
- Boat part failure
- Weather conditions
- Violating navigation rules
- Wake
- Hazardous waters
If you’re unsure about what caused your accident, consider contacting local boat accident lawyers who can help investigate your crash. You can’t proceed with any lawsuit until you determine the cause of your accident and who may be liable.
Championing Your Rights
Boating accidents can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At our personal injury law firm, Counsel Hound, our lawyers are dedicated to helping you receive the maximum compensation possible. You may qualify for various types of compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages. Trust in one of the top personal injury law firms to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Financial Losses:
- If you’ve undergone surgeries, therapy, or needed prescription drugs due to your injuries, our top personal injury law firm will seek reimbursement for your medical expenses.
- If the accident caused you to miss work or experience a decrease in wages, our personal injury law firm will provide evidence of your losses using timesheets.
- If your boat was damaged beyond repair in the accident, our firm will include the cost of repairs in the compensation you seek.
- If you tragically lost a loved one in a boating accident, our top personal injury law firm will work diligently to recover funeral or burial costs for your family.
- Count on our experienced team at the personal injury law firm to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Non-Financial Damages:
In some cases, there are damages that go beyond lost wages or property losses. You might also be dealing with emotional distress from the accident. Our personal injury law firm ensures that all possible compensation is considered in your case. We’re one of the top personal injury law firms that prioritize your well-being and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
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Counsel Hound provides no-cost consultations and case evaluations
Unexpectedly losing a loved one is a traumatic experience. Counsel Hound lawyers are here to support you through this process. You may be eligible for a wrongful death claim and may be able to recover medical and funeral/burial expenses as well as compensation for emotional pain and suffering.
The police provide valuable resources before you even leave the scene. They will determine if any boat operators were under the influence, driving a stolen vessel, had a suspended/expired license, expired/no insurance, etc. The police report will be extremely useful for building a case against the at-fault operator and provide photos and witness. There is also no way for you to verify if the other operator has given you valid information (name, number, insurance).
If the at-fault operator’s insurance company attempts to contact you for a statement or settlement, do not respond until after your consultation with Counsel Hounds. We are working with your best interest in mind, and you may be eligible for more than what the insurance company of the at-fault operator will initially offer.
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Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!