Boat Accident

Boat Accident Law Firm

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Accident?

Personal watercraft and motorboats have powerful engines, however, licensure is not a requirement in every state. Instead, state law may only require a boat operator to complete a safety course. Unfortunately, users of jet skis and other types of light watercraft vessels, as well as swimmers, are especially vulnerable to severe, life-changing injuries when they’re involved in an accident with a negligent boater. 

In some situations, the negligent boat operator may not be the only party held liable for an accident. The owner of the watercraft may also bear legal responsibility. Additionally, the operator of the boat may be an employee of the boat’s owner, or the owner of the boat may allow a friend or family member to borrow their vessel. 

Owners of tour boats and other types of vessels are responsible for supervising and training employees and ensuring their craft is well-equipped with the proper safety equipment. 

A defect in the manufacturing process or the boat’s design can also contribute to or cause a boating accident.

A boat accident lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP will investigate the accident to look for signs of defects. This can include looking for missing safety equipment, instructions, and required warnings.

Fighting for the Compensation You’re Owed

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often claim that the boat accident victim is partly to blame for the accident. This defense is often used in boat accidents that involve recreational watercraft. Your boat accident lawyer will fight to ensure the blame for the accident is placed on the at-fault party. Keep in mind that if you are partly to blame for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation from the negligent party, however, your compensation will be reduced based on your level of fault.

What Forms of Negligence Can Result in a Boat Accident?

To recover compensation for a boat accident, an attorney must prove that the at-fault party acted negligently. 

Examples of negligence can include:

• Failing to follow safety regulations or operating a watercraft at a high rate of speed are considered negligent behaviors.
• Operating the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is reckless and negligent.
• No navigation lights or insufficient lighting can also be considered negligent.
• Other examples of negligence while operating a watercraft include not carrying the necessary safety equipment such as inflatable vests or lifeboats, or carrying too many passengers. An attorney can also prove that the boat operator willfully disregarded the accident victim’s safety.

How Can a Boat Accident Attorney Help?

At Parker Waichman LLP, our boat accident lawyers are familiar with boating laws and know how to investigate this type of accident to uncover the truth and prove negligence. 
When you hire a member of our legal team, they can help during this challenging time by:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering and reviewing evidence
• Working with experts
• Reviewing medical records to determine the severity of your injuries
• Investigating the boat operator
• Negotiating with the insurance company or defense attorney
• Filing a lawsuit on your behalf
• Representing you in court

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What to Do After a Boating Accident

The results of a boating accident can be devastating and may result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. 

The actions you take following a boating accident can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.

• Immediately after the accident, you must contact emergency services. This ensures that medical treatment, local law enforcement, and the Coast Guard are dispatched to your location. A medical professional will assess your health and provide treatment if you suffered any injuries. Law enforcement or the Coast Guard will document the details of the accident. The accident report and your health assessment are important pieces of evidence that can play a role in supporting your demand for compensation.
• If possible, take videos and photos of the accident scene, anything that may have caused or contributed to the accident, and photos of your injuries. 
• If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their names and contact information.
• After you have spoken to law enforcement or the Coast Guard, visit a medical center for an extensive evaluation. Even if you don’t feel that your injuries are severe, it’s still important to have an assessment. An exam will help reveal injuries and ensure that you receive the treatment you need. 
• Contact a boat accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contacting a boat accident attorney at Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible after an accident will allow your attorney to recover vital evidence that can support your case, significantly increasing your chances of a successful outcome to your case.

Contact Us Today

If you were injured in a boating accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, our boat accident lawyers can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and help you recover the compensation you deserve for an accident that was not your fault. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.