Bethesda Boat Accident Lawyer
Most boating accidents result in catastrophic injuries for the parties and victims involved. While they are not as common as car or motorcycle accidents, a boating accident can have very negative impacts on a person’s life. If you have been injured in a boat accident that was someone else’s fault, contact a Bethesda Boat Accident Lawyer at Malloy Law Offices, LLC as soon as possible. We know what it takes to win maximum compensation for our clients.
What is Considered a Boat Accident?
The United States Coast Guard defines a “boating accident” as a situation where a boat passenger dies or becomes seriously injured, a boat passenger disappears and death or injury is suspected, or a vessel causes or sustains damage.
Boat Accident Statistics
As stated by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG):
- 4,291 recreational boating accidents occurred in the U.S. in the most recent year for which statistics are available.
- These accidents involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries, and $46 million in property damage.
- The fatality rate was 5.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, representing a 6.8% decrease from the previous year.
- 76% of fatal boat accident victims drowned, of which 84.5% were not wearing life jackets.
- Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boat accidents, involved in 19% of boating fatalities.
- 81% of boating fatalities occurred on boats in which the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Many boat accidents are caused by some type of operator error. USCG reports that the primary operator factors contributing to boat accidents in a recent year were:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Alcohol use
- Excessive speed
- Navigation rules violations
- Sharp turns
- Restricted vision
- Failure to vent
- Inadequate onboard navigation lights
- Drug use
- Starting in gear
All of the causes can result in the following injuries for the parties involved:
- Lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Scrapes and bruises
- Concussions
- Hypothermia
- Sprains and strains
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord injury
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Shock
Determining Who Is Liable?
To hold an operator responsible for injuries suffered in a boating accident, you must show that the operator was negligent, or acted in a way that a reasonable person would not have done. Examples of operator negligence include speeding, operator distraction or inattentiveness, and operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the boat itself was defective and equipment failure caused your accident, a manufacturer, seller, or person who performed repairs may be liable for your injuries.
Why You Need a Bethesda Boat Accident Lawyer
Ever wonder how is liable for the boat accident? Even if it’s not your fault, how do you prove in court that it was not your fault? Who do you file a claim to? Will they cover my medical expenses, on top of the damages? How do I negotiate a settlement? What if I made a claim and the insurance company said I was at fault as well? These questions and many more arise as soon as the accident occurs. The answer to all of these questions can be answered by a Bethesda personal injury attorney. From the moment you sign a contract until you receive a check, the law firm will be able to request, claim, and negotiate everything on your behalf. The only thing you need to do is to make sure you get better and feel healthier.
Establishing liability in a boat accident claim can be a complicated process. Our experienced boat accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate your accident and secure and preserve any evidence of equipment failure, or that the operator was violating boating regulations at the time the accident occurred. We can determine fault and liability, negotiate skillfully on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve after serious boat accident injuries.
Get In Touch with Malloy Law Offices, LLC
Serious injuries sustained in a boating accident can have life-altering consequences or require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. Call Malloy Law Offices, LLC at (888) 219-9266 today for strong legal representation in your boat accident claim.