People who have been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another person may have a personal injury claim. As a boat accident victim, you could receive financial compensation for your injuries, medical treatments, missed work time and pain and suffering.
Call the Philadelphia Injury Law Firm at (215) 557-8686.
Your best chance to receive the most compensation for your injuries comes from working with a personal injury lawyer.
How Do Boat Accidents Happen?
Most of us go to the lake, river, or ocean for a day of fun in the sun and relaxation on a boat. But sometimes, serious and even deadly accidents happen. These are the most common reasons for boat accidents:
- Careless and reckless boat operation. Many people operating their boats do so unsafely. For example, the boat driver may allow you to sit in a dangerous position when the boat is moving. Other dangerous violations include breaking low wake rules; failing to maintain a safe distance from other boats; inattention; failure to yield, and too many passengers.
- Speeding. All boats and watercraft should never exceed the speed limit for that body of water. Far too many serious accidents happen from speeding. Suddenly, the boat captain can lose control and cause terrible injuries to passengers.
- Drinking. Everyone operating a boat or watercraft must obey the exact same laws as drivers do on the road. No one may drive a boat with a BAC above .08%. If the boat operator is drinking and causes you personal injury, there could be serious criminal and civil penalties. In Pennsylvania, a convicted drunk boater can be fined up to $12,500 and put in jail for five years. Plus, the convicted criminal may be sued in civil court for injuries caused to other parties.
- Inexperienced operator. Many boat operators simply lack the skills and experience to operate a watercraft safely. These factors can cause a serious boat crash, swimming accident, water skiing accident or tubing accident. If you are injured in one of these scenarios, you may be able to sue for damages.
- General recklessness. The boat operator has responsibility for everyone in the watercraft. It is essential for the operator to keep everyone seated while the boat is moving. The line of sight must be clear. The operator also must ensure that any water skiing or tubing is done safely. A designated observer must be used at all times in these activities.
- Poor weather. All boaters must ensure that their safety equipment is in good working condition. It is each operator’s responsibility to pay close attention to the weather forecast. If it is not safe to go out, the operator must not go out.
Boat Accident Attorney
Boat accidents can cause serious injury and death just as a car accident can. Negligent and careless actions often cause terrible boating accidents. If you would like to speak to an attorney, then please call our office today for a free consultation (215) 557-8686.