Pittston Boat Accident Lawyer
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,145 boat accidents reported in 2018, which resulted in 633 deaths and 2,511 injuries. Injuries sustained in these types of accidents tend to be severe and often require expensive treatments, so if you were injured in a boating accident, you should consider retaining an experienced Pittston boat accident lawyer who can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Boating Accidents Caused by Careless Conduct
According to the Coast Guard’s report, the leading causes of boat accidents nationwide are:
- Operator inattention;
- Improper lookout;
- Operator inexperience;
- Machinery failure; and
- Excessive speed.
This type of negligence results in a number of different types of boating accidents, but the most common involve:
- Collisions with other recreational vessels;
- Collisions with fixed objects;
- Flooding, swamping, or capsizing;
- Grounding; and
- Falls overboard.
Other factors that contribute to these kinds of boating accidents include adverse weather conditions, navigation rule violations, alcohol use, and congested waters.
Boat Accident Liability
Of the many types of boating accidents, collisions with other vessels are the most common and also tend to result in the most severe injuries, although falls overboard are the most deadly, due to the risk of drowning. Common injuries include broken or crushed bones, amputations, severe lacerations, head trauma, and electrocution, all of which can be both painful and expensive to treat. Fortunately, it is possible for injured parties to recover compensation for these costs from the boat’s operator, if:
- His or her negligence led to a collision with another vessel;
- An accident was the result of striking another vessel’s wake;
- That individual failed to ensure that proper safety equipment, such as life jackets, navigational lights, fire extinguishers, flares, loud whistles, and throwable life rings were on board, or
- He or she was driving recklessly and so struck a submerged object, such as a rock.
Depending on the driver’s degree of liability, an injured boater could be entitled to damages compensating him or her for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death. If the at-fault party in question does not have boating insurance, then it is likely that the injured claimant will need to file a claim in court or attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference to the outcome of these proceedings, so if you were hurt in a boating accident and have questions about your legal options, please don’t hesitate to call our office today for assistance.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Dedicated Boat Accident Lawyer
Please call the dedicated attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices for help with your own legal claim. A member of our team can be reached at 570-821-5717 or via online message. Initial consultations are offered free of charge, so if you have questions or concerns about recovering compensation from the person who caused your boat accident, please don’t hesitate to call or contact us online today.
