Wilkes-Barre Boat Accident Lawyer
There are hundreds of rivers and lakes in Pennsylvania and people in the state love to go out boating on them. Most of the time, these excursions result in suntans and happy memories, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, people become extremely hurt when they are out on the water. When this happens, those injured incur high medical bills and often can’t return to work to pay for them.
Just like when a driver is negligent when out on the roads, boat operators can also be held liable if they act carelessly on the water and cause an accident. If you’ve been in an accident, a Wilkes-Barre boat accident lawyer will understand the long-term economic and emotional implications of injuries caused by a boating accident. A lawyer will also help you claim the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can happen in a number of different ways, but most of these crashes involve operator negligence. The most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Excessive speed: Just like drivers on the road, boat operators must also remain within certain speed limits on the water.
- Boating under the influence: The rules for boat operators are the same for drivers when it comes to being under the influence of alcohol. Boat operators cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08. When they do, they are considered legally drunk and can be held liable for a crash.
- Inexperienced boat operators: Operating a boat is fun and exciting, but operators must still have proper training. They must also understand all the applicable laws and regulations that pertain to navigating boats.
- Bad weather: Poor weather conditions can cause accidents on the water just as they do on the road. Boat operators are also responsible for listening to forecasts, creating float plans, and knowing how to navigate turbulent conditions.
When boating accidents are caused by any act of negligence, it’s important that accident victims know what to do, and how to prove their claim.
The Burden of Proof in Accident Claims
Boating accidents, like all personal injury claims, are based on negligence. To prove a claim, you must prove that someone else was negligent. You must also prove that the negligence caused your injuries and that you suffered damages as a result.
Also like other personal injury claims, proving negligence is very difficult. Photos of the accident scene, medical bills, accident reports, and witness statements can all help when proving negligence. An attorney can also conduct a full investigation and collect other evidence to prove that someone else was at fault, and that you sustained losses as a result.
Hurt on a Boat? Call Our Wilkes-Barre Boating Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured on a boat and someone else’s negligence was the cause, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you move past your injuries. At O’Donnell Law Offices, our Wilkes-Barre boating accident lawyers can help you claim it. We know how to prove negligence and hold at-fault parties and insurance companies accountable for paying the full amount of compensation you deserve. Call us today at (570) 821-5717 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
