Riverdale Boat Accident Lawyer
Most boating accidents happen as a result of events that are either partly or entirely within the control of the boat operator. Some boating accidents can occur when the operator is inexperienced, intoxicated, or unaware of the water’s potentially dangerous conditions. When a boat operator acts negligently and causes injuries, they could be held liable through civil litigation.
If you were injured in a boating accident due to another person’s negligent conduct, you should speak with a Riverdale boat accident lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney could help you pursue compensation for your injuries and assist you in holding a careless or reckless party accountable.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Whether using a boat for commerce or recreation, boating safety should be a top priority, and anyone operating a boat should be familiar with how to safely use and navigate the craft. Similarly to motorists on the roadways, boaters also owe others a duty of care to obey all boating laws and operate their vessel reasonably and responsibly.
While boat operators can prevent wrecks by using proper care and attention, some types of boat accidents may be unavoidable. However, some of the most common causes of boating accidents that can lead to civil liability may include:
- Bad weather or water conditions
- Machinery failure
- Navigational rule violations
- Excessive speed
- Improper lookout
- Operator intoxication
- Operator inexperience
- Operator distraction
A Riverdale boat accident attorney could asses an injured party’s case to identify who could be liable based on the cause of the accident and what legal options may subsequently be available.
Damages Available in a Boating Wreck Case
The damages an injured person can obtain in a civil suit may cover a wide variety of losses that someone suffers as a result of an accident. Economic damages—those based on objective financial losses—may include medical expenses, lost wages and income, and property damage. Non-economic damages can cover a wide variety of more subjective losses like:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Hardship and distress
- Physical impairment, disfigurement, and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of society and companionship
- Loss of consortium
State law does not cap the amount of compensation a plaintiff could receive for either type of damages. A knowledgable boat accident lawyer in Riverdale could review a claimant’s case to evaluate what kinds of damages they may be entitled to and the amount of compensation they may be able to pursue.
Liability in Boating Accidents
When a boating accident occurs, there may be multiple liable parties. The operator of another vessel is most commonly at least one of the liable parties, but other responsible entities may include the manufacturer of the boat or its parts or other parties who were in the area at the time of the incident. A court also could find a plaintiff partially responsible for their injuries based on their actions leading up to the accident.
Consult with a Seasoned Riverdale Boat Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, as well as various other damages. By consulting with a seasoned Riverdale boat accident lawyer, you could learn more about your legal options and increase your chances of a positive outcome. Call today to get started on your case.
