Recreational boating can cause serious injuries. If your sunny day adventure takes a turn for the worse, contact Barrios Virgüez Law. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you through the process.
We understand how quickly a boat accident can become dangerous and the trauma it can leave behind. A Duluth boat accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience helping victims of negligence.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
The causes of boating accidents are varied. This also means that liability can be attributed to anything from the manufacturing of a boat to its operation. In some cases, multiple parties may be found liable.
Operation of the Vessel
When investigating the possibility of vessel operation in the cause of the accident, our council might investigate several factors. Was the driver not paying attention, moving too quickly, violating other rules, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol? These are some of the primary causes of accidents regarding vessel operation.
Capsizing
Capsizing can result when a boat is overloaded, improper weight distribution, and improper anchoring. Engaging in any of these behaviors can increase the risk of capsizing.
Boat Failure
Though it is a less common cause, our boat accident attorney in Duluth may also investigate how the boat and equipment performed. This may include following up on any problems with the machinery, equipment, or the hull itself. Problems here may indicate the manufacturer’s liability if it was defective in fabrication or the owner’s if it was poorly maintained.
Injuries Associated With Boat Accidents
The most common type of injury, according to the 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics, are lacerations and broken bones. Scrapes, bruises, and concussions are also common. Some of the less common but more severe injuries can include shock, amputation, and spinal cord injury.
Though some of these injuries are initially minor, the situation can be exacerbated by the water. For example, a broken arm or fractured leg may prevent you from being able to swim or stay afloat effectively, increasing the chance of drowning. In addition, trying to swim with any fractures or bone breaks will likely cause further damage. For the more catastrophic injuries, a spinal cord injury lawyer or other personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your damages.
Wrongful Death
According to the most recent boating statistics linked above, 18 out of 97 boat accidents were fatal. If you have lost a loved one in one of these, you may want to speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Duluth. Georgia allows the surviving spouse, the surviving child, or the parent (if there is no surviving spouse) to file and recover compensation for wrongful death. These funds can be used to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, and any other expenses relating to the death of your loved one.
Emotional Trauma
Physical injury can greatly impact your life, but emotional injury should also be evaluated and taken seriously. A boat accident can be a traumatic experience that significantly affects your day-to-day functioning. Even if you have not sustained an injury, the belief of the imminent threat of being injured or killed is enough to cause trauma that might require time off from work or ongoing intervention to recover and heal fully.
A Duluth boat accident attorney may request that you provide any medical records from initial assessments on the scene or medical intervention immediately after. Many people will walk away from an accident thinking they have not sustained any injuries aside from minor bumps or bruises, not realizing that they have more significant injuries. This is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately, regardless of how minor you think your injuries are.
How a Duluth Boat Accident Attorney Can Help Your Claim
When our team assesses your case, they will consider several factors and gather evidence to answer questions. Some of those may be:
- What is the cause of the accident?
- Who is responsible for that cause?
- What injuries were sustained as a result?
- How might those impact ongoing functioning?
- Are there any lasting effects to quality of life?
- Was there a loss of life?
These answers can be used to build your case and maximize the compensation you may receive.
Recover Compensation for Your Duluth Boat Accident
An argument may be made for compensation relating to future monetary needs. This may include future medical costs to manage long-term injury or compensation for loss of earning potential if you can no longer do your job because of injuries sustained. Our team will work diligently to ensure that you can focus on your recovery while we handle the day-to-day of navigating your claim.
How You Can Support Your Boat Accident Claim
Some ways that you can collaborate with our team to support your case are to document any injuries to yourself or your property immediately, keep a folder of any medical bills or reports, and limit how and where you talk about your case. A journal of your experience in recovering that includes pictures of injuries as they heal can also be helpful. Ultimately, the most immediate way to support your case is to contact one of our team members at Barrios Virgüez in Duluth as soon as possible after your boat accident.
Contact our Duluth Boat Accident Attorney Today
Navigating complicated legal processes can be challenging and overwhelming. Our Duluth boat accident lawyer can guide you through the process and take the lead in dealing with insurance and other parties, leaving you time to grieve and heal.
If finances are a concern, don’t let that keep you from reaching out. Our team works on a contingency fee-based program. This means that we do not get paid until you do. Don’t delay; contact us today for a free consultation.
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