Dade County Boat Accident Lawyer
With easy access to many lakes and rivers, boating is one of the most common recreational activities in Georgia. Similar to other motor vehicles, boats have clear guidelines for safe operation under Georgia law. Boat operators are required to obey all boating regulations and operate their vessels with reasonable care. Failure to follow boating regulations whether they are from state agencies or the US Coast Guard, improperly maintaining boats, or failing to have adequate safety equipment can cause serious injury to other boaters and passengers. An experienced Dade County boat accident lawyer could help plaintiffs fight for their rights and just compensation for their injuries. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can result from many different instances and are often the result of a boat colliding with another object or boat, falls, grounding, overloading a boat, or fire on-board. Generally, these accidents occur due to the negligent or reckless behaviors of boat operators. Several factors may contribute to boating accidents, including:
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Inexperienced boaters
- Navigating in dangerous weather
Boating accidents require investigation of whether or not the negligent party was operating a boat safely, following boating guidelines, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or had adequate safety equipment. A Dade County boat accident attorney could help with this investigation.
Navigating a Boating Accident Claim
While every boat injury case is unique, there are common steps to take after an accident on the water. Similar to motor vehicle accidents, individuals should document what happened before, during, and after the collision as thoroughly as possible. If police are called to the scene, their report can help with identifying the at-fault party. If there are eyewitnesses, it is essential to collect his or her contact information.
Individuals injured in boating accidents may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for personal injuries or property damage. To file a boat accident lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the boat operator was acting negligently or recklessly. Negligence requires proof that the defendant boat operator owed a duty to the plaintiff to follow the waterway safety rules, that the defendant failed to meet that duty, and the plaintiff suffered an injury as a result. Proving reckless operation generally requires showing that the boat operator deliberately took a course of action with conscious disregard for the risk to others.
The Statute of Limitations for Georgia Watercraft Accidents
Under statute of limitations, an individual has two years from the date of injury to file their claim. Failing to file within the statute of limitations may leave individuals unable to recover damages. Several regulations govern boating operations in Georgia, and it is essential to contact a Dade County boat accident lawyer as soon as possible to give you the best chance to recover damages.
Damages in Personal Injury Cases
If a boater is found to be liable, an injured plaintiff may be entitled to compensation for economic damages, including property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. He or she may also seek non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, psychological distress, and compensation for an overall decreased quality of life. Punitive damages may be award if the court would like to punish the offender for egregious behavior and to deter others from committing similar acts of negligence.
Call Our Experienced Dade County Boating Accident Attorney
Boating cases have special legal considerations that a skilled personal injury and accident attorney should evaluate. Dade County boat accident attorneys are established personal injury lawyers that will investigate whether the boat operator was negligent or reckless. Connect with our firm today to how a knowledgeable Dade County attorney could fight on your behalf.
