Lawrence Boat Accident Lawyer

Boats are used for leisure and relaxation, but they could also lead to dangerous accidents on the water when those operating them act negligently. When boat owners or operators harm others through their reckless actions, they are responsible for the damages and injuries they cause. Working with a Lawrence boat accident lawyer could help.

The skilled personal injury attorneys at McCready Law could fight for the compensation you deserve following a crash. They could explain your rights under Indiana law and discuss the best approach to pursue damages from the insurance company or parties responsible.

Most Common Boat Accident Causes

A boat accident could occur at any time and for any reason. Many scenarios might heighten the risk of an accident while on the water, and different factors could combine to lead to a fatal boating event.

Operating Under the Influence

When boating and alcohol mix, the result could be devastating, just as with a car crash. Individuals who operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol endanger the people traveling with them and all other watercraft and bystanders in the area.

Inexperienced Boat Operator

Operating a boat is vastly different from driving other motor vehicles; however, inexperienced boaters often take their vessels on the water without being aware of the dangers they may face. Young or inexperienced operators are more likely to violate boating regulations and find themselves in perilous situations that could lead to a boating accident.

No Availability of Life Jackets

Although a life jacket cannot prevent a boating accident, it might avert drowning. When a boat owner does not have life jackets available or accessible, a minor accident could have fatal consequences. Boat owners or the individuals operating the boat are responsible for ensuring a sufficient number of life jackets are available for everyone on board and are easily accessible.

Speed and Reckless Maneuvers

Operating boats at high speeds or making sudden turns and maneuvers might cause the watercraft to collide with others, capsize, or throw people aboard into the water, leading to injuries or death. Individuals who operate a boat beyond the posted speed limits or who engage in reckless behaviors are liable for the damages they cause.

When a boat accident occurs, determining who is at fault might not always be clear from the accident scene. An experienced boat accident attorney in Lawrence could investigate the accident and help determine the at-fault parties to identify in a lawsuit.

Injuries That May Occur After a Boat Crash

Boat accidents might not happen often but their effects on the people involved could be life-altering. Accidents involving watercraft have a higher chance of fatalities and serious injuries, including:

  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Amputation
  • Traumatic head injuries

The unique nature of boat collisions involves the threat of the water and components of the boat, such as the propellers and engines, which could lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

A Survivor’s Rights Following a Boat Accident

When a person has been injured in a boating accident, they may be unsure of their rights or how to take action in this difficult time. Although boats are not subject to the same laws as vehicles on the road, a boat owner or operator must still uphold a duty of care when operating the vessel and is subject to actions arising from negligence.

Damages that may be available following a boat accident may include:

  • Loss of income
  • Medical costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages in some limited circumstances

A boat accident lawyer in Lawrence could determine what compensation is available in the case and calculate the survivor’s losses as they pursue damages from the parties responsible.

Contact a Lawrence Boat Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible

The knowledgeable legal team from McCready Law could help you investigate who is at fault for the boating accident and who might be liable for your sustained damages. We could identify the cause of the incident and determine the maximum compensation the law might entitle you to. Call us for a free consultation with an experienced Lawrence boat accident lawyer and learn what your next steps should be.