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Whether it is on Lake Michigan or in any of the various smaller lakes inland, boating is a popular recreational activity all over Porter County. Unfortunately, it can be a dangerous one as well. In fact, thanks to the relative lack of safety devices and the ever-present risk of drowning, collisions between boats can often be even more dangerous than motor vehicle accidents.
If you have been hurt out on the water because of another boater’s irresponsible actions, you have a right to demand substantial civil compensation which a Porter County boat accident lawyer could help you enforce. In addition to helping you establish legal fault for your accident and subsequent injuries, your dedicated personal injury attorney can also make sure you seek damages for both past and future losses that your injuries are likely to result in.
Just like people driving motor vehicle on public roads, everyone operating a waterborne vessel recreationally or commercially must always act reasonably and responsibly while they are in direct control of their vessel. This “duty of care” means following applicable state and federal laws regarding boat and operator licensing, onboard floatation devices, and local regulations like no-wake zones. It also refers to a general obligation to watch out for other people nearby and react rationally to any hazard or obstacle that they encounter.
Anyone who violates this duty by acting carelessly or recklessly and directly causes an otherwise avoidable injury to another person, is considered legally “negligent.” They may be held financially liable for any financial, physical, and personal losses that the injured person has suffered. On the other hand, any injured person who was being negligent and contributed to causing their injuries may be prohibited under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6 from recovering for some or all of the losses they sustained.
A Porter County boat crash attorney could provide vital assistance in proving someone else was to blame for an accident and disproving allegations of “comparative fault” made against an injured person.
The effects of a traumatic boat collision or another accident out on the water can last for years afterward, and cause catastrophic damage to the injured person’s personal and professional life. A comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand built around a boat accident should account for all of those negative effects, including:
Once again, a person should have guidance from a boat injury lawyer in Porter County in order to identify, valuate, and demand fair recovery for all of their losses.
It is not always a simple process to file suit over an injury you sustained on a boat or other water vessel. There are numerous ways in which state law and established legal precedent could make it harder for you to succeed. This could keep you from getting the compensation you need to maintain your quality of life in the wake of your accident.
Fortunately, help is available from a Porter County boat accident lawyer at McCready Law. Call us today to set up a consultation and discuss your losses.