Boating can be a lot of fun when navigating lakes, canals and even on open oceans. It is a great way of spending a weekend on a beach or on some waterway. A lot of people often underestimate the dangers of boats when compared to cars. This can lead to serious or even fatal boating accident injuries that are most often the result of negligence.
Boating accidents mostly take place on pleasure craft such as jet skis or water runners. Boating accidents can also involve water activities like diving, fishing or water skiing. If the accident occurs on navigable waters, then admiralty and maritime laws may apply. If the accident takes place in non-navigable waters such as lakes, rivers or canals, then the laws of that particular state would apply.
As of 2004, there were 744 boating accidents, with 439 of them resulting in injuries and 44 of them ending fatally. During accidents, there are plenty of chances of various properties such as sea walls, docks, and other boating related equipment getting damaged.
Sometimes accidents are the result of natural disasters or collisions with other boats. Collisions normally happen when the driver of a certain boat has either been speeding or may have consumed too much alcohol.
Boating accidents can also occur with cruise ships, navy vessels, and other maritime craft. Irrespective of the type of boating accident, a boating accident lawyer who specializes in personal injuries resulting out of boating accidents can help the victim claim damages and compensation as a result of the accident.
If the accident has resulted in a death, the survivors or the victim?s family can file a wrongful death suit. Boating accidents often result in the family suffering severe financial difficulties due to medical expenses, treatment costs and other damage the boat may have suffered. That is the major reason why an experienced boating accident lawyer should be contacted at the earliest.
Boating accident lawyers can help fight for the financial compensation a victim is entitled to and can also help protect the victim's rights.