If you were injured in an accident involving a boat or other watercraft and it was someone else's fault, you may have a case. Contact the Kishish Law Group today by using our contact form or calling us toll free at 1 (888) 402-5552.
When you're out having fun on the water, it can be easy to forget that boats and watercraft can be dangerous. People often overlook the importance of boating safety, which can lead to tragic consequences.
In 2015, the United States Coast Guard reported over 4,000 recreational boating accidents, leading to 626 deaths and over 2,500 injuries. Lack of experience and operating a vessel while distracted are the leading primary contributing factors of watercraft accidents in the United States. In fatal boating accidents, consumption of alcohol was the leading contributing factor to the accident. It is the duty of operators of boats and other watercraft to pilot their vessels with reasonable care.
If you were injured in an accident involving a watercraft, you might be entitled to compensation. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover lost wages or pay for medical bills.
What are the most common boating accidents?
According to the U.S. Coast Guard report above, the most common kinds of boating accidents are, in order:
- Collision with a recreational vessel
- Collision with a fixed object
- Flooding or swamping
- Grounding
- Skier mishap
The rate of boating accidents and fatalities increased from 2014, with open motorboats involved in both the greatest number of accidents and producing the greatest number of fatalities.
Watercraft accidents can cause many kinds of injuries, many of which may be attributable to operator negligence. As mentioned above, operator inattention and inexperience were the two leading contributing factors to accidents, but other common contributing factors, including improper lookout, excessive speed, navigation rules violation, and drug and alcohol use may also be due to operator negligence. The Coast Guard found that 71% of deaths from boating accidents were on boats where the operator was not trained in boating safety.
Do I have a watercraft or boat accident lawsuit?
We can evaluate your situation for free and tell you if you have a case. The lawyers and staff of the Kishish Law Group are committed to seeking justice and compensation for those injured in a recreational boating or watercraft accident. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a recreational watercraft accident, contact us today to discuss your legal options. Call us toll free at 1 (888) 402-5552 or fill out our contact form for a free and confidential case evaluation.
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