Boating is a good way to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer, but boating accidents are extremely dangerous. When the person manning the boat you’re on or at the helm of another boat isn’t committed to safe boating practices, it makes the waterway more dangerous for everyone on it. If a boat accident leaves you or someone you love injured, an experienced Buffalo boating accident attorney is on your side.
Risk Is Enhanced on the Water
Boating is all about relaxing and having some fun on the water, but there are actually increased risks involved, including:
- Even a minor accident poses the risk of drowning.
- Boats have fewer safety mechanisms in place. For example, they don’t afford passengers seat belts or airbags to protect them from the impact of an accident and may not even have enough seats for everyone on board.
- Poorly maintained boats may not have the appropriate safety gear, well-maintained safety gear, or enough safety gear – such as flotation devices – necessary to help protect everyone in the event of an accident.
- Waterways aren’t as well regulated as our roadways are, which leaves some skippers more inclined to take dangerous risks.
Negligence on the Part of the Boat Driver
The person driving the boat accepts the immense responsibility of doing so safely, and any form of negligence on their part can prove life-threatening. Common forms of boating negligence mirror those of driving negligence, including:
- Distraction – A skipper who doesn’t pay careful attention to the waterway makes accidents far more likely.
- Impairment – While boats often promote a party atmosphere, the person driving the boat is held to the same strict standards that motorists are.
- Speed – Speed limits generally aren’t posted on waterways, but the person at the helm is responsible for knowing the relevant speed limits and for sticking to them. This generally means maintaining a speed that doesn’t endanger the boat’s occupants or others on the water.
- Aggression – Taking out one’s aggression behind the wheel of a boat is just as dangerous as it is behind the wheel of a car.
- Exhaustion – When the person manning the boat is operating on too little sleep, they can experience impairments that are similar to those caused by alcohol.
FAQs
What should I do if I’m injured in a boating accident?
One of the most important steps you can take after being injured in a boating accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence is seeking professional legal counsel.
What should I do if I can’t afford an attorney?
Most reputable boating accident attorneys aren’t paid until after the claims they represent are successfully resolved – at which point, they receive a prearranged percentage.
What are legal damages?
Legal damages refer to the categories of loss covered by your boating accident claim, and they include the following:
- Your medical bills
- Your lost income
- Your pain and suffering
Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Buffalo Boating Accident Attorney Today
The skilled Buffalo boating accident attorneys at Steve Foley Law Firm welcome the opportunity to fiercely advocate for your claim’s best possible resolution – in support of your best possible recovery. Contact us online or call us at 716-249-2222 for more information today.