New York is one of the top states in the U.S. for boating. Unfortunately, boating accidents are a common occurrence in New York, with hundreds of injury-causing and fatal accidents happening each year. Following an accident, many victims do not know what to do or where to seek help. Here are 3 things to know about boating accidents.
3 Things to Know About Boating Accidents | Common Causes of Boat Accidents
There are inherent risks in boating, and that’s why boat operators must adhere to numerous safety regulations. Unfortunately, these regulations don’t protect against reckless behavior, operator inexperience, or mechanical malfunctions, which are some of the most common causes of boating accidents.
Operator negligence is often the cause of many boating accidents, which might include:
- Collisions with boats, water skiers, watercraft
- Collision with fixed objects, e.g. decks, dams, buoys
- Flooding/swamping or mechanical malfunction
- Grounding
- Falls overboard, slips/falls onboard
Regardless of the cause of an accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for compensation if you’ve sustained injuries.
3 Things to Know About Boating Accidents | Liability in a Boating Accident
Boat operators and commercial cruise or ferry operators have a responsibility to protect their passengers and other boaters on the water. Therefore, if a boating operator acts in a negligent manner, that operator may be liable for the accident. An operator can be deemed negligent for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Operators that do not adhere to safety precautions, e.g. excessive speed or insufficient onboard safety devices
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Creating a wake that causes another boat to capsize or become damaged
- Operating a boat in unsafe weather conditions
- Operating a vessel that hasn’t been properly maintained
3 Things to Know About Boating Accidents | Hiring an Attorney
Boat owners and operators are required to carry insurance for their vessels. In the event of an accident, the insurance provider of the negligent party often fights against settlements with victims or offers low-ball and under-valued settlements. As a victim, you do not have to and should not talk with insurance companies of the negligent party. These companies will try to aggressively undercut your case and may threaten or bully you.
Your attorney is responsible for responding to insurers and lawyers for the negligent party. Your lawyer will manage the entire legal process, including filing claims on your behalf, aggressively defending you against undervalued settlements, and actively defending your rights. After an accident, your prime focus should be on recovering and getting better – not fighting with insurance companies or legal departments.
If you have been injured in a boating accident in a boating accident in New York, contact our experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.
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