Proving liability in a boat accident can sometimes be difficult. If an accident takes place in the middle of Lake Erie, for instance, there might not be any recorded footage of the incident like there would be had it been closer to shore. However, our experienced Hamburg boat accident attorneys have successfully tried numerous boat accident cases. We can hire investigators and trained specialists to examine the facts of the accident and make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Contact our office today.
Liability in a Boat Accident | Negligence
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
These are just a few examples of operator negligence. There are many more. It’s your attorney’s responsibility to investigate and determine the liable party in the accident. Typically, that includes a thorough investigation of the accident and the steps that led up to it. Your attorney may also contact witnesses, collect reports from investigators and first responders, and/or work with experts to reconstruct the accident.
Liability in a Boat Accident | Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, don’t hesitate to call Chiacchia & Fleming today. We provide 100% free, no-obligation case evaluations for victims and their families. Talk with an experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer today about your case, learn what next steps to take, and how we can help you.