Moundsville Boat Accident Lawyer

During the summer months, Moundsville residents flock to popular waterways like Wheeling Creek Water Trail for boating and other water activities. Unfortunately, without proper care, blissful summer afternoons can turn tragic in an instant when an accident occurs. Boating accidents result in injuries that range from minor scrapes and bruises to severe conditions or even drowning. When negligence is a factor in such incidents, you may be eligible for compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contacting a Moundsville boat accident lawyer promptly is crucial. A skilled personal injury attorney could help you gather evidence to support an injury claim and help you get compensation for the best recovery possible.

Boating Laws in West Virginia

Water activities like boating and jetskiing combine speed with the potential dangers of deep water accidents. To mitigate the dangers associated with these activities, West Virginia boating laws outline specific actions to ensure care in handling watercraft and the duty to render aid if an accident occurs. West Virginia Code § 20-7-18 lists the following regulations for individuals participating in water activities in West Virginia:

• Individuals may not operate a motorized vehicle (including a motorboat or jet ski) or manipulate water skis, surfboards, or similar devices in a reckless or negligent manner that can endanger the life, limb, or property of any person
• Individuals may not operate motorized vehicles or manipulate water skis, surfboards, or similar devices while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or drug while having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more
• The operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty is required to render care to other persons affected by the incident, if it is possible to do so without serious danger to their own vessel, crew, and passengers
• The operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty is required to give their name in writing to any person injured and the owner of any property damaged in the incident
• The operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty shall file an accident report with the director if the incident results in a loss of life, personal injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid, or property damage in excess of $2,000 to a vessel or other property

Boat operators and other individuals who fail to follow these regulations may be found guilty of negligence and, therefore, responsible for compensating victims for injuries and property damage sustained in an accident. A local attorney in Moundsville could review the circumstances of your boating accident and help you file a claim for comprehensive compensation.

What Types of Compensation Are Awarded in Boating Accidents?

Compensation awarded in boat accident cases depends on proof of negligence and the severity of injuries and other damages caused by the accident. An experienced Moundsville boat collision lawyer could help victims seek the following types of compensation when relevant to their case:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost wages for missed work during recovery
• Costs to repair boats or other property damaged in the accident
• Funeral and burial costs when an accident results in a fatality
• Non-economic damages, including psychological and physical suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life

A knowledgeable attorney could advise you of how different types of compensation apply to your case and negotiate for fair compensation.

Contact a Moundsville Boat Crash Attorney for Assistance

While clear laws exist to ensure safe boating behavior in Moundsville, proving negligence in a boating accident is not always easy. An experienced and dedicated Moundsville boat accident lawyer is your best advocate in navigating the legal process and filing a claim for compensation.

At Bordas & Bordas, our attorneys are dedicated to pursuing compensation for individuals harmed by a boat operator’s negligent behavior. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.