Although boat rides are supposed to be fun recreational activities, boating accidents can result in severe injuries. If you were harmed in a boating crash, collision, or incident, you could be facing a challenging recovery. As you recuperate from your injuries, you might need to visit multiple doctors, undergo surgical procedures, take a leave of absence from work, or temporarily stop participating in activities you enjoy. If your injuries are more serious, you might be facing a life-altering condition.
Fortunately, a compassionate Wheeling boat accident lawyer from Bordas & Bordas has the skills, knowledge, and years of experience to help. Our injury attorneys have won big cases against Honda, Walmart, and GM. We are not afraid to fight hard and stand up to big corporations, businesses, and insurance companies to get you the results you need.
Different Types of Waterway Accidents
People can experience injuries in many different types of boating accidents, including the following:
- Collisions between vessels
- Collisions with fixed or submerged objects, such as rocks, buoys, or docks
- Collisions with people in the water, such as waders, water skiers, or swimmers
- Capsizing
- Grounding
- Falling overboard
- Slips and falls on a boat
- Fires on board a vessel
When accidents occur while a boat is on the water, the potential for severe injuries rises significantly due to difficulties receiving emergency assistance. When an accident occurs on dry land, such as when two cars collide, the occupants of the vehicles typically have quick access to this assistance. Boating accidents are more dangerous because in the time it takes for the Coast Guard or other rescue vehicle to arrive at a vessel in distress, a minor fire could escalate or a person in the water could drown.
Our Wheeling attorneys understand how dangerous boating accidents can be. We will review your case and work to help you through this challenging time in your life.
Reasons Why Boating Accidents Happen
Waterway accidents can occur for a wide range of reasons. These include but are not limited to:
Operator Negligence
Most problems on the water occur because a boat operator has acted negligently, such as by:
- Failing to pay complete attention to their surroundings
- Being unaware of potential hazards
- Becoming distracted
- Not observing safety regulations and standards
- Speeding
Additionally, it is common for boat operators to consume alcohol while behind the wheel of their boat, which can result in impaired operating abilities.
Lack of Safety Protections
Most boats do not offer seatbelts or airbags. People tend to walk around freely while on board, which raises the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Mechanical and Other Safety Problems
Boats should receive regular maintenance and repairs and have sufficient life jackets and other safety equipment to protect everyone on board.
Our Wheeling attorneys have a proven track record of successfully helping people fight for justice after accidents on the water. We are skilled in uncovering what happened and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Start the Process With a Wheeling Boat Accident Attorney Today
A serious boat accident can have life-changing consequences. You deserve to receive fair and full compensation from the person responsible—or their insurance company—for causing the accident that harmed you.
Start the process of your legal recovery by setting up a free initial consultation with an experienced Wheeling boat accident lawyer at Bordas & Bordas today.