In general, a person who is injured in a boating accident may be able to recover damages against a boat operator who acted carelessly. It may also be possible to present a claim against the boat owner for negligently entrusting the boat to a careless operator, such as a child or someone known to be unsafe.
Also, if an accident is caused by a defect in the boat or an object used with the boat, then the manufacturer and seller of the boat may be liable if the defect was unreasonably dangerous. An attorney can help determine if perhaps a defective product is to blame.
When injuries result from a collision with an object other than another boat, the person responsible for the object may be liable. For instance, a person who leaves something partially submerged in a lake may be responsible if the submerged object creates a dangerous hazard which is struck by a boat.
It is very important to preserve evidence which may help determine why a boating accident happened and if anyone was acting carelessly. Pictures of the boats, objects in the water, and the accident scene are important.
We have successfully represented individuals hurt in boating accidents. Please email us to schedule a free boat accident consultation or call 1-877-392-4878.
