Life can change in an instant. What started as a fun day out on the water with friends and family quickly turned devastating when an accident occurred. In the aftermath, concern for loved ones and unanswered questions about the future loom large. At times like these, it’s important to remember you don’t have to face uncertainty alone.
The East Amherst personal injury lawyers at Richmond Vona understand completely what you’re dealing with – the worries for your loved ones, the uncertainty. We’re here to make sure your needs – and your recovery – are top priority.
Whether you need help with insurance or want to explore all your options, our boating accident attorneys in Eas Amherst are equipped to have your back. Let us take this load off your plate so you can focus on what matters: your health.
Negligence Often Plays a Role in Boating Accidents
When you or a loved one are hurt in a boat accident, it’s important to identify whether negligence was a factor. The at-fault parties can then be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
Here are some of the top causes of boating accidents that involve negligence:
- Operator inexperience/ lack of boating safety education: Many people operate boats without proper training in boats’ handling characteristics and safety rules. This leads to accidents.
- Excessive speed: Open water invites speeding, but sudden turns or obstacles can’t always be avoided at high speeds, especially with wakes. Many NY lakes have no-wake zones near shores and marinas where extra speed turns deadly. Alcohol vastly multiplies this risk of losing control.
- Alcohol/drug use: Intoxication severely impairs judgment, coordination, and decision-making needed for safe boating. Drinking and boating can be considered negligence in many cases.
- Equipment Failure: Issues like faulty engines, steering mechanisms, or required safety gear can endanger boaters if not properly maintained or if they are defective. The manufacturer of defective boat parts or safety gear can be held responsible for your damages.
- Improper Lookout: Operators who fail to diligently scan surroundings for other boats, swimmers or obstacles are vulnerable to collisions.
- Overloading Boats: Carrying too many passengers or excess weight beyond rating can cause instability and capsizing.
- Operator Inattention: Distractions like cell phones, passengers, or equipment operation divert attention from navigation hazards. This is similar to distracted driving and can be considered negligent behavior.
- Lack of Navigation Lighting: Nighttime operation without proper lights required for visibility contributes to crashes.
For a free legal consultation with a boat accident lawyer serving East Amherst, call (716) 300-5885
A Thorough Investigation
Our first order of business is examining exactly what occurred. Your boat accident attorney in East Amherst will conduct interviews with all involved parties and witnesses to get a full picture of events leading up to and after the crash.
Equally important is collecting any documentation that can shed light on the incident, such as:
- Photos of vessel damage
- Weather reports from the time of the accident
- Water conditions on that date
- Visibility
- Ocean/river/lake traffic
- Equipment functioning, such as engines, navigation tools, and safety gear
- Operator fitness, including potential intoxication, is also considered
Compliance with boating regulations regarding procedures, passenger limits, and certifications
Recreating the incident with accident reconstruction specialists can help pinpoint the sequence of events.
Our careful investigation creates an exact timeline to find out who is responsible for what, leaving no detail unexplored. Today’s important work lays the groundwork for what comes next and makes our clients’ case stronger.
East Amherst Boat Accident Lawyer Near Me (716) 300-5885
Determining Liability
A critical assessment considers whether any safety protocols were breached, such as proper lookouts, maintenance practices, and operating procedures. Our boating accident lawyers in East Amherst are well-versed in federal, state, and local boating regulations to identify all mandatory safety measures.
Any violation of these standards that may have contributed to or caused the crash falls under our microscope. Through our diligent analysis of incident details, we are able to identify responsible parties who can be held liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Identifying liability in complex marine accidents can involve piecing together fault between multiple vessels, operators, and other contributing factors. Identifying all liable parties can help you to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.
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Damages in a Boat Accident Claim
Here are some of the damages you may recover in a boat accident claim. Your East Amherst boat accident lawyer will help calculate the full amount of your damages.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
In fatal boating accidents, dependents may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death claim. Our wrongful death lawyers can help you with your case,
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Boat Accident Injuries
Here are some of the most common injuries associated with boating accident claims:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Blows to the head from being struck by objects, falling, or forceful impact with the water/vessel can cause concussions or more serious TBI.
- Broken/Fractured Bones: Collisions or being thrown from a boat often result in broken limbs, ribs, wrists, ankles, etc. Pelvic or spinal fractures can be life-altering.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Hard impacts leading to paralysis or mobility issues are devastating.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Muscle tears, ligament sprains, and tendon injuries frequently affect the back, knees, or shoulders from jarring movements.
- Laceration/Cuts: Being sliced by vessel parts or debris in the water can cause serious bleeding requiring stitches.
- Amputation: Severed fingers or limbs may occur from getting caught in rotating equipment.
- Burn Injuries: Gasoline or engine explosions often spark major burn injuries.
- Blunt Force Trauma: Even falls on a moving boat can cause internal bleeding or organ damage.
Contact a Boat Accident Law Firm in East Amherst Today For a Free Case Evaluation
You’ve already been through enough – the last thing you need is more stress weighing you down. Let our experienced legal team in East Amherst be your champions as you move forward. We’re ready to take the reins and ensure your rights are protected.
Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and get the support you deserve. Our priority is getting you the maximum compensation possible. While other lawyers may promise the world, we deliver real results by fighting for clients just like you every day.
The road ahead may still seem uncertain. But you have allies in your corner now at Richmond Vona. We’ll guide you clearly towards the best outcome, no matter what challenges arise. You focus on healing – we’ll handle the rest. Contact us today.
Call or text (716) 300-5885 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form