Boating accidents are an unfortunate reality in Jefferson County. While a day on the water is often relaxing, many of your fellow boaters have little to no experience on the water. In fact, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that more than half of boat crashes in the state involve a first-time boat operator. When a boat accident leads to your injuries, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice and maximum compensation.
If you have suffered an injury due to a boat collision, you have the right to file a lawsuit and pursue monetary damages. Contact a knowledgeable Jefferson County boat accident lawyer for help with the litigation process.
Types of Boat Accidents
Jefferson County boating accidents fall into one of five specific categories. These categories vary depending on the facts of a case, but each may lead to a viable injury claim. A Jefferson County boat accident attorney can work to determine the cause of your boat collision and to identify any responsible parties. The five types of boat accidents include:
- Collisions with other boats
- Collisions with a fixed object
- Flooding or sinking
- Falling overboard
- Grounding
Collisions with Other Boats
The most common form of boating accident involves a collision between two boats. These accidents commonly involve inexperienced and inattentive operators. The potential for severe injury is high when both vessels are traveling at high speed before a crash.
Collisions with Fixed Objects
There are a variety of fixed objects lurking underwater. Some examples include rocks, posts, docks, or submerged trees. When an operator carelessly strikes a fixed object while piloting a boat, any passengers that suffer injuries in the collision may have a viable injury claim.
Flooding or Sinking
Not every boating accident involves a collision. In some cases, a boat operator or passenger could suffer injuries or drown due to a vessel taking on water and sinking. A boat manufacturer could be liable for any injuries if a boat defect caused the vessel to sink.
Falling Overboard
Many boating injuries result from a passenger falling overboard. These falls can occur for multiple reasons. In some cases, reckless operators can cause a passenger to fall overboard. In other situations, one passenger could negligently or recklessly knock a fellow passenger out of the boat. A passenger that falls overboard risks injury from strike a fixed object or even drowning.
Grounding
Running aground is another frequent cause of boating accidents. When a boat strikes land, especially when traveling at high speed, the consequences can be severe. If a reckless operator causes a boat to run aground, any passengers injured in the crash may have a strong injury claim.
Recoverable Losses in a Boat Accident Lawsuit
One of the most important aspects of a boat accident lawsuit is proving that you suffered damages. A boat accident lawyer in Jefferson County can carefully review the facts of your boat accident to determine what damages are appropriate. Typical damages in a boat accident include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Long-term or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Disfigurement
Discuss Your Options a Jefferson County Boat Accident Attorney
As an injury victim, you are entitled to pursue the person responsible for your damages in a boating accident. Responsible parties can include boat operators, other passengers, and even the vessel’s manufacturer. Pursuing compensation in a boat crash case is a significant undertaking. To begin the process, contact a Jefferson County boat accident lawyer to schedule your initial consultation.