Boating can provide relaxation and recreation for the whole family. However, like other motor vehicles, boats can be involved in serious accidents and collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat mishap, a Mesa boat accident lawyer could help you seek the compensation you deserve.
At Elmm Law Group, we recognize the difficulty in navigating the legal process after an accident. An experienced personal injury attorney could guide you through the process of investigating the accident, contacting insurance, seeking medical treatment, valuing a claim, and filing a lawsuit.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents are:
- Running out of gas
- Running aground
- Falling overboard
- Sinking
- Catching fire
- Breaking down
- Speeding in the dark or at night
- Lacking proper safety equipment
- Ignoring weather conditions
- Failing to maintain a lookout
- Being intoxicated
Many of these causes, such as speeding, lack of proper safety equipment, failure to maintain a lookout, and intoxication, can constitute negligence. If you believe that negligence has resulted in a boating accident where you were injured, a Mesa boat accident attorney could help you file a claim for compensation.
Proving Negligence After a Boat Crash
For negligence to be proven, four factors must be established:
- First, there was a duty owed to you or your loved one
- Second, this duty was breached by an individual acting unreasonably or failing to act
- Third, unreasonable behavior or omission caused the accident
- Lastly, injury or harm was caused as a result of such behavior
If all four of these can be proved, the party can be considered negligent and may owe compensation to the injured party.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident and negligence was the cause, a proactive boat accident lawyer in Mesa could help you take legal action.
Damages Available After a Boating Accident
Damages is a legal term used to describe the money you will receive through a successful settlement demand or lawsuit after an accident. Your damages award should make you financially stable again. There are two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Examples of economic damages you may receive include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
Some losses cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms. Nonetheless, these non-economic damages could be an essential component of your settlement. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and emotional distress. In accidents with fatalities, you may also be entitled to damages for loss of consortium, funeral and burial costs, loss of inheritance, etc.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a boating accident, consulting a lawyer in Mesa could help ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for your specific situation.
Seek Help From an Experienced Mesa Boat Accident Attorney Today
Boating accidents can be fatal. They often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to high speeds, a lack of safety measures, and other factors. If you or a loved one have been injured in a water vessel collision, a seasoned Mesa boat accident lawyer could help you demand fair and comprehensive compensation for your injuries.
Our devoted and empathetic legal team at Elmm Law Group could work to defend your best interests every step of the way and assist you in securing a favorable outcome. Call today for an initial consultation.