Enjoying the waters around the D.C. metro area is an inviting way to beat the summer heat and spend time in nature. Whether sailing on the Chesapeake Bay or cruising on the Potomac, boating is a great way to relax. A successful claim for damages requires the injured person to prove that negligence was responsible for their injuries. A Washington, DC, boat accident lawyer could evaluate the circumstances surrounding a particular incident to determine whether a negligence claim is sustainable.
Sadly, someone else’s negligence can ruin a pleasant day out on the water. Accidents are frequent and can result in severe injury and even death. People who suffer injuries in boating accidents could pursue a claim for damages with a personal injury lawyer.
Boat accidents often result in very severe injuries. Although some boat accidents happen at dockside, where help might be close at hand, many happen out on the water. In that case, it may take some time to get medical treatment for any injured people, and the delay could exacerbate the effects of their injuries.
Boat accidents could involve forceful collisions with another boat or obstruction, swamping, capsizing, explosions, fires, or some combination of these events. A person might slip or trip and fall overboard. Injuries resulting from boat accidents often include:
These injuries could require extensive medical care, including surgeries and rehabilitation, over an extended period. Some of the injuries resulting from boat accidents could permanently alter the injured person’s quality of life forever.
A plaintiff’s lawyer could help an injured person determine the actual physical, emotional, and financial impact of a boat accident injury. The injured person could then seek monetary damages from a negligent party to compensate them for their losses.
Boat owners and operators must keep their vessels in safe operating condition, have all required safety equipment, secure proper training in the competent operation of their boats, and follow navigation laws. A failure to uphold any of these responsibilities is negligence. A seller, manufacturer, or installer of a boat part could be negligent if the part were defective or installed improperly.
A person who suffers injuries in a boat accident must prove that negligence led to their injuries. DC law enforcement is not always available to respond to a boat accident, so the injured person’s attorney might have the burden of finding evidence of negligence.
Witness statements could offer important clues about the circumstances leading to the accident. A physical inspection of the boat might provide helpful information. A plaintiff’s representative also might look at the boat’s maintenance records, the operator’s training, and any evidence of reckless operation or impairment to support a negligence claim.
People who have suffered injuries in accidents have a limited time to seek damages. The Code of the District of Columbia §12-301(8) allows three years from the date of their injury to file suit
An injured person needs to keep this date in mind because the threat of a lawsuit could incentivize a negligent party or their insurer to negotiate a fair settlement. Even people who prefer not to sue could engage a boat crash attorney to handle negotiations on their behalf and ensure that the responsible parties know that the injured person intends to make a robust effort to secure reasonable compensation for their losses.
If you have been in a boat accident, you need to focus on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries. Leave the task of negotiating a financial settlement to a professional.
A Washington, DC, boat accident lawyer could help you prove the required elements for negligence. Our attorneys fight for clients’ rights to fair and full compensation. Call as soon as possible after your accident to get a seasoned advocate working for you.
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