Maryland Boating Accidents and the Law
Maryland is known by boat enthusiasts for its many bays and inland waterways and unfortunately, the many accidents that warrant the need for a good boating accident law firm Maryland boaters can rely on.
Boating Popularity in Maryland
Boating, sailing and other water craft activities are an important part of recreation in Maryland. Its more than 7,700 miles of coastline as well as its bays, and waterways, are popular places to live and visit for Maryland residents, as well as for visitors from near and far away.
With an increase in the popularity of boating there has also been an unfortunate need for law firms with lawyers who are versed and experienced with how to use the laws that govern boating accidents to defend the rights of injured people. When someone is injured because of someone else’s negligence, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for expenses related to their injury. While this applies across land and water in Maryland, having a personal injury law firm that understands boating accident law and Maryland courts is important if your injury happened in or near a body of water or waterway with boats or other water craft present.
Boating Accident Facts
According to the document, Recreational Boating Statistics 2017, published by the U.S. Coast Guard, the following types of recreational boats had the highest number of casualties and deaths:
- Open motor boats – 1,672 casualties, 305 deaths
- Personal watercraft – 670 casualties, 46 deaths
- Cabin motorboat – 256 casualties, 36 deaths
- Canoe/kayak – 245 casualties, 16 deaths
- Pontoon – 166 casualties, 5 deaths
These numbers have increased over the numbers of casualties and deaths in the past years.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, or if someone you love has been tragically killed because of this, you it may be in your best interest to learn about what your rights are from a Maryland personal injury law firm that is experienced with defending the rights boating accident victims and their families.
Types of Boating Accidents
Boating can be a fun and relaxing way to spend one’s time. Whether you like to cruise and sight see, get out onto more open water, water or jet ski, swim, float, sail, speed, kayak, canoe, raft, fish, or any of the many other ways that people enjoy Maryland’s bodies of water and waterways, it can just take one careless decision of one individual to ruin another person’s day or life.
If you have been in a boating accident, you may find it helpful to discuss your situation with a lawyer at a personal injury law firm in Maryland who is experienced with successful defending the rights of boating accident victims.
The following are some common types of recreational boating accidents:
- Collision with another vessel
- Collision with a fixed object (such as a dock or jetty)
- Flooding/swamping
- Running aground (grounding)
- People fall overboard
- Capsizing
- Collision with person in water or wildlife
If you or someone you love has been injured in any of the above types of boating accidents or ones not mentioned here, or if someone you love has died as the result of this, you may be entitled to compensation. People recommend that Maryland victims seek compensation with the help of a Maryland personal injury lawyer at a law firm that is experienced with boating accident law.
For a boating accident law firm Maryland boaters and their families can trust, contact Cohen & Cohen today, for a free case evaluation with no obligation.
