Boating Accidents
Washington DC Boating Accident Attorneys
Although they are not covered in the news often, boating accidents can occur and when they do they may require a boating accidents lawyer. Boating, sailing, and other watercraft activities are an important part of the Washington, D.C. region. Whether it’s the Potomac, the Anacostia, the Chesapeake Bay, or even the Atlantic, many area residents enjoy boating. But with the popularity of boating comes inevitable risks, and our busy waterways are sometimes the scene of boating accidents that can cause serious injury and sometimes death.
According to a report by the US Coast Guard that compiles statistics for recreational boating accidents, approximately 4,500 boating accidents occured in the United States in 2012, over 65% of which resulted in injury. In many of these cases, a boating accidents lawyer may be helpful in order to help you gain all the facts you need to have a fair case. Boating accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. The report indicates that some of the most common causes of boating accidents are:
- Negligent or unsafe operation of the vessel
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Improper lookout
- Machinery failure
- Excessive speed
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Unsafe manufacturing or design
- The use of alcohol and other substances
In fact, the use of alcohol while operating a boar resulted in the highest number of deaths caused by boating accidents. If you or someone you know have been in this kind of accident or other vehicles, turn to the automobile accident lawyer Washington DC trusts.
While the vast majority of boat owners and operators are well trained, these accidents still occur. A boating accidents lawyer should understand this. Most boat owners will use the utmost level of caution to prevent injuries to fellow boaters and swimmers in the surrounding waters. However, it only takes a small amount of negligence to create a dangerous situation that can result in harm and injury to multiple people. All types of boats, whether a speed boat, sailboat, or even a jet ski, can cause danger and injury with an inexperienced or foolhardy person at the helm. Some of the injuries that occur from boating accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Death
Injuries or not, boating accident have the potential to cause severe damage which is why it is important to hire a boating accidents lawyer that will fight to defend your case in court. Generally, boats aren’t subject to as rigorous safety regulations as cars and trucks, even though they are also large, fast moving, complex machines that have the potential of causing injury if a collision or other type of accident takes place.
Cohen & Cohen represents people who have been injured through no fault of their own, whether in a boating accident, sailboat accident, or other watercraft accident. With boat accident attorneys who can practice in state and federal courts in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we are well-equipped to handle the complex jurisdictional issues that can often arise when an accident occurs over the water. Call us today to speak to a boating accidents lawyer, and take the first steps toward recovery and compensation for your damages and injuries.
