Virginia Boat Accident Lawyer
Virginia, with its beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastline, provides boundless opportunities for recreational boating in all corners of the Commonwealth. No matter where you live or visit in Virginia, you can go waterskiing, fishing, sightseeing, kayaking, rafting or boating without traveling far. With so many boating opportunities comes an increased risk of being involved in a boat accident. If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, a Virginia boat accident lawyer can advise you as to whether you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your damages from the party responsible for causing your injuries. Call an boat accident lawyer in Virginia today.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Seven out of 10 boating accidents are caused by operator error. If you were a passenger on a boat and were injured in an accident, this means that the operator of the boat responsible for the accident is likely at fault for your injuries. A Virginia boat accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the responsible party.
Alcohol and Boating Accidents
Alcohol is a leading contributing factor in roughly a third of all fatal boat accidents, according to the CDC. Operating a boat while under the influence of prescription or recreational drugs is also dangerous, even if the drugs are legally prescribed. Both drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s coordination, balance, depth perception, reaction time, vision and judgment, whether the driver is operating a motor vehicle or a boat. In fact, sun and heat exposure during boating excursions can further compound the effects of alcohol or drug use. If you were injured by a boat whose operator was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a Virginia boat accident attorney can determine whether you may have a valid personal injury claim.
Carbon Monoxide and Fume-Related Accidents
Many people are surprised to learn that carbon monoxide poisoning is a common cause of boating-related injuries and death. Boat engines and motor generators emit the odorless gas, causing symptoms that, at first, may appear to be seasickness. Boats should have carbon monoxide detectors and adequate ventilation, and all boat equipment should be kept up-to-date and in good repair. While below-deck sleeping quarters are especially susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, the gas can be dangerous in open air as well. If you believe you were injured by carbon monoxide while boating, your boat accident lawyer in Virginia can investigate whether the boat was properly maintained and in a safe condition.
Accidents Caused by Other Passengers
While the boat operator is frequently at fault in boating accidents, a number of boating injuries and fatalities – 46 percent – occur when a boat is docked, tethered, anchored or drifting. Passengers may injure one another by acting recklessly, not paying attention to their surroundings, or even by fighting. Unfortunately, what may have been a minor incident on land can quickly turn deadly when boating. If you believe another passenger was responsible for your boating injury, your Virginia boat accident attorney can investigate the incident.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Now is the time to act if you are seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a boat accident. A Virginia boat accident lawyer with our firm can help to advise you regarding your civil injury claim, leaving you free to focus on what’s more important—healing. Speak with one of our helpful legal representatives today.