Causes of Boating Accidents
Boaters who choose to consume a substantial amount of alcohol can cause serious injury and even death to others on the lake or ocean. If a watercraft operator is impaired or otherwise reckless, the danger they pose to others on the water is significant. Many different acts of negligence can result in a boat accident in Georgia. Some of the most common boating accident causes include:
- Operator inexperience
- Operator recklessness
- Passenger behavior
- Weather
- Equipment failure
- Failure to yield
- Hazardous waters
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
This is not an exhaustive list, however, and you can suffer injuries from a variety of conditions. It is normally not expected that a boating accident can occur and forever change your life. If you have suffered injuries from a boating accident caused by the negligence of another individual, it is likely in your best interest to retain legal assistance from an Alpharetta personal injury lawyer.
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If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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Boating Accident Injuries
Injuries that take place as a result of a boating accident can be very serious. Brain and head injuries are two common forms of injuries that can result in devastating life-changing effects. Head trauma can take place if an individual is unconscious and under the water for an extended amount of time because of the lack of oxygen. At Van Sant Law, we can help you handle the injuries that you have faced as a result of a boating accident. The aftermath of an injury caused by a boat operator or another individual’s negligence can be very difficult to handle. As your Alpharetta boating accident attorney, our firm can be by your side to help you retain the just compensation that is deserved.
Our firm can review your case as quickly as possible to determine what approach should be taken in this circumstance. Your involvement in the accident and the injuries that have been suffered can play a significant role in the solution to your case. We take your case seriously and can prescribe a personal solution that is designed to obtain results. An experienced boat accident attorney from our firm can provide you with all your available options and all the necessary resources to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your case can be handled in a professional manner as we seek the highest available settlement.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia
After being involved in a boating accident, it is important to meet with a Georgia boat accident attorney at your earliest convenience. Injured parties can file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for many types of damages, including:
- Past / present medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Costs of rehabilitation
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Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
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R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
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"From the first phone call to getting my settlement check the customer service was great."
They checked in throughout my care and gave updates as well, the process was truly a breeze! I cant thank you guys enough!
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"We were thrilled with the support from Van Sant."
The team really helped us as we navigated the claims process after our oldest child had his car totaled by a drunk driver! They were incredibly professional and helped us through every step of the process! Would absolutely recommend their services! Thank you!
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"Very knowledgeable, straight forward and communicated with me every step of the way."
I used Van Sant Law for my auto accident claim and I'm so glad I did! Parker, my attorney, was especially great. He really eased my pain and got me the best settlement possible. I highly recommend Van Sant Law. They did right by me and I'm very happy with their level of service.
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"Let the Van Sant team handle your case! You're in good hands."
Attorney David M. Van Sant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney Van Sant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track.
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"Van Sant Law was the right support to call after my car accident with my daughter."They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
Have You Been Injured in a Georgia Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident on Lake Lanier or another Georgia lake or waterway, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable boat accident attorney.
FAQ
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What Type of Boating Accidents Are Potentially Compensable?
A variety of factors can lead to boat accidents. As is true with operating any type of motor vehicle, boat operators are expected to follow ordinances and regulations designed to ensure safety and protect the public. When accidents occur, negligent boat operators can be liable for compensating accident victims.
Van Sant Law, LLC helps injured boat accident victims. Some of the types of cases we handle include:
- Defective boating or safety equipment
- The operator of the other vessel was drunk or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inexperienced or negligent operator
- Accidents involving excessive speed
- Inadequate or missing safety equipment
- Failure to yield accidents
- Wrongful death
We help victims of boating accidents involving watercraft of all sizes, including:
- Cruise ships
- Party boats
- Pontoon boats
- Sailboats
- Motorboats
- Commercial boats
- Personal watercraft (kayaks, canoes, etc.)
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What Kinds of Damages Are Available in Boating Accident Claims?
Georgia boat accident law provides that injured victims, or the family of people killed in boating accidents, are entitled to receive damages from at-fault parties. These include both economic damages designed to compensate victims for direct financial expenses related to the accident, as well as noneconomic damages.
Economic damages may include hospital bills and other medical expenses, property damage, lost income, temporary or permanent disability, rehabilitation, nursing care, medical equipment, prescription medication, and more.
Noneconomic damages are more difficult to value, but include compensation for chronic pain, physical suffering, emotional distress, loss of support and consortium, and a reduction in quality of life after the boat accident.
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What Should You Do After Someone Hits Your Boat?
Boating accident procedure differs somewhat from the steps you would take if you were injured in an automobile accident. If you were involved in a boating accident, the first thing you should do is stop the boat and offer help to anyone who is in danger or was injured in the accident (unless offering such help could cause further peril).
Next, just as you would after a car accident, exchange information with the driver of the other boat. This includes exchanging names, addresses, and vessel information.
Seek medical attention promptly and document your injuries and property damage, as these steps will be important when you seek to obtain compensation for the accident. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling boat accidents as soon as possible to preserve your right to file a claim.
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Can You Sue for a Boat Accident?
Yes. Georgia boat accident law gives victims the right to file legal claims against negligent parties to recover compensation for their injuries and property damage. In addition, employees injured in boating accidents may also file negligence claims against their employers under maritime laws.
As with other types of personal injuries, there are time limits for filing legal claims after suffering injuries in a boating accident. Generally, victims have two years from the injury accident in which to file claims. However, that time limit can be significantly shorter if the accident involved a cruise ship or a city, county, municipal, or Indian reservation vessel.
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How Can a Boat Accident Lawyer Help?
Your attorney will help you understand your rights after a boating accident and can help you evaluate your options. If it makes sense to proceed with a claim against a negligent party, your lawyer will work to gather evidence and document the other party’s liability.
Boat accident lawyers also help victims by calculating their damages, both direct financial losses and indirect damages. When you work with an attorney, they will handle the communications and negotiations with the responsible party and their insurance company. If the other party is unwilling to agree to an appropriate settlement amount, your attorney will advocate for your rights in court.
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