Boat Accident

Boat Accident Law Firm

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Accident?

Personal watercraft and motorboats have powerful engines, however, licensure is not a requirement in every state. Instead, state law may only require a boat operator to complete a safety course. Unfortunately, users of jet skis and other types of light watercraft vessels, as well as swimmers, are especially vulnerable to severe, life-changing injuries when they’re involved in an accident with a negligent boater.

In some situations, the negligent boat operator may not be the only party held liable for an accident. The owner of the watercraft may also bear legal responsibility. Additionally, the operator of the boat may be an employee of the boat’s owner, or the owner of the boat may allow a friend or family member to borrow their vessel.

Owners of tour boats and other types of vessels are responsible for supervising and training employees and ensuring their craft is well-equipped with the proper safety equipment.

A defect in the manufacturing process or the boat’s design can also contribute to or cause a boating accident.

A boat accident lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP will investigate the accident to look for signs of defects. This can include looking for missing safety equipment, instructions, and required warnings.

Fighting for the Compensation You’re Owed

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often claim that the boat accident victim is partly to blame for the accident. This defense is often used in boat accidents that involve recreational watercraft. Your boat accident lawyer will fight to ensure the blame for the accident is placed on the at-fault party. Keep in mind that if you are partly to blame for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation from the negligent party, however, your compensation will be reduced based on your level of fault.

What Forms of Negligence Can Result in a Boat Accident?

To recover compensation for a boat accident, an attorney must prove that the at-fault party acted negligently.

Examples of negligence can include:

• Failing to follow safety regulations or operating a watercraft at a high rate of speed are considered negligent behaviors.
• Operating the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is reckless and negligent.
• No navigation lights or insufficient lighting can also be considered negligent.
• Other examples of negligence while operating a watercraft include not carrying the necessary safety equipment such as inflatable vests or lifeboats, or carrying too many passengers. An attorney can also prove that the boat operator willfully disregarded the accident victim’s safety.