Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence in Maryland, with 147 accidents and six fatalities in a single recent year. Many boat accidents are caused by operator negligence. If you have been injured in a boat accident that was someone else’s fault, contact a boat accident lawyer at Malloy Law Offices, LLC as soon as possible. We know what it takes to win maximum compensation for our clients.
Why Choose Malloy Law Offices, LLC?
- At our firm, in addition to English, we speak Spanish and Russian.
- Our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us no fees until we recover compensation for you. This allows injured people access to the legal system and justice.
- We believe every person injured through the negligence of another has a right to claim what he or she deserves. Our attorneys are committed to helping our clients recover the maximum possible compensation.
Boat Accident Statistics
As stated by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG):
- 4,291 recreational boating accidents occurred in the U.S. in the most recent year for which statistics are available.
- These accidents involved 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and $62.5 million in property damage.
- The fatality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, representing a 6.8% decrease from the previous year.
- 75% of fatal boat accident victims drowned, of which 86% were not wearing life jackets.
- Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boat accidents, involved in 18% of boating fatalities.
- 77% of boating fatalities occurred on boats in which the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Many boat accidents are caused by some type of operator error. USCG reports that the primary operator factors contributing to boat accidents in a recent year were:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Alcohol use
- Excessive speed
- Navigation rules violations
- Sharp turns
- Restricted vision
- Failure to vent
- Inadequate onboard navigation lights
- Drug use
- Starting in gear
Common Injuries In Boat Accidents
A total of 2,629 injuries and many fatalities were sustained in boating accidents in a recent year, as reported by USCG. In descending order, the most common types of injuries suffered were:
- Lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Scrapes and bruises
- Concussions
- Hypothermia
- Sprains and strains
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord injury
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Shock
Who Is Liable?
To hold an operator responsible for injuries suffered in a boating accident, you must show that the operator was negligent, or acted in a way that a reasonable person would not have done. Examples of operator negligence include speeding, operator distraction or inattentiveness, and operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the boat itself was defective and equipment failure caused your accident, a manufacturer, seller, or person who performed repairs may be liable for your injuries.
Why You Need a Boating Accident Lawyer
Establishing liability in a boat accident claim can be a complicated process. Our experienced boat accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate your accident and secure and preserve any evidence of equipment failure, or that the operator was violating boating regulations at the time the accident occurred. We can determine fault and liability, negotiate skillfully on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve after serious boat accident injuries.
Get In Touch with Malloy Law Offices, LLC
Serious injuries sustained in a boating accident can have life-altering consequences or require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. Call Malloy Law Offices, LLC at (888) 219-9266 today for strong legal representation in your boat accident claim.