Arizona’s scenic lakes and rivers make boating a popular recreational activity for many Arizona locals and tourists. Unfortunately, rising boating activities have led to increased boating accidents, making recreational activity a disaster for some people.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2020, there were approximately 5,265 boat accidents involving 3,191 injuries across America. Additionally, the boat accident claimed over 767 lives, a 25% increase from 2019. While Arizona is not a boat accident hotspot, there have been reports of recreational boating accidents.
Unfortunately, most boat accidents are due to someone else’s negligence. While Arizona law entitles victims to compensation if injured in a boat accident due to another’s negligence, related personal injury and maritime claims are often complicated. However, a skilled Mesa boat accident lawyer can help you recover compensation.
If you or a loved one are a victim of a boat accident due to another’s negligence in Mesa, AZ, we are here for you. Our skilled and experienced Mesa boat accident lawyer at Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd will help you navigate the personal injury claim process while helping you get fair compensation.
Common Boat Accident Injuries
Besides sustaining physical injuries, boat accidents have an added risk of victims drowning. According to the 2020 U.S Coast Guard report, drowning was the cause of 75% of known boating accidents deaths. In addition to the risk of drowning, other common boating accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and severe fractures
- Amputations
- Burns
- Cuts and bruises
Even if a victim survives a boating accident, it can leave them with severe life-changing injuries and emotionally scarred.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
A boat accident can take many forms, from falling overboard to collisions with other boats or fixed objects. The different types of boating accidents are due to some common causes, including;
- Inexperienced operators – inexperience by boat operators, including lack of necessary training and certification.
- Distracted boating and improper lookout –an operator’s inattention or failure to look out for other water vessels or fixed objects can lead to accidents.
- Excessive speed – operating motor boats at excessively high speed increases the risk of a boating accident, including boat occupants being thrown overboard.
- Vessel collisions
- Violating navigation and other safety rules
- Operating under the influence or while drunk
- Poor weather
- Machinery failure
- Hazardous waters
- Poor boat maintenance
Even though a boating accident can be due to many other causes, the primary contributing factor for most accidents is negligence by the boat operator or owner. Boat operators owe a duty of care to their passengers and other boaters, making them liable for most boat accidents.
Damages Recovery in an Arizona Boat Accident
Even though Arizona law entitles victims to compensation for boating accidents, recovering damages is often challenging. Besides navigating complex federal and state maritime laws, a victim often has to navigate other legal requirements, including statutes of limitations.
In addition to a personal injury claim, you can also recover compensation for damaged property. You can also seek to hold a negligent operator criminally liable for gross negligence, especially if operating while drunk or under the influence.
With most boat accidents involving a personal injury claim, you must prove the defendant’s negligence even where multiple parties are at fault. Consequently, you need the help of a skilled Arizona boat accident attorney.
Contact a Mesa Boat Accident Lawyer
Despite boating offering many recreational opportunities, it is not always fun, especially when involved in a boat accident. Besides the risk of drowning, a boat accident can leave you with serious life-changing injuries and huge medical expenses. Even though Arizona law entitles victims to compensation for accidents due to another’s negligence, damage recovery is often complicated.
If you or a loved one are victims of a Mesa, AZ, boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact our skilled and experienced Mesa boat accident lawyer at Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd. We are committed to guiding you through the complex legal process while helping you get fair compensation for damages. Contact us today for a consultation and more about our services.
