A day out in your boat can be a peaceful and relaxing experience. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, causing devastating injuries that can result in significant financial losses as well as emotional distress. In Arizona, if someone’s negligent or wrongful conduct led to your accident, you have the chance to file a personal injury claim.
At Valley Injury Team, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team of Arizona boat accident attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a claim every step of the way. Here is what you need to know about boat accidents and what damages you can claim in Arizona.
As with other motor vehicles, Arizona has strict regulations in place for boats. All boat owners have to register their watercraft with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, and they must abide by all of the laws that apply to the size and length of the boat they own. Not all owners follow these laws, however, and accidents can be the result.
One of the most common types of boating accidents that occur on Arizona’s lakes and rivers are vessel collisions. Operators who are distracted or intoxicated may not notice another boat approaching. There may also be vessel maintenance issues, like missing lights, that can lead to collisions at dusk or night.
Wake-related accidents can also result in severe injuries. The wake is the wave of water that a watercraft creates, with those traveling at higher speeds causing larger wakes. Some areas of Arizona have clearly marked “no wake” regulations in place to prevent high speeds because wakes can obstruct visibility.
Operating under the influence (OUI) is as much of a problem on water as it is on land. As with other vehicles, the legal BAC limit is 0.08% for boats, too. People who are intoxicated won’t be able to respond appropriately to hazards they encounter because their reflexes and coordination will be impaired.
Fires can occur on boats as well. Usually, these fires are the result of malfunctioning parts that allow fuel to leak. Sometimes, however, a failure to operate the vessel correctly could result in fires. People who are inexperienced or not trained to operate the boat can be at fault in these cases. Improper boat maintenance can also cause fires.
Drownings can happen if someone falls overboard and gets hit by an object or by the boat itself. Such a situation can be the result of a variety of negligent actions, including operating under the influence or speeding.
The very first thing you need to do after a boating accident is to check everyone involved for injuries. You want to do a headcount as well to make certain that no one fell overboard. If there are serious injuries, call emergency services using your radio or phone. State your name clearly and let them know what occurred.
If there was another vessel involved in the accident, you need to exchange information. You should then take pictures or videos of the damage to the vessels, as well as of any other property and injuries that anyone has sustained. This documentation can be vital when you file a claim.
You should then report the accident to the appropriate boating authorities, which is generally the nearest law enforcement agency. If the accident resulted in a fatality, disappearance, or serious injury, you have 48 hours to report it to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
You will also have to let your boating insurance company know about the accident. Keep this conversation short and to the point. You don’t want to admit to fault.
It’s vital that you also call Valley Injury Team to speak with our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible. We can investigate the details of your accident to uncover who is responsible and how much compensation you are entitled to.
At Valley Injury Team, our boating accident lawyers will first evaluate your claim and determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation. We’ll then get to work gathering evidence to prove how the accident occurred and why you deserve compensation.
As with other personal injury claims, the majority of boating accidents will require establishing negligence. This means that the liable person owed you a duty of care and that they breached it. Examples include the operator of another vessel speeding or the operator of the vessel in which you were a passenger not operating it safely.
You also need to demonstrate that the negligence led to the injuries you suffered and that you can be compensated for those injuries. If, for example, you only suffered a minor bruise and didn’t require medical care, you shouldn’t file a claim.
We can help with all stages of proving negligence, as well as with insurance company negotiations. Despite what they may claim, insurance companies are focused on their own bottom lines and will often present you with low-ball offers.
Our years of experience allow us to aggressively negotiate with insurers to get fair compensation for what you’ve suffered. If we see that negotiations aren’t progressing, we can take the case to court.
Importantly, we also offer support. Struggling with injuries, property damage, and other losses can leave you overwhelmed. When you rely on our lawyers, you will have the assistance you need to get through this tough time. We understand what you’re going through and are committed to your well-being.
After an Arizona boating accident, you may be eligible to claim economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses you suffered, including medical expenses. If the injuries are severe enough to require ongoing medical care, you can get compensation to cover these expenses, too.
Your injuries could have made it impossible to go to work, resulting in lost wages. Economic damages can cover lost salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other benefits. If you won’t be able to return to work, you can also get compensation for loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages cover losses that aren’t financial but still impact your life. Pain and suffering belong in this category, as does loss of enjoyment of life. If a loved one died in the accident, you can also claim loss of consortium, which compensates you for loss of support and companionship.
If a refreshing day out on a river or lake turns into a nightmare because of someone’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve suffered. At Valley Injury Team, our skilled boat accident lawyers can help you explore your options.
Because we want to ensure that you don’t have any additional stress as you go through the claims process, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay us unless we win you a settlement or jury award.
Don’t face the aftermath of a boating accident alone. Call us to schedule a free consultation today.
If you suffered injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrong doing, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At Valley Injury Team, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you need. We’re proud to serve clients throughout the Phoenix area, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Queen Creek.
Valley Injury Team is committed to helping you understand your legal rights and options, reducing your stress and uncertainty, and giving you the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
