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Practice Areas
BOATING ACCIDENTS
Boating Accident Attorney Charlotte, NC
Multiple states in America are surrounded by beautiful lakes and rivers. Some beaches also allow various watersports and boating activities. If you were involved in an accident involving a boat, kayak, jet ski, or canoe, then speaking with a qualified boating accident attorney can give your clarity on how to determine your eligibility for compensation. These attorneys investigate boating accidents and consider various factors before they can add up damage caused to property, medical expenses, loss of wage, and any permanent disabilities or loss of life if any when filing a substantial claim amount.
There are various causes of boating accidents and to ensure your claim is filed correctly, it is vital to figure out the cause of the accident. While boating collision is a common cause, other reasons could result in a boating accident causing severe damages. Let’s take a look at a few.
Boating accidents refer to the accidents that happen while you are on the boat. Many boating accidents are a part of these accidents, from ranging speedboats to sailboats and going to personal boats as well as hovercrafts. Common types of boating accidents include hitting an obstacle or vessel.
When an accident takes place in a river or lake, the local laws and state laws will cover these accidents and if an accident happens in the sea then the maritime laws will cover it. Maritime laws cover the accidents in the sea as the sea belongs to the United State and not to any state.
Inattentive Operator
The operator needs to pay close attention to the task at hand. If they lose focus, they could end up missing out on potentially dangerous signs and this could result in an accident. A boating collision often occurs because of an inattentive operator.
Speeding
Similar to rash driving, a speeding boat is also risky. Although there are speed limits for a boat, some people choose to ignore this. They try going faster than what the law permits. This can prove to be fatal for various reasons.
Mechanical Failure
The owner of the boat needs to ensure that all parts of the boat are operating smoothly. If the boat is not well maintained, it could result in a major accident due to mechanical failure. If for some reason, the manufacturer sold a faulty boat to an individual and it is involved in an accident, the boat company is held liable. They would be expected to pay for the damages if the victim has the support of a boating accident attorney.
Riding Under The Influence
The boat operator needs to stay sober at all times. Most of the time, the operator increases the speed of the boat after consuming alcohol. This increases the risk of fatality and can also result in death. Consumption of alcohol while riding a boat is the leading cause of boat accidents.
During an accident, if any one of the following criteria is met then it should be reported:
- A life lost
- An Injury took place that requires more than just first aid for treatment
- Total loss of the boat
- A missing person, having a reason of being killed or injured
- The damage that happened because of the accident is $2,000, at least
Boating accidents happen due to many reasons. If you have recently got into a boating accident to know someone who did, then contact Schehr Law. We will assist you through the process of boating accidents.
A trusted and qualified boating accident lawyer Charlotte, NC residents rely on understands that handling a legal claim by yourself can be stressful and difficult. Boating accident cases can be tough to deal with, but if you have been a victim, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Having a lawyer assist you with your case and provide legal guidance and support that you need can make your experience much easier to go through. There are many complex laws and it can be difficult to comprehend how the system works. Learn how you can receive legal assistance if you have been in a boating accident.
Boating Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC
Hiring a legal professional like one at Schehr Law, PLLC can lift the burden off of your shoulders. When you hire a lawyer to work on your boating accident claim you don’t have to worry about having to handle your claim all on your own. You do not have as much legal knowledge as a lawyer so it can be incredibly difficult to determine the legal strategies that you need to if you hope to recover the settlement that you deserve. A lawyer understands what needs to be done and what it takes to obtain positive case results.
Causes of Boating Accidents
A boating accident lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina can explain there are many reasons boating accidents happen. Many people assume that since there is much more open space in the ocean, it is easier to steer a boat. However, accidents can happen easily. Operating a boat can be difficult if you do not have much experience and it could be hard to avoid a collision. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents that lawyers often see in these cases includes:
- Distractions (loud passengers, cell phone use, etc.)
- Drinking while operating a boat
- Inexperience operating a boat
- Failure to see other boats or objects in the water
- Failure to maintain a boat and undergo inspection
- Lack of onboard safety devices
Damages You Can Claim
If you have suffered an injury in a tragic boating accident, you may be eligible to recover many types of damages. This includes medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, reduced earnings and emotional distress. A skilled lawyer will determine the economic and non-economic damages that you can possibly recover. Having a lawyer at your side to help you through your claim will be important if you want to maximize your competition amount.
Legal Assistance is Available
Don’t wait any longer to talk to a lawyer. Boating accident cases can be complex because they can involve international maritime laws, as well as state and federal laws. You will need legal assistance from a lawyer who has handled boating accident cases successfully. There is limited time and investigating a legal claim can be time-consuming. Reach out to a qualified and experienced lawyer who knows how to provide you quality legal services. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain urgent legal help. Schedule a risk-free consultation and set up an appointment as soon as possible if you wish to speak with a boating accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC.
Matters we can Help You With
Boating Laws
Every state has certain boating laws they need to abide by. There are also federal laws that must be followed. These laws are designed specifically to keep the safety of the people in mind. While certain laws change from state to state, here is one law that is common across most states:
Staying Sober – Any watercraft operator must stay sober while handling a boat. If their blood alcohol level is above 0.08% then the individual may be charged with boating under the influence. This can be used as a basis of a negligence claim and a victim in this accident can claim compensation from the operator for negligence.
Different Types of boating injuries
There are various boating injuries that one can sustain. The severity of the injury helps determine the compensation amount. Hiring a boating accident attorney can help determine the amount of compensation that the victim can claim and the likelihood of receiving that claim. The boating accident attorney also looks into the impact the injury had on the victim’s life. Here are a few common injuries seen when boating:
- Concussion
- Dislocation
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Shocks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ injury
- Wrongful death
Irrespective of the kind of injury, and in some cases, death, the boating accident attorney will help the victim or their family claim fair compensation. The attorney takes care of all documentation and can also appear for court hearings on behalf of the victim. This gives the victim sufficient time to recover without having to go through the hassles of a courtroom.
Types Of Claims
If you have met with a boating accident or your loved ones have suffered a serious injury, it is time to sue the boat owner or the operator for compensation. There are various grounds to sue the boat operator however you will need a boating accident attorney by your side.
Click here to learn about all of Schehr Law PLLC’s personal injury practice areas.
Negligence
When there is negligence on the part of the boat operator or the owner and this caused an accident, your attorney can file for compensation accordingly. Negligence may be demonstrated in the following ways:
- Overcrowding the boat
- Boating under the influence
- Collision with other boats
- Inexperienced crew
- Not riding well in hazardous waters
Faulty Boat
Sometimes your boating accident attorney will ask you to file for compensation based on problems with the boat. An accident caused due to:
- Faulty boat parts
- Fire onboard
- Faulty boat design
Irrespective of what the boat owner may say, the boating accident attorney will be able to determine what caused the accident. They will gather sufficient evidence and present it in the court of law.
Hiring a boating accident attorney has its advantages. These include:
Hassle-Free Process
When you have a boating accident attorney, your claim process will be hassle-free. If you try dealing with the situation on your own, you will end up with a substantially low claim amount. Also, this amount will be released after almost a year of running around in court. Your boating accident attorney, on the other hand, will take on the responsibility of fighting the case on your behalf. They will complete all the documentation and also follow up with the court if any Pending documents are needed.
Collecting Evidence
In the case of an accident, evidence is needed to determine the culprit. A victim will not be able to run around and gather evidence. This is especially true if their injuries were severe. A boating accident attorney will collect evidence and submit it along with your claim application.
Not only does a boating accident attorney take away the need for continuous follow-ups, but they also work proactively to get the best possible compensation for you. Do not hesitate and contact a boating accident attorney right away and recover from your boating accident without any additional stress.
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Client Review
"As a fellow professional in the area, I highly recommend Chris Schehr as an attorney. He has been very helpful to my clients as a resource for their personal injury, criminal, and immigration needs. In my experience with Chris, he is especially skilled with clients in car accident related cases."
Michael Sherman
