Canton Boating Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a Boat Accident?
Michigan possesses dozens of popular bodies of water that are ideal for summertime boating. With such great access to the water, it is not unusual that thousands of residents hit the water each year as well as a lot of tourists and visitors who come for a summer break. Most people enjoy their time on the water safely and then go back to their everyday lives. Sadly for some, a boating trip will become tragic and lead to an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, get in touch with the Canton Boating Accident Attorney at Marko Law today to get the compensation you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Most boating accidents had one thing in common. Usually, at least one driver was driving in an unsafe or reckless manner, leading to an accident with another boat or a fixed object. Additionally, over half of fatal accidents involve a boater under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
A lot of Michigan boating accidents happen as a result of negligence on the part of the driver, whether that negligence is caused by intoxication, distraction, or lack of experience. Overwhelmingly, the majority of boating accidents involve drivers with extensive on-water experience but little or no formal training. This combination can lead to an overconfident driver who may ignore some important safety procedures.
Boating while intoxicated
In a lot of aspects, boating accidents can mirror car accidents with many of the same elements in each causing accidents in the other. As earlier mentioned, operating under the influence is very common. Too often, drinking alcohol and boating go hand-in-hand in Michigan. Friends and family gather for a fun day on the water, but boating under the influence is illegal and dangerous. Boaters in Michigan face the same criteria as drivers when it comes to intoxication by any kind of substance that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a watercraft. Yet frequently, those that would never drink and drive somehow decide to boat and drive. Intoxication is a factor in too many boating fatalities in Michigan, in some years over 50%.
Distracted boating
Another common reason for boating accidents is inattentiveness by an operator. Frequently this causes a collision between two boats, or in one watercraft striking an object or an individual in the water.
Speeding
Every year accidents happen where a speeding boater fails to notice a swimmer in the water. As a result, the boat strikes or runs over the swimmer, sometimes with tragic consequences. In other accidents, a large boat operating at a high speed might fail to notice a smaller boat hidden by waves until it is too late and a crash occurs.
Negligent boat maintenance
Like other vehicles, boats go through wear and need maintenance to keep them in good working condition. This may require the installment of new parts or repair of damaged parts at intervals in the life of the boat. Failing to adequately maintain a boat can lead to a hazardous condition and even an accident. This might lead to injuries to those on board or to others in the area.
Some properly maintained boats may otherwise be hazardous if they are subject to a flaw or defect in design. This problem could make normal use of the boat precarious to a new or a seasoned boater.
Legal Options After a Boating Accident
Many of those that suffer injury in a boating accident are unaware that they might be able to make a financial recovery for their damages. The kind of claim available and whether a recovery is possible varies. It depends on the kind of accident, the injuries to the victim, and whether somebody was negligent or reckless in causing the injury. As each situation is unique, it is always a good idea to talk to a personal injury attorney after an accident to learn about your legal rights.
As an accident victim, you may be able to make a claim against the at-fault boater, the boat owner, and even the marina and/or rental company in some cases. This claim can provide you with compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages you were unable to earn
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life
- Any other real damages due to the crash
If your family member dies in a boating accident, you might get compensation for your losses. This can include the time you will no longer be able to spend in your loved one’s company and future loss of income.
In some cases, an at-fault boater may not be known or may not be a feasible source of a financial recovery. This does not always prevent a victim from getting compensation in a lot of accidents. A lawyer can help you know whether another form of compensation may be available.
Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation
If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Boating Accidents in Canton, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.
