Jackson Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating is an enjoyable activity that many people like to take part in. There are so many summer activities that boating provides: water skiing, tubing, swimming, or just enjoying a day on the water. When people are careless, however, they can cause collisions and seriously injure others. If you’ve been injured, a Jackson boating accident lawyer from Pittman, Roberts & Welsh will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

With our help, you won’t be overwhelmed by the claims process. Our lawyers are ready to hold the right party responsible and help you get through this. We’re always ready to answer questions and address concerns.

The Facts About Mississippi Boating Accidents

You may want to look at how often these accidents occur in our state. The 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard provides a detailed look at the data for boat wrecks. The following statistics were found:

• There were 4,291 total accidents.
• 599 were fatal.
• 3,692 were non-fatal.
• There were 658 total deaths.
• July saw the highest amount of fatal and non-fatal accidents.

With high numbers of boating crashes, you may be wondering about how they happen in the first place. Let’s take a look into how these accidents occur.

What Contributes to Boating Wrecks?

There are myriad factors that can cause an accident on the water. One common characteristic that often unites them is that it comes down to a form of negligence. At some point, a person on the boat or a boat manufacturing company didn’t do what they were supposed to do, and it resulted in a crash with severe injuries.

The following are examples of what can cause a boating accident.

• Operating While Intoxicated. Alcohol led to 275 accidents, 102 deaths, and 227 injuries in 2017. Drug use caused 10 accidents, 10 deaths, and 2 injuries.
• Excessive Speed. Going too fast lessens the time for the operator to turn or slow down in case they see other boats or swimmers. Passengers are also at risk of being thrown off the boat at high speeds.
• Operator Error. Whether it’s from inexperience, inattention, or the operator isn’t keeping a proper lookout, a boating accident can easily ensue.
• Improper Loading. Boats have weight limits and overloading is an issue that can lead to complications on the water.
• Wake. Other boats may produce wake, which can be unsafe to go through at high speeds. You also need to make sure that you’re not producing too much wake and putting others at risk.
• Equipment Failure. The accident isn’t always the operator’s fault. There’s a chance there’s a defective part in the boat that causes an equipment failure, hull failure, or machinery failure. In these cases, the manufacturing company that sold the faulty part can be held liable. Going up against a company is complex, but the product liability lawyers at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh are prepared to stand up for your rights no matter what.
• Weather. Poor weather like lightning storms and excessive wind make boating conditions extremely dangerous. The Mississippi State Department of Health suggests always checking the weather before going out on the water.
• Water Conditions. Even if the weather is nice, if the water seems choppy, has higher waves than usual, or has debris, there’s a high chance of an accident happening.

It’s also possible that the reason for your crash isn’t listed above, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seek damages. Pittman, Roberts & Welsh will look into your case and see if you have grounds for a valid claim.

What Kind of Injuries Do Boating Crashes Cause?

A boating collision, whether it’s with another boat, a fixed object, or a land mass, can potentially injure people. There’s a chance that hospitalization, tests, medication, and continued care will be necessary for recovery. Take a look at some of the injuries that can occur:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Concussions
• Spinal Cord and Neck Trauma
• Broken Bones
• Loss of Limb
• Bruises and Lacerations

When a person gets one of these injuries, it can put their entire life on hold. They have to take time to recover, which could mean missing work. This puts a lot of stress on an individual who is injured, all because someone else acted negligently.

Some of these injuries can have long-lasting consequences that will affect a person’s life. It may even prevent them from doing their job. A catastrophic injury may require permanent forms of health care, and the costs can be high. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you get a fair settlement, so you won’t have to worry about your financial future.

Unfortunately, boating accidents can also be fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one because of a party’s negligent actions, one of our wrongful death lawyers can help you get justice.

Get Sound Legal Advice from Pittman, Roberts & Welsh

You deserve to have peace of mind about your future. When you have a personal injury lawyer at your side, you know that someone is looking out for your best interests and won’t settle for less than what you’re owed. Give us a call today for an obligation-free consultation at no cost. We’re ready to help you.