Boating Accident Attorney in Scottsdale

Providing Legal Options to Clients Injured in Boating Accidents in Arizona

Boating provides locals and tourists alike with the opportunity to enjoy the water and spend time with those they love. However, just like all other forms of transportation, accidents can happen, especially when motor vehicles are mixed with negligence. Statistics show that accident rates dramatically increase when the boater is inexperienced or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Boat accidents happen more often than we tend to think. In many examples of boat or jet ski accidents, the injured victim did nothing wrong, and their injuries were the result of some careless operation or driver intoxication. In accidents where injuries should have been preventable, victims deserve the right to pursue financial recovery from at-fault parties.

What Safety Regulations Apply to People Operating Watercraft in AZ?

Across the state of Arizona, recreational boat operators are expected to comply with safety regulations meant to minimize the risk of boating accidents.

These regulations include, but are not exclusive to, the following:

All boats must have a visual distress signal device on board.
All vessels with engines, stored fuel, closed living spaces, or any stored flammable materials must have fire extinguishers on board.
Boats must be operated at safe speeds, and operators must remain on the lookout for other boaters and obstacles.
Boats over 16 feet in length must have at least one throwable flotation device.
Children 12 and under must always wear flotation devices.
Children under the age of 13 are prohibited from operating a boat.
Following a collision, both operators must stop their vessels and share information with the other boater.
If the boat operator was born after January 1st, 1986, they must have a boating education card.
It is against the law to operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
No speeding in no-wake zones.
Recreational watercraft must contain flotation devices for all passengers.
Watercraft traveling at night must have appropriate lighting.

What Should You Do After a Boat Accident?

Regardless of their experience level, anyone driving a boat has the potential to get into an accident once their watercraft moves away from shore.

Just like a car crash, you must stop your vessel and offer aid to anyone involved in a boating accident. Regardless of the severity of the apparent injuries, you must contact emergency medical services. One complication inherent in boating accidents is that you may need to go closer to shore to contact emergency personnel.

Remember, your injuries may seem minor initially, but that could be adrenaline. Do not discount the necessity of seeking medical attention for your injuries and the injuries of your passengers.

If another watercraft was involved in the boat accident, you must exchange contact information, addresses, names, and identifying numbers with the other voters.

If you suspect the other boat operator was intoxicated or under the influence at the time of the accident, you must contact the authorities. You must also report the accident to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If an injury or death has occurred, the accident must be reported within 48 hours. Additionally, it is wise to report the accident to your insurance company.

If you have not done so already, now is the time to contact a personal injury lawyer with experience representing accidents involving boats and jet skis. Please get in touch with our law firm to schedule your free case review today.

What Are Common Causes for Boating Accidents?

A variety of factors could cause a boating accident in Arizona. Whatever the cause, if you were injured, you deserve the chance to pursue compensation for your losses.

Common causes of boating accidents include the following:

Boat operator inexperience or inattention.
Dangerous weather conditions.
Defective equipment or boat components.
Distracted driving.
Failing to follow safety regulations.
Failure to maintain a lookout.
Failure to perform proper maintenance on a watercraft.
Failure to yield to the right of way.
Operating a boat at excessive speeds.
Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Overloaded or improperly loaded vessels.
Reckless driving.

What Are Common Maritime Incident Injuries?

Perhaps the most feared sort of injury related to boating accidents is the threat of drowning. However, there are other ways that drivers and passengers alike could become injured on a water vessel.

Common injuries associated with boating accidents include:

Broken bones and bone fractures.
Burns.
Concussions and head injuries.
Dismemberment.
Drowning.
Electrocution.
Internal bleeding and organ damage.
Soft tissue injuries.
Spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Whiplash.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Boating Accident Case?

In order to hold a party liable for damages following a boat accident, the injured victim must prove that the accused was negligent in some way. This could be accomplished by establishing that the boat operator violated local safety regulations or acted recklessly while operating the boat.

The victim must also be able to prove that the actions of the boat operator caused the accident and that the accident resulted in injuries. Finally, the victim must show that they suffered real damages due to the accident.

Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You Recover Financial Compensation?

With a strong case, you can recover a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses. This settlement may include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may include past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, lost income earning capacity, property damage, and funeral expenses. Non-economic damages may include dismemberment, disability, disfigurement, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and wrongful death.

Personal injury victims who retain professional legal counsel almost universally tend to recover a bigger settlement than those who elect to go without legal representation. To maximize your settlement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our law firm to discuss your case in more detail.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Boat Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were injured on a boat or water vessel in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to a financial settlement by filing a boating accident claim. It shouldn’t fall to the boat crash victim to be responsible for the medical bills and other expenses related to their injury, especially not when their injury was caused by someone else. As your legal representative, personal injury lawyer Wilson Ortiz and his compassionate legal team will strive to maximize your boat accident case cash settlement in hopes of recovering the compensation that you deserve.

The Wilson Ortiz Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. If we do not win a financial settlement for your lawsuit, you do not owe us anything in attorney legal fees. Additionally, our law office offers free, no-obligation case evaluations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation with the attorney and his legal staff today. 623-294-1442.