Boat Accident Attorney in Louisville

Most boating accidents are avoidable if you take the proper precautions. Below, we'll discuss common reasons for boating accidents and how you can avoid them.

Inclement Weather

One of the most common—and most dangerous—reasons for boating accidents is inclement weather. High winds, waves, and lightning can all pose a serious threat to both small and large boats alike. In some cases, severe weather can cause a boat to capsize or sink entirely. Most experienced boaters will hesitate to venture out onto the water if they know that bad weather is on the horizon. However, sometimes even the most seasoned captains can get caught in a storm. If you find yourself in this situation, the best course of action is to head for shore as quickly as possible and ride out the storm on land.

Equipment Failure

Another common cause of boating accidents is equipment failure. This can include anything from a malfunctioning engine to a broken rudder. In some cases, equipment failures can be completely unpredictable and impossible to prevent. However, in other cases, such as when an engine hasn't been properly maintained, they may be preventable with some basic upkeep. Before heading out onto the water, it's always a good idea to give your boat a once-over to make sure that everything is in good working order.

Alcohol Use

It should come as no surprise that alcohol use is one of the leading causes of boating accidents. Just like driving a car, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Not only will alcohol impair your judgment, but it will also affect your reflexes and coordination. If you're planning on drinking while on a boat, appoint someone else as the designated driver—just like you would if you were going to be driving a car.

Collisions With Other Boats

Another common cause of boating accidents is collisions with other vessels. These collisions can happen for a variety of reasons, but they often occur because boat operators are inexperienced or improperly trained. They may also occur because boat operators are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or because they're reckless or careless in their operation of the vessel. To avoid colliding with another boat, always be aware of your surroundings and be sure to give yourself enough time and space to maneuver around other boats.

Falling Overboard

Falling overboard is another leading cause of boating accidents, and it often happens because people aren't paying attention. To avoid falling overboard, always pay attention to where you're standing and make sure you're wearing a life jacket that fits properly. You should also avoid leaning over the edge of the boat or standing on seats or other unstable surfaces.

Fires/Explosions

Fires and explosions on boats are relatively rare but they do happen from time to time. They usually occur because of improper maintenance or due to careless smoking habits. To avoid fires or explosions on your vessel, make sure you keep up with regular maintenance and never smoke while onboard- even if you're in an enclosed area such as a cabin. If you must smoke, make sure you dispose of your cigarette butt properly in an ashtray or bucket of sand.

Slip and Falls      

Slip and falls also occur on boats, and they often happen because people aren't paying attention or they're not wearing proper footwear. To avoid slips and falls, always pay attention to where you're walking and wear shoes that have good traction.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a boating accident, you may be wondering how to win a boating accident claim. The first thing you should do is contact a boating accident lawyer who has experience with these types of claims. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.

There are a few things that you will need to prove in order to win your claim. First, you will need to show that the other party was at fault for the accident. Second, you will need to show that you or your loved one suffered injuries that were caused by the accident. And third, you will need to show that those injuries resulted in financial damages.

Proving that the other party was at fault for the accident can be tricky. The primary way to do this is to show that the other party was negligent. Negligence is when someone fails to exercise reasonable care and as a result, causes an accident. For example, if the other boat operator was speeding or not paying attention, they may be considered negligent. Another way to show that the other party was negligent is to show that they violated a boating regulation. For example, if they were operating their boat while under the influence of alcohol, they would be in violation of the law and therefore at fault for any accidents that occurred.
 
The second thing you will need to prove is that you or your loved one suffered injuries as a result of the accident. This can be done by presenting medical records or testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen. The injuries don’t necessarily have to be physical; they could also be emotional or mental. You need to show a link between the accident and the injuries.

The third thing you will need to prove is that those injuries resulted in financial damages. This can be done by presenting bills from medical treatment or lost wages if you were unable to work as a result of your injuries. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries are particularly severe.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else's negligence, it's important to be aware of the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This law establishes a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and if you miss the deadline, you may be barred from recovering damages. In Louisville, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident or injury. This means that you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, if the injured party is a minor, the one-year time period does not begin to run until they turn 18 years old.

Boating accidents can be serious, and if you've been injured in one, you may be wondering how much you can expect to receive in a personal injury claim. The amount of money you can win in a boating accident claim will depend on a number of factors.

Severity of Injuries

The most important factor in determining the amount of money you can win in a boating accident claim is the severity of your injuries. In general, the more serious your injuries are, the more money you will be able to recover. This is because more serious injuries tend to result in higher medical bills and lost wages.

Cost of Medical Bills

Another important factor in determining the amount of money you can win in a boating accident claim is the cost of your medical bills. If your medical bills are high, you will likely be able to recover more money than if your medical bills are low.  

Lost Wages

Another factor that will affect the amount of money you can win in a boating accident claim is whether or not you lost any wages as a result of the accident. If you did lose wages, you will likely be able to recover those lost wages as part of your personal injury claim.

What Are the Most Common Injuries From Boating Accidents?

While a boating accident has the potential to cause just about any type of injury, some are more common than others.

Head Injuries

One of the most common types of injuries in boating accidents is a head injury. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries are often caused by being thrown from the boat or by hitting your head on a hard surface on the boat. Wearing a life jacket can help to prevent head injuries by keeping your head above water if you are thrown overboard.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are also common in boating accidents. Whiplash is a common neck injury that can occur when you are thrown from the boat. Neck fractures and spinal cord injuries are also possible.

Broken Bones

Broken bones also occur frequently. When you are thrown from the boat, you may hit submerged objects or the boat itself, which can lead to broken bones. Wearing a life jacket can help to protect you from broken bones by cushioning your fall and keeping you afloat if you are thrown overboard.

Burns

Burns are also fairly common in boating accidents as well. They can be caused by contact with hot surfaces on the boat or by fuel or oil spills. Severe burns can lead to shock, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Boating accidents can happen suddenly and without warning. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact a lawyer who specializes in boating accidents. An experienced lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If you need a boat accident attorney in Louisville, let Morgan & Morgan help. We will be with you every step of the way and will always keep you updated on your claim. We only get paid if you get paid, so our interests are always aligned. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.