Douglasville Boat Accident Lawyer

Despite your best efforts to stay safe on Georgia’s lakes and waterways, boating accidents can and do happen. Whether caused by a human error, a vessel defect, or environmental factors, boating accidents can result in significant injuries or even death.

If you suffered injuries in a boating accident in Douglasville, you could be entitled to compensation. A skilled attorney from Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. can review your case and discuss your options in a free legal consultation.

With over 30 years of experience assisting Georgians in all types of personal injury cases, our legal team is well-equipped to help you demand maximum compensation for your injuries. Call or contact us today to speak with a Douglasville boat accident lawyer.

What Are the Common Causes of Douglasville Boating Accidents?

Common causes of boating accidents include operator inexperience, speeding, inclement weather, and the use of alcohol or other drugs. Although unexpected storms or water conditions can cause accidents, human error largely contributes to boating accidents.

What Types of Injuries Result from Boating Accidents in Douglasville?

Boat accident victims often sustain injuries similar to those from motor vehicle accidents. Like a car and driver on the road, the boat’s performance on the water and the operator’s actions affect the severity of the accident and resulting injuries. Some common injuries sustained in boating accidents include the following:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Drowning and near-drownings
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Amputation
• Burns

Do Boat Operators Have Rules They Must Follow?

Yes. Just like drivers on Georgia roadways, boat operators must also follow rules and regulations on the water. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources helps educate boaters by providing information concerning state boating laws and regulations. Common violations that lead to boat accidents include:

• Reckless operation of a boat – Disregard for the safety of people or property
• Failure to maintain proper distance – Not keeping appropriate space between anchored or moored boats, docks, swimmers, or waterside public parks or beaches
• Intoxication – Drinking or consuming drugs while operating a boat
• Inexperience – Operating a boat without adequate training in navigation and safety procedures
• Distraction – Failure to pay attention due to conversations with passengers, electronic devices, or recreational activities
• Speeding – Driving above posted speed limits
• Bad weather – Unexpected changes in weather conditions leading to collisions or capsizing
• Equipment failures – Defects in boat components that lead to accidents and injuries

Are Boat Owners Required to Carry Insurance for Their Craft?

Georgia does not require owners to insure their boats. However, it is best to carry insurance in case of an accident. Boat insurance is typically quoted based on the boat’s length, age, and engine size.

Although Georgia does not mandate that you insure your boat, you must register your boat, subject to a few exceptions related to the size of the vessel. To legally operate your boat on Georgia waters, you must have a Georgia Certificate of Boat Registration and validation decals, which can be obtained by submitting the required application and fee to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Who Do You Take Legal Action Against If You Are Hurt in a Boating Accident?

Every case is different, so you should ask a boat accident attorney to thoroughly investigate how the incident occurred and determine the liability of any potentially responsible parties if you’ve been hurt. The unique events and circumstances surrounding the accident will dictate who should be held accountable for your injuries. Potential defendants include:

• The boat owner
• Another boater
• The operator of the boat, if you were injured as a passenger
• Other boat passengers who acted recklessly, resulting in your injuries
• The boat manufacturer, if the accident was caused in part by defective equipment

Once your attorney identifies the potentially liable parties, they can gather evidence to build a strong personal injury claim demanding compensation for you. Your boat accident lawyer can handle all communications and negotiations with the liable party’s insurance company. If their insurers deny or dispute your boat accident claim, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

What Compensation Can You Seek If You Are Injured in a Douglasville Boating Accident?

The nature and extent of your injuries typically dictate the amount of money you seek in a boat accident claim. Victims can generally seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Lost quality of life
• Loss of consortium

An experienced boat accident attorney can place an appropriate value on your case after reviewing the facts and calculating your past, current, and anticipated future losses.

Contact a Douglasville Boating Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a boating accident in Douglasville, contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. With over 85 years of combined legal experience, our law firm proudly serves accident victims and wants to help you recover the money you need to get your life back on track.

At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we stand by our motto: Reputation. Respect. Results. Our legal team has successfully recovered multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for people harmed in all sorts of accidents in the Peach State. Let us help you, too.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Douglasville boat accident lawyer.

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