STOCKTON BOAT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Stockton is a port city. As such, there is always the danger of a boat accident that results in a personal injury claim. Boating accidents are a specialized area of law. Depending on the circumstances, federal, state, local, or even maritime law may apply.

At Schwinghamer Law, we are dedicated to helping boating accident victims. If you have been injured in a boat accident, we can assist in recovering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the finer points of the applicable boating laws and we can use our knowledge and experience to get you compensation for your injuries.

Boating accidents are one of many types of personal injury claims we handle at Schwinghamer Law. If you have been injured in a boating accident, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.

HOW CAN A BOAT ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP ME?

Schwinghamer Law can assist you with your boat accident claim by helping guide you through the complex maze of personal injury and maritime law. With our knowledge and experience, we can determine who is at fault for your injury, what type of insurance may apply, and what type of law applies to the claim (depending on the body of water in which the accident occurred and the type of accident.) Be aware though, the time to file your boating accident claim may be limited. If you don’t file your claim on time, the statute of limitations may forever bar you from recovering on your claim. It is important to contact a boating accident attorney as soon as possible.

WHAT TYPES OF BOATING ACCIDENT CLAIMS DOES SCHWINGHAMER LAW HANDLE?

Negligence: Being negligent is failing to act reasonably. Negligence can apply to boating accident cases in many different ways. For example, the boat operator may be found negligent for:

• Operating a boat at an unsafe speed
• Failure to abide by state, federal, or maritime law
• Failure to maintain proper safety equipment
• Failure to maintain the boat in a safe and seaworthy condition
• Allowing a person to come into contact with the boat’s propellers
• Hitting a big wave or wake, especially if this sends someone overboard
• Navigating irresponsibly, or in unsafe weather
• Allowing too many people on a ship
• Allowing a passenger to go overboard
• Boating under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

JET SKI ACCIDENTS

Although jet skis are different from traditional boats, many of the same rules apply. Due to the high speeds and lack of protection for the operator, jet ski accidents can result in severe injuries. If you or a family member has been involved in a jet ski accident, we can investigate your case and determine the party at fault, and help you get compensation for your injuries.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A BOATING ACCIDENT?

Depending on the facts of your individual case, the boat operator may be found liable for negligent or even reckless conduct.

Most boating claims involve a claim of negligence. Negligence basically means that the at-fault party failed to act as a reasonable and prudent person would. Boat accident cases may succeed on a claim of negligence even if it is shown that the person that caused the accident did not intend to cause any harm. For example, if two boats accidentally collide, or if a boat owner accidentally knocks a guest overboard, there may be a strong case for negligence.

Recklessness, on the other hand, is a step beyond negligence. A claim of recklessness may be appropriate if a boat operator knowingly became intoxicated and then operated a boat in a manner that was very likely to cause harm.

Regardless of whether your case is based on a claim of negligence or recklessness, you are still entitled by law to recover for medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The success or failure of a boat injury claim will often come down to whether the injured person was able to collect and preserve evidence. Photos, witness statements, maintenance logs, law enforcement reports, video, and other items of evidence will ultimately be needed to help prove the claim. At Schwinghamer Law, we have the experience to know what type of evidence to look for, and how to preserve it.

CONTACT A STOCKTON BOAT INJURY LAWYER TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Schwinghamer Law are ready to assist you in this complicated legal field. Contact an attorney today to arrange your free, no obligation consultation and learn more about your rights.