Boat & Jet Ski accidents

A fun-filled day on the water can quickly turn to tragedy. As boating and jet skiing (often referred to as personal watercraft devices, or a PWC) gain popularity, accidents are on the rise. They range from minor vehicle damage to extreme bodily harm or in the worst case, death. Most people would never allow an unlicensed minor or alcohol-impaired driver behind the wheel of a car; the same reasoning is not always applied to open waterways despite laws to promote water safety. Vessel operator’s inexperience and inattention account for more than half of all boating and PWC accidents. As a result, personal injury lawsuits are the most prominent type of suit filed in recreational boating accidents.

Negligence is the leading cause of boating and personal watercraft (PWCs) accidents. It describes carelessness rather than intentional harm, but when it does result in harm to the body, property, mental well-being or financial status of others, the harmed party has a right to request compensation.

• Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, machinery failure, and alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
• In 2017, the US Coast Guard reported that over 80% of boating accident deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction.
• Where data was known, the most common vessel types involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (46%), personal watercraft (18%), and cabin motorboats (16%).

The experienced boat and jet ski accident attorneys at Baker, Burton & Lundy are fully prepared to help you and your loved ones understand and navigate the process of watercraft accident lawsuits.

After a bad boating accident, no amount of money can replace your loss or adequately compensate you, but BB&L can help you hold the responsible party accountable and relieve the financial burden of your loss. Responsible parties can include: the operator of the vessel, vessel passengers, crew, the vessel manufacturer, and any other potentially responsible party.

Once we’ve accepted your case, the litigation team at Baker, Burton & Lundy will do everything in our power to build the most powerful and persuasive case possible against the negligent party.

Part of our thorough trial preparation involves our attorneys working closely with you to develop a specific understanding of the accident and the impact it has upon your life. This can include discussing current and future healthcare, loss of income, property damage, emotional trauma, the effect the accident has had on familial relationships, and anything else in your life that has been distressed.

We also work directly with investigators and accident reconstructionists to:

• Determine how the accident occurred using evidence such as statements and vehicle damage
• Placement of fault/negligence in the accident, and
• If or what events might have exacerbated the accident

Once this information is collected, we present it along with your own recollection of the accident to the negotiators or jurors who have the power to resolve your legal claims. Our attorneys fight until we win the best possible outcome for our clients.

The litigation team at Baker, Burton & Lundy has experience effectively countering the bad-faith tactics of insurance companies. We will act immediately to preserve your rights and take over negotiations with the wrongdoer’s insurance company for you.