Boating is a lifelong passion for many people in Dunwoody—especially in the warmer months. While this recreational activity has its benefits, it also comes with risks. Incidents on the water can lead to serious physical injuries, some of which are fatal.
When you get hurt because of a reckless boater, a seasoned personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice. Success is never guaranteed, but the support of a Dunwoody boat accident lawyer can help you maximize your chances at fair financial recovery. Call Childers, Schlueter & Smith to schedule a free legal consultation.
How Boat Accidents Happen
Boat collisions that lead to personal injuries are unfortunately common, and several factors contribute to their occurrence. The primary cause for many of these crashes is human error. While boat operators are often confident in their abilities or assume this form of recreation is safe, the reality is that it is easy to make mistakes that lead to dangerous wrecks.
Another factor is the power and speed of certain vessels. These incidents are more likely to occur when a person with little to no training is behind the wheel of a high-powered speed boat. That said, even small vessels can lead to catastrophic injuries under the right circumstances.
The lack of awareness among boaters is another leading cause of injuries on the water. Everyone operating a water vessel has an obligation to keep their attention on the water and remain vigilant at all times for possible threats. This includes dangers resulting from other boaters, swimmers, or natural objects. As Dunwoody attorneys know all too well, a momentary lapse in attention can significantly delay a boater’s reaction time and potentially lead to collisions.
How to Prove Liability in a Boat Crash
In boat accident injury cases, proving liability is crucial for recovering compensation. While these incidents may not involve intentional harm, this does not absolve a reckless boat operator from being held accountable in civil court. Many of these incidents occur due to someone’s failure to act responsibly. For example, a boater operating their vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lead to a dangerous collision.
To establish that a boater negligently handled their vessel, an injured person and their attorney must provide compelling evidence. Evidence in these types of claims may include photographs capturing the damaged boats, interviews with witnesses, police reports, and accident reconstruction evidence.
It is vital to avoid any delay when it comes to tracking down this evidence. As time passes by, finding witnesses or securing security camera footage can become more challenging. A witness’ recollection can fade over time, and other evidence could be lost or destroyed. A boat accident lawyer can help those injured in Dunwoody build a winning compensation claim, starting with thoroughly investigating the issue of liability.
Contact a Dunwoody Boat Accident Attorney
If you suffered an injury on the water, you might have a viable case for compensation. Recovering the financial damages you deserve requires a strong case for negligence, and pursuing it on your own can put you at a disadvantage.
The right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. From carefully investigating the cause of a crash to negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement, their help could be invaluable throughout the process. Call Childers, Schlueter & Smith to schedule your free consultation with a Dunwoody boat accident lawyer.
