Boating Accidents

Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia

Virginia and Maryland rivers offer recreational boaters many opportunities for enjoyment from leisurely paddling to running whitewater to power boating. Add to this the lure of numerous lakes and the unique Chesapeake Bay, a protected inlet with numerous broad arms good for boating, and you see what draws boats and ships, large and small, to the water in our part of the country. All this traffic can also be problematic, as the combination of shipping, professional tourist boats, and amateur recreational boating increases the potential for boating accidents.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be facing significant expenses. The boating accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. are prepared to stand up for your rights. Schedule a free boating accident consultation today to learn how we can help.

Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating can be very dangerous. Boating accidents can result in serious personal injury or death. The US Coast Guard has developed guidelines for boating that are designed to reduce the incidence and severity of accidents. While many follow these guidelines, many do not. The most common causes of accidents are:

• Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is responsible for over a third of all boating accidents. We sue drunk boaters with the same level of determination that we have for drunk drivers.
• Severe weather can make navigating difficult, capsize a boat, or lead to collisions. Lightning can electrocute passengers, and sun exposure may lead to heat exhaustion.
• Inexperienced boaters can also be very dangerous when they encounter new circumstances.

In addition, some types of watercraft are more dangerous than others. Personal watercraft, for example, cause more than 8.5 times as many trips to the emergency room as motorboats. And personal watercraft accidents are also more likely to cause traumatic brain injury than other types of boating accidents.

Results of Boating Accidents

Boats can be damaged or sunk as a result of a boating accident, representing a significant loss of property, but the mere property loss pales in comparison to the potential for personal injury.

One of the most common unfortunate outcomes of boating accidents is drowning accidents. Even the best swimmers can suffer drowning when thrown overboard in dangerous weather. Good swimmers may also drown if they are knocked unconscious or suffer a broken limb during a collision. Even a near-drowning accident may result in permanent brain damage for the victim.

Recovering from a Boating Accident

The results of a boating accident may irrevocably change your life. From significant medical bills to permanent disability to the loss of a loved one, your life may be broken in the wake of the accident. To put your life back together takes time, support, and often a great deal of money.

The Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and New York boating accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. are prepared to do what it takes to recover damages from those responsible for your life-changing accident. Please schedule a boat accident consultation today to learn how we can help.

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