Hampton Boat Accident Attorney

Boating is a favorite pastime along Virginia’s coast and throughout inland waterways, but there are risks involved with operating watercraft. Data from the US Coast Guard indicates that there are almost 4,200 boating accidents every year across the country, leading to more than 600 fatalities and injuring another 2,500 individuals. The fact that these incidents are preventable offers little consolation for victims who suffer physical, financial, and emotional consequences.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a boat accident, you may be relieved to know that Virginia law protects your interests. You may qualify to recover compensation for your losses, and our lawyers at Hampton Injury Law PLC can help you navigate the legal process. Please contact our office today to set up a free case evaluation with a Virginia boating accidents attorney. You might also find it helpful to review some basic information about boating injuries in Virginia.  

Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Virginia

The US Coast Guard reports that most incidents on Virginia’s navigable waters were caused by factors that were either partly or entirely within the control of the person operating the vessel. The most significant risk for victims is drowning, which is the cause of death in around two-thirds of all fatal boating accidents. However, other serious injuries result from reckless misconduct while boating, such as:

• The operator’s lack of experience;
• Poor judgment with respect to weather and water conditions;
• Misunderstanding navigation signs and signals;
• Failure to exercise caution around someone on skis, a tube, wakeboard, or other towed device;
• Excessive speed;
• Boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and,
• Many other careless acts.

In addition, some boating accidents may be caused by factors not within the control of the boat operator. Examples are defective or malfunctioning equipment, a rental company’s failure to properly maintain its vessels, or neglect in maintaining the marina.

Compensation for Boat Accident Victims

You may qualify to recover monetary damages if you were hurt in a boating accident, including amounts for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The first step in the legal process usually involves filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. It may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the insurer and resolve your claim out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount as compensation, you will need to file a civil lawsuit.

Our team will advocate on your behalf throughout the process, during which we will:

• Investigate and gather necessary evidence;
• Complete insurance claims forms;
• Negotiate with the insurer to resolve your claim;
• Draft documents to initiate litigation; and,
• Fight for your rights in court.

Talk to a Virginia Boating Accidents Lawyer About Your Remedies 

Hopefully, this information provides you with a general overview of how boating accidents work in Virginia. For additional details custom-tailored to your unique situation, please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation. We can discuss your remedies and determine how to proceed after learning about your circumstances.