Marietta Boat Accident Lawyer
A Marietta boat accident lawyer could help in many ways if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boating wreck. Investigators and insurance companies may be asking questions and pressuring you to make a statement, hoping you may say something that can be taken out of context and used against you. Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury attorney gives you the opportunity to have a legal professional speak on your behalf and avoid potential pitfalls while filing your claim.
Liability in Boating Accident Cases
The law considers someone negligent when they owe a duty of care to the plaintiff but fail to fulfill that duty. Additionally, to be held liable in court, a plaintiff must prove that they suffered injuries or losses because of their breach in the duty of care.
Boaters owe a duty to others on the water to follow boating laws and regulations when controlling any watercraft. In situations where alcohol is involved, liability may be intensified. A Marietta boat accident attorney could help an accident victim prove that a defendant’s negligence caused their injuries and therefore should be held accountable.
Recoverable Damages in Marietta
Those deemed responsible for causing a boating accident may be required to pay damages to offset several different consequences stemming from the incident. A boat accident victim may receive compensation for noneconomic effects such as emotional anguish as well as economic damages such as medical expenses. Some other examples of compensable damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Reduced future wages
- Hospital bills
- Future medical expenses
If someone caused an accident because they operated their boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, an injured party may be able to seek punitive damages as well. The court may award punitive damages as a punishment and to deter similar conduct in the future. A boating wreck lawyer in Marietta could asses a plaintiff’s losses to evaluate how much in damages they may be able to obtain.
Statute of Limitations
A claim for compensation to offset injuries suffered in a boat accident must be filed within the time limit established by the statute of limitations. In most cases, a lawsuit needs to be prepared and filed within two years of the accident or the right to seek compensation may be lost.
An accident victim should begin working with a Marietta lawyer who has experience with boat accident cases well before the statutory limit approaches. The best time to collect the evidence needed to demonstrate liability may be immediately after the accident. As time passes, the quality and availability of evidence may deteriorate.
Contact a Marietta Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. If a boat accident could have been preventable if someone had exercised proper care, then the responsible party should be held accountable. A Marietta boat accident lawyer could fight to protect your rights and interests if you were harmed after a boating accident. To learn more about your options for recovery, call today and schedule a free case consultation.
