Roswell Boat Accident Lawyer
Roswell residents often take advantage of the Chattahoochee River and various swimming holes, lakes, and reservoirs. Time spent on the water can be an enjoyable summer day.
Unfortunately, accidents happen, and the aftermath can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the water, a Roswell boat accident lawyer could help. An experienced injury attorney could evaluate your case and advise you on what options you could pursue to recover your losses.
Types of Watercraft and Accidents
Accidents can take place in a river, lake, bay, on the ocean, or in any other significant bodies of water. Boat accidents commonly involve fishing boats or dinghies, jet-skis, sailboats, speed boats, catamarans or yachts, and canoes or kayaks.
There are also many reasons why boating accidents happen. However, operators are often responsible for accidents. Operators must pay attention, operate the watercraft responsibly, and ensure the safety of passengers to the best of their abilities. Some of the most common accidents include:
- Collisions with objects, other boats, or swimmers/bathers;
- Crashes due to operator intoxication;
- Capsizing or motor swamping;
- Mechanical failure, explosion, or fire;
- Operating in hazardous weather and water conditions; and
- Falling overboard.
Any of these accidents can lead to severe, life-threatening injuries. A Roswell boat accident lawyer familiar with boating incidents could examine the cause of an accident and help file an insurance claim for compensation.
Fault in Roswell Boat Accidents
Some people may not consider legal action because they believe they were partially at fault for the accident. This should not keep someone from exploring their options, particularly because a person can be partly responsible for an accident and still recover compensation.
Comparative fault is a system for ascribing responsibility to different parties involved in an accident. Georgia is a modified comparative fault state. If the plaintiff is 50 percent or more at fault in an accident, they may not be able to recover compensation. However, if they are less than 50 percent at fault, a plaintiff can still recover damages. Their damages are generally reduced by their percentage of fault.
Time Limit for Filing an Accident Lawsuit
Under Georgia Code §9-3-33, the statute of limitations for boating accidents resulting in personal injuries or death is two years. Note that if the injured individual is a minor, the statute of limitations pauses until the minor reaches 18 years of age.
GA Code § 9-3-32 states that a plaintiff needs to file an action for property damage within four years of when the property damage occurs. If the statute of limitations runs and a person does not file a claim, they lose their right to bring legal action for their harms.
Get in Touch with a Roswell Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Quality medical care is expensive, and treatment may be time-consuming. Therefore, it may be important to bring a claim for compensation for your injuries. A well-versed attorney could offer guidance on how to proceed. Reach out to a Roswell boat accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.
