When the frost of winter begins to wear away, most citizens throughout Virginia begin to look forward to the summer months, and future weekends spent out on the boat. However, a bright summer day can quickly turn dark after a devastating boat injury occurs. The negligent behavior of one boat operator can have lasting consequences on all the passengers of their own boat, as well as other boats in the lake and especially to unsuspecting swimmers. Many boat operators are not aware of the proper laws that govern the waterways of the state and therefore act in a negligent manner when operating the boat by failing to notice other watercraft and swimmers in the area, leading to tragic consequences. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Richmond today for a free consultation.
If you have been injured in Virginia due to another boater’s negligence, you may wish to speak with a Richmond boating accident attorney who can help you understand your available legal options.
Virginia Boating Accidents
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries keeps careful records of the incidence of boating accidents each year. In 2012, there were 95 accidents involving 111 boats, with 62 injuries and unfortunately 14 fatalities. The majority of the deaths involved in boating accidents were due to drowning where the individual was not wearing a life jacket. Seven percent of the fatal accidents were due to intoxication. While these numbers seem high, they represent a substantial decrease from 2004, when 150 incidents were reported, with nearly 100 injuries.
These numbers are alarming and represent a hidden danger that lurks throughout these fun-filled boat weekends. Many individuals believe that the laws of the road do not apply to the boat and therefore behave in an adolescent manner with driving a boat. Holiday weekends are often the best indication of this type of behavior and lead to many of the boat accidents each year. While the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries remains diligent in enforcing boating rules, accidents continue to occur each year.
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Personal Injury Recovery
Virginia allows victims of boating accidents to bring a claim against the boat operator for any injuries they received in a boating accident. Boat accidents often seem to play second fiddle to the more severe car accidents since onlookers do not ordinarily see the aftermath of boating accidents. However, boating accidents can be quite severe and often lead to devastating injuries, including injuries that result from drowning such as traumatic brain injuries. Many individuals suffer extreme brain injuries after several minutes underwater, while others suffer extreme burn injuries from boat explosions that can occur upon impact.
An experienced Richmond personal injury attorney can assist you in putting together your claim for damages against the responsible party and filing the claim. You and your family should not be responsible for covering the expense of your medical and rehabilitative care for the actions of another individual.
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Richmond, VA Boating Accident Lawyer Helping Victims in Central Virginia
If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident in Virginia, do not hesitate to contact a compassionate Richmond boating accident attorney at Christina Pendleton & Associates. Our lawyers have years of experience in handling boating accident claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Boating accidents are life-threatening accidents that can have an impact on your entire family structure. The responsible party should be held liable for your injuries to help prevent future accidents from occurring. Call our office at 804-250-5050 or contact us online today for your free initial consultation with our Richmond personal injury lawyer.
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