If you suffer loss or injury as a result of a boating accident, you want the best boat accident attorneys in Spokane to assist you in your maritime case. You want an attorney that knows and understands the waterways laws, like the attorneys at Gilbert Law Firm.
Common Causes of boating accidents in Spokane Washington
To pursue a successful personal injury claim after a boating accident in Spokane Washington, you must prove liability. Therefore, it is essential to identify every factor that may have contributed to the boating accident to ascertain who can be held responsible. Doing this without the help of a qualified personal injury attorney can be difficult.
An experienced Spokane Washington attorney would not only assist you in identifying those factors but also determine whether or not the person who caused your injuries can be held legally and financially liable.
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Spokane Washington include:
- The inattention of the boat operator. Many distractions exist when aboard a boat. Regardless of this, boat operators are expected to remain alert and to monitor the boat, those onboard, and the weather. When the operator doesn’t pay attention to these things, an accident can occur.
- The inexperience of the operator. Boat operators should take courses to understand the basics of boating. They need to know how to handle water emergencies and, thus, reduce the risk of crashes.
- Improper lookout. Failing to watch out for impending threats or hazards can have catastrophic consequences.
- Excessive speed. Most waterways have speed limits, and not adhering to them can lead to crashes and other accidents. Driving too fast can also delay the reaction of the operator and boat passengers in the event of a hazard.
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Improper boat maintenance
- The inattention of the boat operator. Many distractions exist when aboard a boat. Regardless of this, boat operators are expected to remain alert and to monitor the boat, those onboard, and the weather. When the operator doesn’t pay attention to these things, an accident can occur.
- The inexperience of the operator. Boat operators should take courses to understand the basics of boating. They need to know how to handle water emergencies and, thus, reduce the risk of crashes.
- Improper lookout. Failing to watch out for impending threats or hazards can have catastrophic consequences.
- Excessive speed. Most waterways have speed limits, and not adhering to them can lead to crashes and other accidents. Driving too fast can also delay the reaction of the operator and boat passengers in the event of a hazard.
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Improper boat maintenance
Types of boating accidents that can occur
The common types of boating accidents that can occur in Spokane include:
Slipping and falling.
Naturally, boats are bound to have wet and slippery surfaces. As a result of this, a person can slip and incur serious injuries. Such injuries can include broken bones, and even head or back injuries.
Getting caught in the ropes.
Sailboats generally have a lot of ropes. And if these ropes are improperly fastened, a person can get their legs, hands, or fingers caught in a line. This can lead to cuts, rope burns, fractures, and amputations.
Collisions.
When the boat driver is inattentive, inexperienced, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can result in a collision. The crash may be with another boat or a fixed object like a rock or post.
Accidental grounding.
There are times when rocks, sand bars, coral reefs may not be so visible to the boat operators. And if a boat were to meet any of them, the boat can become grounded or stuck.
Drowning.
While onboard a boat, anybody can get knocked overboard and drown. Drowning or near-drowning accidents can also occur if the boat sinks or capsizes.
To prove that any of these types of accidents resulted in an injury or loss, you must provide evidence. The evidence may be in the form of pictures, statements of witnesses, police records of the accident, or medical records.
What are the damages that can entitle you to compensation?
If you suffered an injury as a result of a boating accident, you might be qualified to receive compensation for any of these:
- Previous or future medical expenses
- Permanent disability
- Decreased quality of life
- Inability to continue working
- Loss of wages or future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Contact a Spokane Washington Boating Accident Attorney
If you or someone you know suffered loss or injury as a result of a boating accident, you can contact a boating accident attorney at Gilbert Law Firm to understand your legal rights.
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