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"One of the nation's premier plaintiffs' firms."
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"Representing the best qualities of the plaintiffs' bar."
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"Their effective and caring advocacy for clients has earned Lieff Cabraser its first-class reputation."
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Super Lawyers Nationwide
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If you have been injured in a boat or other vehicle accident as a result of a defect or the negligence of another person, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney at the national law firm of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP.
Case Center
Boating Accidents
- Issue: Boat- and water-related defect injuries
Recreational Boating Accidents: Introduction to Legal Resources and Accident Trends
Whether on a personal watercraft or a 60-foot yacht, recreational boating is a popular activity enjoyed by millions of Americans. However, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), boat accidents and boating-related injuries are on the rise in lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways with over 5,000 accidents occuring each year.
Passengers or bystanders injured in boating accidents may be eligible to bring claims against the boat operator if he or she is at fault. In most accidents, the boat operator never undertook any training in boat safety and many cases was under the influence of alcohol. If a safety defect lead to the injury, on behalf of our clients, our firm will investigate whether a lawsuit should be filed against the boat manufacturer.
Accident Trends Reported by the United States Coast Guard
The USCG assesses the impact of operator error, mechanical malfunctions, and environmental factors to determine the various causes of boating accidents, and then evaluates the possible benefits of government action (such as boater education, legislation/regulation, and changes in boat construction standards).
In its report on Recreational Boating Safety Statistics the USCG reported that:
- Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, ninety (90) percent were not wearing a life jacket.
- Only fourteen (14) percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received boating safety instruction.
- Three out of every four boaters who drowned were using vessels less than 21 feet in length.
- Operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, passenger/skier behavior, excessive speed, and alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
- Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 21% of the deaths.
- The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (44%), personal watercraft (24%), and cabin motorboats (15%).
Legal Rights of the Injured
The law in most states provides individuals with legal claims and the right to compensation for injuries they suffer as a result of a defective product or the negligence of another. The injured person may file a lawsuit seeking compensation for his or her pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost past and future wages and punitive damages.
Contact
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Please click here to contact a personal injury attorney at Lieff Cabraser, or call us toll-free at 1 800.541.7358 and ask to speak to attorney Heather A. Foster. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.
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Personal Injury Brochure
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Read a copy of our Personal Injury Practice Area Brochure.
