Boat Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville, NC

If you have suffered an injury in a boating accident in Jacksonville, North Carolina, The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., stand ready to provide you with aggressive and effective legal representation. You could be owed compensation for your injuries, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses if someone else caused the accident.

We are not just attorneys – we are your advocates. Do not let an accident on the water capsize your life. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

What Are Some Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Jacksonville, NC?

Boating accidents in Jacksonville, North Carolina, often stem from various preventable situations, such as:

• Distracted boat operators constitute one major cause of boating accidents. Just like distracted driving on the road, a momentary lapse in attention while operating a boat can lead to severe accidents. These distractions could include phone use, conversing with passengers, or not watching water conditions or other vessels, for example.
• Boating under the influence is a major cause of boating accidents. Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs an operator’s ability to control the vessel, react to sudden changes, and make safe decisions, increasing the likelihood of a collision or capsizing.
• Inexperienced operators contribute significantly to boating accidents. Operating a boat requires knowledge and skill. When an operator lacks training or experience, they may make errors in judgment or handling that result in accidents.
• Excessive speed is another dangerous factor. Boating at high-speed limits reaction time, makes the vessel harder to control, and can cause devastating collisions.
• Unfamiliarity with the waters can lead to accidents too. Every body of water has unique features and potential hazards, like submerged rocks, changing tides, or sudden shallows. If a boater is unfamiliar with these features, they might run aground or collide with underwater hazards.
• Lack of safety equipment onboard can also contribute to accidents on the water. Without proper safety gear, minor incidents can escalate into major emergencies. For example, an absence of life jackets can turn an accidental overboard situation into a potential drowning incident.
• Defective boating equipment can cause accidents as well. If the boat’s machinery or safety equipment fails to function as it should, it can lead to dangerous situations and potential harm.

What Types of Injuries Happen in a Boating Accident?

Boating accidents can cause many injuries, some of which might have long-lasting effects.

• Broken bones are a common injury, often resulting from high-speed collisions or falls within the boat. These injuries can range from simple fractures that heal with time to complicated breaks requiring surgery and prolonged physical therapy.
• Traumatic brain injuries are a devastating consequence of boating accidents. TBIs can occur if a person hits their head during the accident or is thrown overboard and suffers a lack of oxygen. Traumatic brain injuries can have life-altering implications, affecting memory, cognitive abilities, physical abilities, and emotional health.
• Spinal injuries, caused by severe impacts or sudden, jolting movements, can lead to paralysis and long-term disability. Even with extensive rehabilitation, victims might never fully regain their previous capabilities.
• Cuts and scrapes, while seemingly minor, can lead to significant blood loss or infection without prompt and proper treatment.
• Burns can occur from fires or explosions on the boat and can cause severe pain, extensive tissue damage, and scarring.
• Amputations can be the tragic outcome of some boating accidents, especially those involving propellers or winch systems. The physical and psychological effects of such injuries can be overwhelming.
• Drowning or wrongful death can result from the most severe boating accidents. These heart-wrenching situations leave families with emotional trauma and, often, significant financial burdens from medical bills or loss of income.

What Should You Do After Being Involved in a Boating Accident?

After a boating accident, you should call 911 and get immediate medical attention for any injuries. Follow through with your doctor’s treatment plan.

If you can, take photos or videos of the damage and any injuries. This evidence could be crucial in building your case.

Avoid giving any statements to insurance companies without consulting a boat accident lawyer. Contact our team at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., as soon as possible.

How Can Liability Be Proven in a Boating Accident?

Establishing liability in a boating accident involves demonstrating that the at-fault party was negligent, meaning they failed to act with reasonable care. Evidence, including witness testimony, boat damage, accident reports, and sometimes expert testimony, can help establish this. Additionally, you must prove that the accident caused your injuries and that those injuries resulted in losses you suffered.

Our experienced attorneys know how to gather and present this evidence effectively. We are ready to thoroughly investigate the accident to effectively demonstrate who was at fault so you can recover the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Is Available for a Victim of a Boating Accident?

Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to compensation for losses such as:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in particularly flagrant cases)

What Happens If I Am Partly Responsible for the Boating Accident?

North Carolina operates under a pure contributory negligence rule. That means if you are even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be ineligible to receive any compensation. The strict contributory negligence rule makes it imperative to work with an experienced attorney who can counter any arguments from insurance companies seeking to shift the blame onto you.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Boating Accident Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. But it is crucial to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade. The sooner you contact our attorneys, the stronger your case could be.

Contact a Jacksonville, NC, Boating Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered an injury in a boating accident in Jacksonville, NC, talk to The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., today. Our dedicated team is ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us now for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are standing by to support you every step of the way.

Visit Our North Carolina Boating Accident Law Offices