Alpharetta boating enthusiasts enjoy recreating on nearby lakes such as Burton, Lanier, Oconee, and Allatoona. Boat operators must be aware of and courteous to other boats, watercraft, and bathers for everyone’s safety. Regrettably, not all boat operators exercise the caution they should. Their carelessness or negligence could cause an accident.
If you or a loved one were injured while on the water, an Alpharetta boat accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for damages. An experienced personal injury attorney could sit down with you, listen to your side of the story, discuss your legal options, and help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
How a Collision Could Occur
Boating accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons. There are many types of watercraft, including powerboats, jet skis, dinghies, pontoons, fishing vessels, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
Human error is often to blame, followed by mechanical failure and hazardous weather or water conditions. The below list describes some of the kinds of boating accidents Alpharetta boat accident lawyers handle regularly.
- Crashes with other watercraft, docks, buoys, or platforms
- Propeller injuries
- Young or inexperienced boat operator
- Drunk boat operator
- Nighttime accidents
- Swamping or Capsizing
- Speeding
- Overloaded or overcrowded boats
Seeking Compensation After a Boat Accident
An injured victim hurt through no or some fault of their own may be able to recover monetary compensation through either an insurance claim or via a civil lawsuit for damages. Boaters are not generally required to carry boat insurance for their craft in Georgia. If, however, claiming through insurance is possible, it proceeds through a series of steps as described below.
An injured person or would claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company, or possibly their own. If represented by an attorney, an injured person’s attorney may do this in the form of a demand letter outlining the events of the accident and what compensation the plaintiff seeks.
An insurance adjuster would then be assigned to investigate the case, determine fault, and evaluate the value of property damage and extent of personal injuries. If the insurance company concludes that compensation is warranted, it will make the plaintiff an offer for monetary compensation of their property damage and injuries, including the cost of medical care and expenses.
In a lawsuit for damages, an injured person or plaintiff files a lawsuit in state court. This means filing a complete and thorough complaint before the statute of limitations deadline with the correct court. Even though it may seem straightforward, dealing with courts can snag people who are unfamiliar with the system. An Alpharetta boat accident attorney could help the injured party through each step of the process.
Civil Procedure
After filing the complaint, the lawsuit proceeds through civil procedure, including one or more motions to dismiss the complaint. These kinds of legal hurdles and defenses can delay and complicate the process to the frustration of litigants without legal counsel.
If the case proceeds to trial, a judge will preside, and they or a jury will render a final decision about fault and an award for damages. A lawyer could help craft a compelling case and advocate vigorously for their client’s rights to seek recovery.
Call an Alpharetta Boat Accident Attorney Today
The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming as you receive medical treatment and physically recover. The injuries you have suffered may be temporarily or seriously debilitating. They may take you away from work, halting your income flow which can strain finances. Fortunately, you have the right to seek recovery from the wrongdoer in the situation.
An attorney could help you understand your options for seeking compensation to reimburse you for medical bills, lost income, and potentially compensate you for the pain and suffering you have experienced. Contact an Alpharetta boat accident lawyer today to get started on your case.