Recreational boating is one of the most popular outdoor leisure activities in the country. However, this activity can be dangerous for all boaters regardless of experience. Despite the numerous rules and regulations concerning water safety, accidents still happen.
If you or a loved one were recently involved in a boating incident, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your losses with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Get in touch with our firm to learn how a Tucson boat accident lawyer could serve as your dedicated advocate throughout your case.
The type of injury passengers and boat operators may sustain in an accident may depend on a wide range of factors, such as the type of vessel and the number of passengers involved. Drowning is one of the most common accidents associated with boating. Other common watercraft injuries may include:
A skilled lawyer could assess the severity of an injury incurred in a boating accident to determine the amount of the monetary damages the plaintiff should request.
Proving Liability in a Watercraft Accident
Before an injured person can collect compensation, they must bring a cause of action against the party responsible for the accident. To succeed in a claim, the plaintiff must establish liability by proving the following elements of legal negligence:
The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the injured person
The opposing party breached this duty of care
The breach directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries
The plaintiff suffered losses as a result of those injuries
Only after the injured person successfully establishes the negligence of the other party can they seek compensation.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Under the Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-2505, the injured party may receive a reduced damages award if a jury finds that they contributed to their boating injuries. The comparative negligence law states that the amount of compensation a partially liable plaintiff may receive can be decreased by the percentage of fault they bear for an accident.
However, if the jury finds that the injured party intentionally contributed or caused their boating accident injuries, the action will be barred and compensation denied under A.R.S. § 12-2505(B). An attorney who focuses on boat accident cases could help injured parties prove the negligence of another person or entity. Additionally, a legal professional could anticipate allegations of partial fault and develop a defense strategy.
Learn What a Tucson Boat Accident Lawyer Could Do for You
Personal injury cases involved watercraft incidents are complex, and pursuing these types of claims on your own can be difficult. Obtaining adequate legal representation could be crucial to the success of your claim.
If you or your loved one have suffered losses in a watercraft incident caused by another person’s negligent actions, you may have a viable legal claim to seek compensation. If you are interested in taking legal action, call our office today and schedule a consultation with an experienced Tucson boat accident lawyer.
The type of injury passengers and boat operators may sustain in an accident may depend on a wide range of factors, such as the type of vessel and the number of passengers involved. Drowning is one of the most common accidents associated with boating. Other common watercraft injuries may include:
Before an injured person can collect compensation, they must bring a cause of action against the party responsible for the accident. To succeed in a claim, the plaintiff must establish liability by proving the following elements of legal negligence:
