Flagstaff Boating Accident Lawyer

Flagstaff Boating Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury, property damage, or other losses as a result of a watercraft collision, promptly speak with a Coconino County boating accident lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you file an injury claim against the person or parties responsible for the incident. Allow The Kaiser Law Group to handle your case so you can receive the maximum compensation possible given the situation.

How Do Boating Accidents Usually Happen?

Speak with a competent Flagstaff boating accident lawyer at The Kaiser Law Group as soon as you can to increase your chances of obtaining a maximum settlement. It’s recommended that you don’t delay starting your personal injury claim so your lawyer has enough time to build a convincing case on your behalf.

Compensation for a Boating Accident Injury

To get the most accurate estimate of how much your boating accident injury may be worth, it’s advised that you speak with a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer. The amount you could feasibly receive in compensation will vary depending on the details of your case.

Factors that can determine your compensatory award include the circumstances surrounding the accident, whether you were partially at fault, any injuries or deaths caused as a result of the accident, and the degree of injury and property damage caused, among other factors. Arizona injury laws allow you to still pursue compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. This is known as pure comparative negligence.

What Is Included in a Boating Injury Settlement?

Personal injury settlements are generally composed of both economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses are quantifiable, making them easy to calculate by adding up all of your bills and expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This includes your past and future medical costs, lost wages while unable to work, loss of income due to being unable to return to work as you did before the accident, and the cost to replace or repair damaged personal property.

Non-economic damages are more difficult to determine since they are unquantifiable and complex to accurately measure, as they are based on the victim’s personal experiences. Non-economic damages, also referred to as pain and suffering, include a person’s psychological and emotional anguish, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of time, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and more.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Arizona

Similarly to a motor vehicle accident, a boating accident in Arizona can occur for various reasons. These are some of the most common causes and types of watercraft accidents:

• OUI (operation under the influence): not unlike a DUI, a boat’s operator can also be charged with operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is prohibited by state law and can cause severe bodily injury to others as well as significant property damage.
• Boat collisions: when one watercraft vessel collides with another or an environmental obstacle
• Wake-related incidents: the wave of water created by a moving vessel is known as a wake, and generally, these waves increase in size according to the operator’s speed. Wakes can interfere with other boaters’ ability to operate and navigate their vessels safely, and the state imposes clear “no wake zones
• Poorly maintained or malfunctioning equipment, including fuel leaks or damage to the engine, which can result in fires onboard
• Drowning injuries can occur when a passenger falls or is knocked overboard, in addition to instances where a swimmer is struck by a watercraft
• Boater inexperience
• Disregard for watercraft traffic laws, regulations, signals, or signs
• Poor weather conditions

FAQs About Boating Accident Law in Flagstaff,AZ

What Is the Compensation for a Boating Injury in Arizona?

It’s difficult to estimate the exact amount of a boating injury settlement in Arizona. The amount you may receive in compensation will vary depending on the details of your case. Influencing factors include the circumstances surrounding the accident, the amount of property damage, whether there were injuries or fatalities involved, and other important details.

An experienced injury law professional can give you an approximate estimate of a compensatory settlement after reviewing your case.

Which Parties Are Usually Held Liable for a Boating Accident?

There are various parties that can be held liable for a boating accident, depending on the circumstances. Any person or party that acted negligently, thus causing the accident, can be held responsible for any damage, injuries, or deaths that occurred.

Within a singular boating accident claim, there may be multiple liable parties. Potentially liable parties include boat operators, owners, passengers, dock owners, boat rental agencies, or the boat manufacturing company. Your lawyer can assist in identifying all possible parties responsible.

Can I Be Compensated If I’m Partially at Fault in Arizona?

Yes, you are still able to pursue compensation after a boating accident, even if you believe you may be partially at fault for the incident. This is because Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that you can still receive a settlement at a reduced percentage if found to be partially liable. For example, if you’re proven to be 40 percent responsible for the accident, you can still receive up to 60 percent of the settlement you’re owed.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Boating Incident in Arizona?

Immediately after a boating incident, ensure the safety of everyone involved, including yourself, any passengers with you, and the parties of any watercraft involved in the accident. Once the well-being of all parties involved is verified, call local law enforcement and remain at the scene of the accident until they arrive. You can find essential boating safety and ethics recommendations from the U.S. Forest Service to help you stay prepared on the water.

If possible, get the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved. Be sure to consult with a personal injury lawyer before speaking to any insurance company representatives.

Do I Need to Work With a Lawyer to Receive a Settlement?

No, you’re not required to work with an injury lawyer in order to receive a settlement for your accident claim. However, there are numerous benefits to hiring a qualified boating accident lawyer to represent you.

Injury claims can often be complicated, so it’s helpful to have a legal professional guide you throughout the process, providing sound counsel and advocating for your rights. An injury law professional also knows how to build an effective case to secure you a fair settlement.

Trust Adept Injury Law Professionals for Your Case

The Kaiser Law Group, a personal injury law practice, is dedicated to pursuing a fair settlement on your behalf. By contacting our legal team today, we can set you up with an initial consultation where you can discuss your case with a skilled boating accident lawyer.