Home » A Brief Insight Into a Boat Accident in Arkansas
Attorney Sean T. Keith has been a personal injury lawyer for 30+ years, a nationally recognized Top 100 Trial Lawyer, and top car accident lawyer & motor vehicle accident lawyer in Arkansas.
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Boating and fishing are two favorite pastimes of people in Rogers, Arkansas.
The place is heavenly adobe for boating lovers until they experience a boat accident.
At times, due to recklessness, boat accidents can happen.
Though not life-threatening, the boat accident victims still have the right to get compensated for the injuries.
An experienced boat accident lawyer can help ab great deal in such cases.
The majority of the boat accidents can be averted had the boat operator been more vigilant and responsive.
Most boat accidents occur due to the irresponsible behavior of the operator.
Here are some of the common reasons for boat accident and when to seek help from a boat accident lawyer:
Though in most cases, the victims may have encouraged the operator to speed, it should not be entertained.
The operator should refrain from boating at high speed.
In no time, the situation can get out of control while boating, making it difficult for the operator to react well in time.
Driving fast can result in losing balance, getting collided with other boats, objects, and other such dangers.
A right boat lawyer can investigate the case well and know if the operator was drunk when the accident happened.
Use of alcohol while boating can result in serious boat accidents and even be life-threatening.
The boat needs proper maintenance from time to time.
Routine checks are important, and the operator must check the machinery of the boat before hurling it into the water.
Some of the mechanical faults in boats can be faulty steering mechanisms, failed motor, failure in the hull, and others.
If a boating accident is blamed on bad weather, an experienced boat accident lawyer can help in providing the right justice.
Boating in bad weather also makes the operator responsible.
The operator should keep an eye on the weather conditions before boating.
The operator has all the right to cancel the trip in bad weather conditions.
Boat accidents are also caused because of a distracted and inattentive operator.
Even with many distractions on board, the operator should focus on boating, being alert to weather conditions, and making sure passengers behave properly.
In a boat accident, the injuries can be severe and even result in death (if the person drowns due to the accident, etc.).
Some of the injuries can even be permanent.
It can also result in developing psychological fears.
Like in every other lawsuit, boat accident lawsuits are also compensatory.
The victims have the right to seek compensation for monetary and non-monetary damages.
The monetary damages can be medical bills, loss of income for the period, funeral/cremation expense, and so on.
Under the non-monetary damages, the victim can seek compensation for the poor quality of life, emotional pain, and suffering, inability to carry on with the normal life, etc.
If it is proved that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the parties involved, the victim is also eligible for punitive damages.
This is done to teach a lesson to wrongdoers, such that irresponsible behavior is not repeated in the future.
A boating accident victim in Arkansas has a good three years to file a lawsuit starting from the date of the accident.
The statute of limitations comes into effect after this three-year period, making it difficult for your lawyer to fight a case.
Also, you may have to compromise with the compensation after this period.
An experienced boating accident lawyer is very well versed in their job.
They know all the boating laws that can help find all the ins and outs of the boat accident.
They know their ways of investigating the case and finding evidence.
An attorney will get all the job done by gathering all the necessary documents like medical bills, boat receipts, and medical records.
He/she will be able to present the case such that the plaintiff can get the maximum compensation possible.
If the defendant agrees, the lawyer will try to get compensation and resolve the issue without letting the case go for a trial.
So, if you or anyone you know has been a victim of a boat accident, and confused about what to do next, our boat accident lawyers are here to help you out.
Contact us today to learn about our services.