Although being a common recreational activity in there are many dangers to owning and operating a boat in the state. Enthusiasts face dangers with not only the open water but also with the conduct of other boat operators. If the negligent conduct of another person was the causation of you or a loved one’s injury, then seek the service of the experienced boat accident attorneys at the Law Office of Wettermark & Keith, today. Over the last three decades, injury attorneys at our firm have gathered the resources and experience needed to make your case a success.

Negligent Operation

Of all the potential sources for boating and boat-related accidents, the number one cause for these incidents tends to be operator error or inexperience. Additionally, a large number of boating accidents occur due to intoxicated operators. Typical boating accidents that occur in Alabama include:

• Collisions with other Vessels
• Collisions with Fixed Objects (Docks, Rocks, etc)
• Collisions with People
• Capsizing of Vessel
• Overmanning of a Vessel

While nearly all operators of boats enter the states many rivers, lakes, and waterways with the sole intention of having a good time — all too often these operators engage in dangerous, negligent conduct that puts the lives and well-being of others directly at risk.

Common Types of Boating Accidents:

Boating accidents can take various forms, and understanding their common types is crucial for promoting safety on the waterways. Here are some of the most prevalent boating accidents and insights into their causes and consequences:

1. Collisions: Boating collisions occur when two or more vessels come into contact, often leading to property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Common causes include operator negligence, inattentiveness, excessive speed, or failure to yield the right of way. The consequences may range from minor injuries to severe damage to boats and passengers.
2. Capsizing: Capsizing refers to the overturning or flipping of a boat, causing it to turn upside down or on its side. Factors contributing to capsizing include overloading, sudden shifts in weight, rough weather, or operator error. Capsizing accidents can lead to drowning, hypothermia, or head injuries if passengers are not properly secured with life jackets.
3. Overmanning: Overmanning occurs when a boat is carrying more passengers or weight than it is designed to handle safely. This can affect the boat's stability and buoyancy, increasing the risk of accidents such as capsizing or sinking. Overmanning can result from operator inattention or the disregard of capacity limits. Consequences may include swamping, flooding, and injuries due to overcrowding.

Understanding these common boating accidents and their underlying causes can help boaters take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of such incidents and promote a safer boating environment.

Boat Safety Regulations:

Boating safety in Alabama is governed by a set of regulations and laws aimed at protecting the well-being of operators, passengers, and other waterway users. These regulations cover various aspects of boating, including:

1. Operator Requirements: Alabama law may require boaters to complete boater education courses and obtain licenses or certifications. Understanding and complying with these requirements is essential for safe and legal boating.
2. Equipment Standards: Boats must meet specific equipment standards, including the presence of life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, navigation lights, and flotation devices. Compliance with these standards ensures readiness for emergencies and promotes safety.
3. Safety Measures: Regulations also mandate safe practices, such as speed limits, navigation rules, and the prohibition of reckless behavior, including boating under the influence (BUI). Adhering to these rules helps prevent accidents and injuries.
4. Environmental Protection: Boating regulations may include measures to protect the environment, such as restrictions on fuel discharge, waste disposal, and wildlife preservation.

Understanding and following these regulations is crucial for all boaters to ensure their safety and legal compliance while enjoying Alabama's waterways.

Insurance Coverage for Boating Accidents:

Insurance plays a vital role in providing financial protection for boaters in the event of accidents. Here's an overview of insurance coverage relevant to boating accidents:

1. Boat Insurance: Boat insurance policies typically cover damage to the insured vessel, including collisions, vandalism, theft, and weather-related damage. This coverage helps owners repair or replace their boats after accidents.
2. Liability Insurance: Liability insurance for boating accidents covers the policyholder's legal liability if their boat causes injury or property damage to others. It can help pay for medical bills, legal fees, and settlements in case of lawsuits.
3. Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Some insurance policies offer personal injury protection, which covers medical expenses and lost wages for the policyholder and passengers injured in a boating accident, regardless of fault.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage: This coverage protects boaters if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured boater. It helps cover medical expenses and damages when the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance.

Navigating the claims process after a boating accident involves reporting the incident promptly, documenting the damages, and working with insurance adjusters to ensure fair compensation. Boaters should review their insurance policies to understand the extent of their coverage and seek professional guidance when necessary.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Boating Accident:

Being prepared and taking immediate action after a boating accident can significantly impact the outcome. Here are the essential steps individuals should follow immediately following a boating accident:

1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize the safety of all passengers. If anyone is in the water, ensure they are wearing life jackets and assist them in getting back to the boat.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Check for injuries among passengers and administer first aid as necessary. If injuries are severe or if someone is missing, contact emergency services immediately.
3. Report the Accident: Notify the local authorities, such as the U.S. Coast Guard or the state's marine patrol, about the accident. Comply with any reporting requirements and provide accurate details.
4. Preserve Evidence: Document the accident scene by taking photographs and gathering witness statements. Preserve any physical evidence, such as damaged equipment or boat parts.
5. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with other parties involved in the accident, including witnesses

What Do I Do After A Boating Accident?

After you have been in a boating accident, knowing exactly what to do next or how to proceed can be unclear. This is where our expert boating accident lawyers can help. With a vast knowledge of boating law at our disposal, the veteran Alabama boat injury attorneys here at Wettermark & Keith, have the skills needed to fight for your rights in court. Contact us today before discussing your case with others involved or insurance agents.

How Much Do Boat Crash Attorneys Cost?

When selecting clients to represent in court, our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. What this means to our clients is simple: if we don’t win your case, you won’t pay anything. We choose to operate this way for the sole benefit of our clients, we want to see you obtain a successful recovery so that you can continue to carry on with your life.

Contact us today if you have been the victim of a personal injury or lost a loved one to a wrongful death after a boat accident. Fill out the free case evaluation form on our web site and we will get back to you promptly. If you wish to speak to us directly, feel free to call us at the location nearest you.

Remember, it is only through extensive professional litigation that a successful claim of personal injury or wrongful death can be made to come to fruition. This is precisely how our top accident lawyers operate for every client, every day. We work hard to serve justice to those injured, one case at a time.

We serve Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Dothan & all of Alabama. We also have office locations in Chattanooga and the Florida Panhandle. Call or contact us today, we are here to help.

Serving Justice — One Case at a Time

Here at Wettermark & Keith, no case is too big and no case is too small for our expert boat injury lawyers to pursue. Our top boat accident attorneys represent each and every client with the utmost respect, compassion, and employ the thorough legal expertise needed to make their case a success. We realize that this is likely a difficult situation for you and possibly your family and are here for you.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person in a boat accident, contact our seasoned injury lawyers today. Together we can seek a financial compensation figure that meets your needs as a victim and can continue to provide for you, long after this ordeal is over.