boating accident attorney raleigh

Summer and warm weather mean that North Carolina residents and visitors from out of state will be hitting the beaches and waterways. With several thousand miles of navigable waters, North Carolina offers one of the nation’s premier spots for recreational boating. However, this popular recreation leads to accidents and injuries, which is why, if you are hurt through no fault of your own, you need to speak with a boating accident attorney in Raleigh who can help you.

Types of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents are unique in that they do not have to include a collision. Often, a boating accident only involves the parties riding in the same vessel, and these accidents are often caused by the driver operating the vessel in an unsafe manner. Common problems that occur with boats include:

  • Collision with another vessel, dock, bridge, buoys, rocks, fallen trees, sunken logs, etc.
  • Running aground
  • Capsizing
  • Riders falling or being tossed overboard
  • Sinking
  • Fires and Explosions
  • Striking swimmers and skiers
  • Skiing accidents or failing to look over a guest skier or tuber while towing

Underlying Causes of Boating Accidents in Raleigh

  • Operation of vessel at unsafe speeds
  • Poor judgment/errors by operator
  • Lack of experience/training by operator
  • Defective boat components or equipment
  • Improper maintenance
  • Alcohol or the consumption of drugs and medication
  • Hitting waves or wake improperly
  • Overloading the vessel

After You’ve Been Injured in a Boating Accident

If you’ve been hurt, it’s important that, if you are able, you take note of every detail to help with your case.

The following are common questions that are typical for most cases:

  • Was the boat operator intoxicated during the accident?
  • Was the vessel being operated at speeds that were unsafe for the conditions and circumstance?
  • Was the following standard boating procedure for passing, overtaking and crossing paths with another vessel?

North Carolina Boating Rules

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources commission has several reference guides to improve safety when you and others are on the water. The resources can be viewed under the boating section for laws and rules on the water.

A few of the most important rules that an NC boater can follow are:

  • Every boat operator has the duty and obligation to avoid an accident or collision by take whatever action is reasonably necessary
  • When your vessel is overtaken by a faster vessel moving in the same direction, you must maintain speed and course.
  • When a faster vessel is overtaking a slower vessel moving in the same direction, the faster vessel must keep a safe distance to avoid collision or endangering the other craft with its wake

It is required by the State of North Carolina that boating accidents must be reported to the NC Wildlife Resource Commission if they result in:

  • Loss of life
  • Injuries requiring medical treatment occur
  • A person is disabled or unconscious for 24 hours
  • Physical property damages (vessels, docks, seawalls, etc.) exceeding $2,000
  • A person disappears from the vessel – circumstances indicate that death or injury has occurred

Reports that result in death, disappearances or injuries must be submitted within the first 48 hours of the occurrence, otherwise there is a grace period of 10 days. If the operator fails to submit a report, then the duty defaults to the vessel owner.

Failing to report an official boating accident report could result in legal issues.

If You Were at Fault in Boating Accident

Various factors could be in play to determine fault. Improper maintenance of a vessel can lead to mechanical failures causing injury or death. In the event alcohol and drug usage were involved, you may be charged with a DWI, same as if you were driving a car or truck. If you have been cited “at fault” for a boating accident, it’s important to consult with experienced legal representation to help you reduce any liability you may be facing.

Have Been Injured in a Boating Accident in North Carolina?

Do not let the injuries you or a loved one have sustained in a boating accident go without restitution. Due to the lack of protection in boats and other water craft, injuries are often very substantial. Often, since skiing and tubing are associated as a family activity, children are present when injuries from these activities arise. It is important that you seek an experienced Raleigh boating accident attorney for your case.

Speak with an Experienced Boating Accident Attorney in Raleigh

Call our Raleigh personal injury attorney’s at (919) 615-2473 or complete the online contact form below to speak with a Raleigh boating accident attorney.

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