Lake County Boat Accident Lawyer
Located right on Lake Michigan, the Lake County area is a prime spot for boating and water activities. Many local residents enjoy boating on the lake, and vessels large and small can be seen out on the water nearly any time of year. If you were recently hurt in a boat accident, call a Lake County boat accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options. You could be entitled to money for your injuries, and a compassionate personal injury attorney can help you pursue them.
Boating accidents are often serious and can result in severe injuries for those involved. Too often, a boat operator causes an accident due to their negligence. When this happens, injured accident victims can seek compensation for their medical bills and other damages. When you are enjoying the surf and the sun, you may not be thinking about what could happen if you are in a boat accident. Unfortunately, these accidents are more common than many people think.
Boat Operators’ Responsibilities
In many ways, boat operators have similar rights and responsibilities as drivers on the road. Boat operators have to obey the watercraft laws and regulations set forth by the state legislature. Just like drivers, boaters have an obligation to operate their vessels in a safe manner.
According to Indiana Code Section 14-15-3-3 everyone who operates a watercraft must operate the boat in a careful and prudent manner, which includes paying attention to:
- The rights, safety, and property of other persons
- Any present or potential conditions and hazards, including weather and density of traffic
- Possible injury to the person or property of other persons
This law means that boat operators have a legal duty to take reasonable action to avoid injury for those onboard and to avoid hurting others on the water.
Boat Accident Injuries
Boating is a risky activity and can become downright dangerous if the boat operator is not careful. Boating accidents most often involve personal boats, but can also involve commercial boats such as fishing boats and vessels meant for transporting goods. Regardless of who is operating the vessel, they are still required to act in a careful and prudent manner, as dictated by law. When a vessel operator fails to follow the law, they risk causing an accident.
Operator-caused boating accidents are increasingly common in the Lake County area. Some of the most common causes of boat accidents include:
- Operator inattention or recklessness
- Intoxicated or impaired operation
- Excessive speed
- Failure to maintain the vessel properly
- Failure to require the use of life jackets or other safety equipment
- Lastly, defective machinery
Boat accident victims often suffer serious injuries that can require extensive medical attention. Often, this results in an injured victim paying high medical bills during their recovery period. Boating accident victims usually lose wages during their recovery period as well due to an inability to work. State law permits victims to sue negligent or careless boat operators for compensation for their injuries. A Lake County boat accident attorney could help victims determine the cost of their injuries, and seek compensation in court.
Consulting a Lake County Boat Accident Attorney
Personal injury suits, including those involving a boat accident, have complexities and also unique difficulties. Even in a seemingly straightforward case where the boat operator’s negligence is apparent to the victim, the responsible party may still avoid claiming full legal responsibility.
Hurt in a boat accident? Call an experienced Lake County boat accident lawyer today. Your attorney will also fight for fair compensation on your behalf.