Boating Accident Attorney in Montgomery, Alabama

Alabama has thousands of miles of waterways, and there is nothing better than enjoying a beautiful day out on the water – fishing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, or just taking in the natural beauty . . . until another boater recklessly crashes into you and sends you to the hospital. Suddenly, you face being laid up for a while, missing several weeks or months from work, struggling to put your life back together, and worrying about your future.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a boating accident that was someone else’s fault, you should not have to be the one to pay the price for their negligent or reckless actions. Instead, the party who is responsible for your injuries should be held fully accountable. Most of the time, however, irresponsible boaters and their insurance companies do everything possible to minimize the amount of damages they pay after an injury claim. For this reason, you need strong legal counsel in your corner fighting hard for every dollar of compensation you deserve.

Before you speak with the insurance adjuster or another insurance company representative, call The Law Offices of Troy King at (334) 215-4440 to schedule a free consultation and case assessment. We will meet with you to review your case and advise you of your legal rights and options, so you can make the most informed decision on how you wish to proceed.

At the Law Offices of Troy King, our attorneys have made a career out of protecting those who have suffered injury through no fault of their own. We are never afraid of a fight, and we have a proven track record of recovering maximum compensation in even the most complex cases. We routinely go up against well-funded adversaries such as large insurance companies, and we know what it takes to successfully overcome their common tactics to get the most favorable outcome for our clients.

Boat accidents can be complicated and challenging to pursue, particularly if the accident happened in an area like the Gulf Coast, where Maritime/Admiralty laws may apply. This is just one of many of reasons it is important not only to retain the services of an attorney who, not only has in-depth personal injury experience, but thoroughly understands the complexities of boating accident cases, all of the legalities involved, and how to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries.

What are the Most Common Ways Boats Get into Accidents?

There are a number of ways boating accidents can occur, these include:

• Direct Collisions with Other Watercrafts: Like the scenario described earlier, many accidents and serious injuries happen when one watercraft crashes into another. Direct collisions account for about one out of every four boating accidents in the U.S.
• Direct Collisions with People: Sometimes a boat collides with a swimmer, inner tuber, or skier.
• Boats Colliding with Other Objects: Boats sometimes run into fixed objects, such as docks, bridge supports, and rafts.
• Flooding or Capsizing: When a boat has too much weight in it and/or is going too fast for the conditions, it can begin to take on water and eventually capsize.
• Grounding: If the operators are not careful, boats can strike objects underneath them, such as large rocks, reefs, or even the shore. This is particularly common when the water is shallower than the operator believes.
• Going Overboard: Though not as common as other types of boating accidents, when a passenger falls overboard, it can result in some of the most serious and catastrophic injuries.

Here are some common examples that account for the majority of boating accidents:

• Operator Inexperience: Many boat operators are young and not properly trained on the best safety practices. This can lead to poor decisions and critical mistakes on the water.
• Recklessness: A boat operator may be well trained, but still drive the watercraft recklessly because they are just trying to “have some fun” or for whatever other reason.
• Driving while Intoxicated: One common reason a boat operator may drive recklessly is because they had too much to drink. Alcohol consumption is a common activity on the waterways, and, sadly, far too many operators make the horrible and often fateful decision to drive the boat while intoxicated.
• Distracted Driving: The electronic age we live in has given rise to a distracted driving epidemic on the roadways. Unfortunately, the same holds true on the waterways, where boat operators often think it is okay to send texts, take selfies, watch videos, and do other things on their phone while driving the boat.
• Faulty/Defective Products: Machinery or equipment failure is a factor in some boating accidents. This can result from a faulty design, manufacturing error, negligent maintenance, or related factors. When individuals are injured in a boat accident that is caused by a product defect, it may be possible to bring a product liability claim against the designer, manufacturer, or other parties within the product’s supply chain.

Damages that Can be Recovered from Boating Accidents

When an individual suffers an injury in a boat accident that another person or party is responsible for, the victims are eligible for compensation in the form of monetary damages. Compensatory damages may be available for not only direct monetary losses such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and lost earning capacity, but also for non-economic losses such as physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

In rarer cases where the actions of the responsible party were especially egregious, punitive damages may also be pursued and awarded. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the injured party, but rather to “punish” the wrongdoer for their irresponsible, if not illegal, behavior and help discourage similar actions in the future.

Did you Contribute to your Boating Accident?

If you were injured in a boat accident that occurred in Alabama, it is important to understand what you are up against as you seek to recover compensation. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that applies the “contributory negligence” legal standard. This means that if you are found to have “contributed” in any way to the accident that caused your injury, you may be barred from recovering damages. Because of the uphill battle you will face, it is highly recommended that you get an attorney involved as early as possible in the process, so your right to recover the compensation you deserve can be protected.

Speak with a Seasoned Boating Accident Lawyer in Montgomery, AL

At the Law Offices of Troy King, we understand the enormous physical, emotional, and financial pain boat injury victims and their families have to endure. We work closely with you, handling all the complicated legal tasks so you can focus on your recovery. Throughout the process, we provide frequent updates on the progress of your case, and we are always available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

As with every serious case, the longer a person waits to find someone to represent them, the more likely it is that evidence may disappear or witnesses may disappear.  If you have been injured in a boating accident, call our office today at (334) 215-4440 or message us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. You may also stop by our Montgomery office in person at your convenience, or we will come to you.

We accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we win your case.