Summer is finally here and it’s time to enjoy the warm weather. One of the ways people in Louisiana enjoy the summer is by spending time on the water. Maybe you’re lucky enough to own a boat. Or, perhaps you and your friends rent a boat for the day. Whether you’re fishing or just soaking up the rays, a boat can be great fun. Unfortunately, even for the most experienced boaters, accidents happen. And boating accidents in Louisiana tend to cause very serious accidents. It’s important that you talk to an experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Charles if this happens to you.
There are times when a boat accident happens because of bad weather or the elements. If you get caught in a bad storm, you could crash into a rock or another boat. Or, if the waves get too aggressive, there’s a chance that your boat could capsize. But, generally speaking, most boat accidents in Lake Charles are due to human error and our behavior.
If you’re not the person operating the boat, chances are, you won’t be responsible for the accident. This means that you may have a legal claim against the owner or operator of the boat. If this is the case, their insurance may cover your claim. If that happens – great. You’ll get your check in a week or two. However, many times, these claims are denied. Perhaps the insurance company doesn’t think you were injured. Or they may think a third party is responsible for your injuries. Either way, you’re going to need to talk to a Louisiana personal injury lawyer.
Many Boat Accidents in Louisiana are Caused by Human Error
It’s easy to blame a boating accident on faulty equipment or the weather. The truth is most boat accidents are caused by people. Whether someone is operating a boat after drinking too much alcohol or aren’t properly trained to operate the craft doesn’t matter. These sorts of things can cause very serious and even deadly accidents. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include the following:
- Alcohol or Drugs – If someone is using drugs or drinking, they have no business operating a boat or any sort of watercraft. It doesn’t take much to cause someone to become impaired. When people’s lives are in your hands, you can’t take these sorts of risks. Sadly, many boating accidents are caused by impairment.
- Not Paying Attention – For whoever is in charge of operating the boat, they need to focus on the water. They can’t risk taking their eyes off the wheel. If they start talking or goofing around with the other boaters, they can end up making a crucial mistake.
- Equipment Failure – There are cases in which an accident is caused by equipment failure. More often than not, however, the equipment fails because people don’t know how to use it properly. Or, they aren’t trained on how to use the equipment.
- Lack of Preparation – If people took fifteen (15) minutes to prepare, they would be so much safer. You’d be surprised how many people are injured in boat accidents because there weren’t enough life jackets. Or, the boat owner doesn’t get their annual inspection done and realizes too late there there’s a safety issue with their craft.
Any of these things can cause very serious or fatal injuries. If that’s the case, you need to call our office right away.
If You Suffer a Boat Accident in Louisiana, Call Our Office Right Away
Nobody ever thinks that they’re going to get injured in a boat accident. So, when it does happen, you may not know what to do. One of the most important things you can do is call an experienced injury lawyer in Lake Charles, Louisiana. They’ve handled cases like yours before and know what it takes to get you justice. You may not want to file legal action against your friend or family member. But the only way to get compensation for your injuries is to protect your rights. The good news is that your claim will likely be covered by their insurance company. Let an experienced personal injury lawyer in Louisiana help you sort out your claim.
Call today and schedule your free initial consultation. Let one of our seasoned attorneys answer any questions you may have. They can review your case and give you an idea of what your case might be worth. The consultation is free and you don’t pay a dime until you settle your case.
