Georgia offers many beautiful lakes where avid boaters can enjoy a day in the sun with friends and family. Yet, when boaters or passengers do not follow safety regulations or behave responsibly, a great day can turn into a traumatic and devastating accident.
Some boating crashes can cause severe and life-threatening injuries. In these situations, you may be able to work with an experienced attorney on a civil claim for compensation to cover your losses. If you or a loved one were injured on the water due to someone else’s negligent actions, contact a Macon boat accident lawyer at the Gunn Law Group to discuss your case.
Common Boat Crash Causes in Macon
There are many potential causes of waterborne collisions. Anything from a mechanical error to reckless driving may cause an accident that severely impacts everyone involved.
According to the United States Coast Guard, operator inattention is the most common cause of watercraft and vessel crashes. Like motorists on land, boat operators must drive sober and without distractions. They must also ensure they follow all safety precautions and regulations. If they fail to drive safely and cause a boating accident, a nearby lawyer could help injured victims to hold the negligent boater accountable.
Injuries in Waterborne Collisions
Common injuries that occur in recreational boat accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue and ligament injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb amputations
- Drowning
After a boating injury, a Macon attorney could investigate to determine the negligent party and collect evidence to prove liability.
Damages After a Boat Crash
After proving liability, a boat crash victim may be awarded compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages could cover all medical expenses related to the accident, lost wages, and future earning potential.
Non-economic damages could cover physical and emotional pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and inconvenience. Economic damages would cover all the monetary losses a plaintiff sustains, while non-economic damages cover subjective losses.
Statute of Limitations for Boating Claims
It is always in one’s best interest to file a civil claim for damages as soon as possible after a boat accident. The longer one waits, the harder it becomes to obtain evidence and reliable witness testimonies. There is also a court-enforced time limit for filing a civil lawsuit.
As per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, a person must commence legal action within two years of a boat accident. There are a few exceptions, but they will lose the ability to recover damages in most cases if they miss the deadline. A boat crash lawyer in Macon could guide an injured victim through the civil claim process and ensure they file the lawsuit within filing guidelines.
Schedule a Meeting with a Macon Boat Accident Attorney
While recreational boating can be a fun and relaxing activity, there are also many accidents in the state every year. Some crashes lead to severe and life-altering or even fatal injuries. When another person’s negligence causes a collision, you have the right to hold them accountable.
A successful claim for damages could cover the medical care you need for recovery, living expenses, and pain and suffering. Call a skilled Macon boat accident lawyer at the Gunn Law Group if you suffered injuries in an avoidable accident. We are here to give you the legal guidance and support you need.