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Baltimore, MD Boat Accident Lawyer

Recreational boating on Baltimore’s waterways is a cherished pastime, offering opportunities for relaxation and adventure. However, these idyllic moments can quickly turn catastrophic when boating accidents occur. Whether you’re cruising the Chesapeake Bay or enjoying an inland lake, many boating accidents leave victims facing serious injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma.

When the unexpected happens, and you are injured in a maritime accident, you need a Baltimore boat accident lawyer who understands Maryland’s laws and can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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Talk With an Experienced Baltimore Boating Accident Attorney

Our team of personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience, Regan Zambri Long’s board-certified trial attorneys have earned recognition from their peers for excellence in legal representation. We specialize in handling boat accident cases throughout Maryland. From Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay, your lawyer will understand the unique aspects of maritime law and accidents on the water.

We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and hold negligent parties accountable for injuries they’ve caused. Whether you’re a victim of a recreational collision or a commercial vessel incident, our experienced legal team has the knowledge and resources to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys focus on representing victims of maritime accidents throughout Maryland, ensuring their rights are protected while holding the at-fault parties accountable for the harm they caused. We understand the complex nature of maritime law and have successfully handled numerous boat accident cases, securing substantial compensation for our clients.

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Brain Injury Verdict

$19.5

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Premises Liability Settlement

$15.2

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Wrongful Death Settlement

$20

MILLION

Wrongful Death Verdict

$19.5

MILLION

Medical Malpractice Settlement

$16

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Personal Injury Settlement

$15.2

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Immediate Steps After a Boat Accident in Baltimore

Taking swift action after a maritime accident is a critical step for your safety and your lawsuit. Follow these simple steps to protect your health and preserve vital evidence from your boating accident:

  • Document all injuries and property damage with photos and videos: Visual evidence is key in any lawsuit. Capture clear images of bodily injuries, such as broken bones, damaged vessels, other boats in the vicinity, and surrounding conditions to provide an accurate account of the boating accident.
  • Gather contact information from witnesses and other involved parties: Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance details with others involved in the boating accident, such as the boat operator. If witnesses are present, obtain their contact information to support your case.
  • File an official boating accident report: Maryland law mandates reporting certain boating accidents to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), especially those boating accidents that involve injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
  • Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries: Some boat accident injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation ensures your well-being and provides critical documentation for your claim.

Don’t face the challenges of a boating accident alone. Contact Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights.

Time Limitations for Filing a Boating Accident Case

A boat accident victim in a wheelchair, wearing a neck brace, consults with a legal professional in a modern office. The scene represents the importance of seeking experienced legal counsel after a boating accident. Regan Zambri Long, a trusted law firm at (202) 960-4596, provides expert legal representation for maritime injury victims. Personal injury claims related to boat accidents require knowledgeable attorneys to secure fair compensation for medical expenses and damages.

Filing your claim within the legal time frame is crucial to preserving your right to compensation. The following are Maryland’s time limits for filing a boat accident claim:

  • Maryland statute of limitations: In Maryland, lawsuits typically must be filed within three years of the accident date. Missing this legal deadline could bar you from seeking and recovering any compensation for your accident injuries.
  • Maritime law filing deadlines: For maritime accidents that occur on navigable waters, federal maritime laws may apply, often imposing different filing deadlines.
  • Impact of delayed legal action: Failing to take prompt legal action after a boat accident can weaken your case by making evidence harder to gather and witness memories less reliable.
  • Exceptions to standard time frames: Certain circumstances, such as boat accident cases involving minors or concealed injuries, may extend the filing deadline.

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation. Contact Regan Zambri Long today to protect your legal interests.

How a Baltimore Boat Accident Attorney May Calculate Settlement Damages

When you have been injured in a accident on Baltimore waterways, understanding the full scope of your damages is essential to securing fair compensation. Potentially recoverable damages include:

  • Medical expenses (current and future): From emergency care to long-term treatment, all medical costs related to your injuries, therapies, medications, and treatments should be accounted for.
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income and future earning potential.
  • Pain and suffering compensation: These are non-economic damages that address the emotional pain, distress, and trauma caused by the boating accident.
  • Property damage recovery: Repair or replacement costs for damaged boats or personal belongings can be included in your claim.
  • Rehabilitation costs: Ongoing therapy and specialized care are often necessary for a full recovery.

Don’t underestimate the full value of your claim. Schedule a consultation with our Baltimore personal injury attorneys to understand what your case is worth.

Common Types of Boat Accidents Caused by Negligence

Common types of compensable boating accidents, which means means victims have legal grounds to seek payment from whoever caused the accident, include collisions between vessels, collisions caused by operator intoxication, crashes with fixed objects like docks or buoys, and injuries from negligent wake. Boat operators may be liable when they fail to maintain proper lookouts, operate at unsafe speeds, or violate navigation rules. Vessel owners can face claims for poorly maintained rigging, insufficient safety gear, or structural defects.

Rented Boats or Charted Vessels

Accidents involving rented boats or chartered vessels often involve additional liability considerations, as rental companies and charter operators have specific duties of care. Injuries to passengers from sudden movements, improperly secured safety gear, or lack of safety briefings are also frequently compensable. In cases involving commercial vessels, both the boat operator and their employer may be liable under maritime law.

Environmental and Equipment Hazards

Other common scenarios include incidents caused by adverse weather conditions when the operator should have known not to venture out, collisions with submerged objects that should have been marked or avoided, and injuries from improper loading or weight distribution. Fuel fires, carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly ventilated engines, and electrocution hazards from faulty marine electrical systems can also lead to compensable claims.

Recreational Sports and Regulatory Violations

Accidents involving recreational water sports like waterskiing, tubing, or parasailing present unique liability issues, particularly when proper safety protocols aren’t followed. Many compensable incidents also arise from violations of local maritime regulations, including speed limits in no-wake zones, distance requirements from swimmers or shore, and mandatory safety equipment requirements.

An experienced maritime lawyer from Regan Zambri Long can help determine if you have a valid claim. Schedule your free case evaluation today.

Understanding Liability in Baltimore Boating Accidents

A professional boat accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, stands confidently outside a courthouse, representing legal expertise in maritime injury cases. Regan Zambri Long, a leading personal injury law firm, offers legal support for victims of boat accidents. Seeking experienced representation ensures injured clients receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses related to boating accidents. Contact (202) 960-4596 for legal assistance.

Determining fault in a maritime accident can be complex. Liability may fall on:

  • Operator negligence and reckless behavior: Distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol use on the part of the boat operator are common causes of maritime accidents.
  • Equipment manufacturer defects: Product liability claims in maritime collisions can arise from manufacturing defects like faulty hull construction or electrical systems, design defects such as poor stability or ventilation, equipment failures involving life jackets or navigation systems, and inadequate safety warnings about hazards like carbon monoxide or weight limits. These claims can be brought against boat manufacturers, parts manufacturers, dealers, or maintenance facilities when a defect that existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control causes harm or damage.
  • Rental company liability: Negligence in maintaining rental recreational or fishing boats or failing to provide instructions on safe practices can lead to accidents.
  • Commercial vessel operator’s responsibility: Operators of commercial vessels, such as commercial fishing trawlers, must adhere to higher safety standards.

Let our skilled legal team investigate your accident and identify all responsible parties. Contact us now for a free case review.

Table of Contents

Practice Areas

Construction Zone Accidents
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drunk Driving Accidents
Elderly Driver Accidents
Fatal Auto Accidents
Head-On Collisions
Hit and Run Accidents
Rear-End Accidents
Left Turn Accidents
T-Bone Accidents
Teen Driver Accidents
Texting While Driving Accidents
Uninsured Motorist Claims
Vehicle Defect Accidents
Wrong Way Driver Accidents

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Maryland Boating Law and Your Rights

Familiarity with Maryland’s maritime laws is crucial for understanding your rights and responsibilities:

  • Required safety equipment regulations: All water craft must carry life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other essential safety gear.
  • Speed and distance restrictions: Boaters must adhere to speed limits and maintain safe distances from other vessels and swimmers.
  • Alcohol and boating laws: Operating a boat under the influence is illegal and a leading cause of most boating collisions.
  • Registration and licensing requirements: As a boat owner you must ensure your records such as registration and insurance is up to date, and that boat operators are licensed.

Our personal injury attorneys stay current with maritime laws to build your a strong claim. Reach out today to discuss your situation.

Essential Boating Safety Regulations

Adhering to boat safety regulations can prevent watercraft incidents and save lives:

  • Life jacket requirements and proper usage: To prevent drowning, Maryland statues mandate life jackets for children under 13 and sufficient vests for all passengers.
  • Navigation rules in Maryland waters: Boat operators must follow right-of-way and other navigational rules to avoid collisions.
  • Weather monitoring responsibilities: Checking weather forecasts and monitoring conditions can prevent weather-related incidents.
  • Emergency equipment requirements: water craft must carry functional emergency equipment, such as flares and first-aid kits.

If a safety violation led to your boating crash, we can help hold the responsible party accountable. Contact our office for a free consultation.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long as Your Boating Accident Lawyer

After a boating accident in Baltimore leaves you seriously injured selecting a qualified accident lawyer is critical. The right attorney can significantly impact your ability to receive appropriate compensation for your injuries. Here’s why the a boating accident lawyer from our firm stands out:

  • Decades of combined maritime law experience: We bring extensive knowledge and proven expertise to every boating accident case.
  • Proven track record of successful settlements: Our Baltimore injury lawyers have recovered millions for victims through diligent advocacy.
  • Deep understanding of Maryland boating regulations: Regan Zambri Long’s deep knowledge of state and federal laws enables our personal injury lawyers to build strong cases
  • Personalized attention to every case: Our accident lawyers prioritize your needs, ensuring you receive the care and representation you deserve.
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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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