Boat Accident Lawyer in Maryland

Like in many other coastal and water-rich states, boating accidents in Maryland are not uncommon. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state has approximately 170,000 registered boats, making it a popular destination for recreational boaters. Unfortunately, this also means a higher likelihood of accidents occurring. Recent statistics reveal that Maryland has witnessed a concerning increase in boating accidents, with property damage and personal injuries rising.

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If you have been injured in a boating accident, call our Maryland personal lawyers to discuss your legal options.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Maryland

Operator Error: The most common cause of boating accidents in Maryland, as in many other states, is operator error, which includes inattention, reckless driving, and alcohol use. The likelihood of a collision is also increased if the operator is an inexperienced driver.
Speeding: Excessive speed is another leading cause of boating accidents. When boaters travel at unsafe speeds, they fail to boat safely and have less time to react to obstacles, leading to collisions with other vessels, submerged objects, or shorelines.
Weather Conditions: Maryland’s weather can be unpredictable, and boaters must be prepared for changing conditions. Sudden storms, high winds, and reduced visibility due to fog can all contribute to accidents.
Equipment Failures: Mechanical failures, including engine problems, electrical issues, and equipment malfunctions, can lead to accidents.
Navigation Hazards: Maryland’s waterways contain numerous navigational hazards, such as submerged rocks, shoals, and floating debris. Failure to heed navigational markers or charts can result in collisions and grounding.

Types of Boating Accidents in Maryland

Collisions: Collisions between vessels are among the most common types of boating accidents. These can occur when operators fail to yield the right of way, do not maintain a safe distance, or are distracted while navigating.
Capsizing and Swamping: Boats can capsize or become swamped due to various factors, such as rough waters, overloading, or abrupt maneuvers.
Groundings: Grounding accidents happen when a boat runs aground, often due to insufficient knowledge of water depths or navigational errors.
Overboard Accidents: Passengers and even operators can accidentally fall overboard, leading to drowning or injury.

All of these situations can lead to serious boating injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more. Injuries of this nature may result in major medical bills and expenses, placing a financial burden on you and your family. To receive full and fair compensation for what you’ve experienced, it’s wise to work with an experienced boat accident lawyer like those at Regan Zambri Long. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurs gives you the best chance at a successful boat accident case.

Who Is At Fault in a Boat Accident?

In Maryland, as in other states, determining fault in a boat accident depends on the circumstances and actions that led to the incident. Several parties or factors may contribute to or be at fault in a Maryland boat accident. Here are some common scenarios:

Boat Operator: The operator of a boat is often the first party examined for potential fault. If the operator was negligent, reckless, or in violation of boating regulations, they may be held responsible for the accident. They may also be at fault if they fail to heed navigational rules, such as right-of-way, or disregard markers or signage.
Mechanical Failures: If a boat experiences mechanical failures that lead to an accident, the owner or operator may be held accountable if proper maintenance and inspections are neglected.
Boat Manufacturer or Seller: In some cases, accidents may occur due to defects in the boat’s design or manufacturing. If a defect in the boat’s construction or equipment was a contributing factor, the manufacturer or seller of the vessel or its components may be held liable.
Other Boaters: Multiple boats on the water can interact, and negligence by one or more operators can lead to accidents, such as collisions, right-of-way violations, or other reckless behavior by other boaters.
Passengers: In rare cases, passengers may contribute to an accident through their actions, such as interfering with the boat’s operation, distracting the operator, or causing an imbalance that leads to a capsize.

It’s important to note that fault in a boating accident is often determined through investigation, witness statements, expert analysis, and applicable boating regulations. Comparative negligence laws in Maryland mean that fault may be assigned to multiple parties based on their respective contributions to the accident.

Why You Need a Maryland Boating Accident Lawyer

Legal Expertise and Experience in Boating Accidents

Specialized Knowledge: lawyers who specialize in boating accidents are well-versed in maritime and civil law, including federal maritime laws and state regulations that apply to boating accidents. Understanding the details of Maryland boating laws is essential to a successful claim.
Case Experience: Experienced boating accident attorneys have handled numerous cases similar to yours. They know the common challenges and complexities of these cases, allowing them to provide practical strategies and solutions.
Legal Advocacy: A boating accident lawyer serves as your legal advocate, protecting your rights and interests. They can anticipate and address legal issues that may arise during your case.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

One of the critical aspects of a successful boating accident claim is gathering and preserving evidence to support your case. Boating accident lawyers play a pivotal role in this process:

Thorough Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident, including interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and reviewing accident reports. This thoroughness is crucial for building a solid case.
Expert Witnesses: Boating accident lawyers often have access to experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and maritime professionals, who can provide testimony to support your claim.
Preservation of Evidence: Your attorney will ensure that critical evidence, such as photographs, maintenance records, and witness statements, is properly preserved and presented in court, if necessary.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

After boat accidents, insurance companies may become involved, and negotiating with them can be complex and challenging. A Maryland boating accident lawyer can help in the following ways:

Effective Communication: Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from potential missteps or pressure tactics from insurers.
Maximizing Compensation: An experienced attorney can assess the full extent of your damages and negotiate for a fair and comprehensive settlement. They understand the tactics insurers may use to minimize payouts and can advocate on your behalf.
Claims Handling: Your Maryland boat accident attorney will navigate the claims process efficiently, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and on time.

Pursue Compensation

Ultimately, hiring a Maryland boat accident lawyer to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, damages, lost wages, future medical expenses, and additional losses is in your best interest.

Your attorney will develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific case, considering your accident’s unique circumstances.

Litigation, if Necessary: In cases where negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

Maximizing Recovery: A boating accident lawyer is committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation possible, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Steps to Take After a Maryland Boating Accident

Ensure Safety

The immediate aftermath of a boating accident can be chaotic and disorienting, but the safety of everyone involved should be the top priority. Here are essential steps to ensure safety:

Life Jackets: Ensure everyone on board wears a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). If someone still needs to, provide them with one immediately.
Check for Injuries: Assess the condition of all passengers and crew members for injuries. Administer first aid if necessary and call for medical assistance if injuries are severe.
Stabilize the Boat: If the boat is still afloat and not taking on water, take measures to stabilize it, which may involve anchoring or using available safety equipment.

Reporting the Accident

Promptly reporting the boating accident is not just a legal requirement; it also helps document the incident accurately. Follow these steps:

Contact Authorities: Dial 911 or the local emergency number to report the accident. Law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the appropriate agency will respond to the scene.
Provide Details: Cooperate fully with responding authorities and provide all necessary information about the accident, including the location, circumstances, and the number of people on board.
File an Accident Report: In Maryland, boating accidents must be reported to the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) if they result in injuries requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, death, disappearance of a person under circumstances indicating possible death or injury, or damage to vessels or other property exceeding $2,000. Filing this report within a specific timeframe, typically within 48 hours, is critical.

Gathering Evidence in Your Boating Accident

Preserving evidence is vital when preparing a potential boating accident claim. Take the following steps:

Photographs: If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, the vessels involved, any visible damage, and injuries sustained by passengers or crew.
Witness Statements: Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can be invaluable when determining liability.
Keep Records: Maintain records of any communications related to the accident, including medical reports, insurance correspondence, and any conversations with other parties involved.

Seek Medical Attention for Your Boating Accident Injuries

Even if injuries appear minor initially, seeking medical attention after a boating accident is essential. Some injuries may not manifest immediately but can have long-term consequences. Here’s what to do:

Medical Assessment: Visit a healthcare professional or emergency room for a thorough medical evaluation. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to the prescribed treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments as necessary. Keep records of all medical expenses and treatments.
Last but certainly not least, contact a skilled attorney. An experienced attorney can offer legal expertise, the assurance the critical evidence is preserved, negotiation skills, and peace of mind. Be sure to contact an attorney promptly to avoid any conflicts with the statute of limitations on filing a claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a top Maryland Boat Accident Attorney

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Regan Zambri Long Is Your Maryland Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents in Maryland can have far-reaching consequences, from physical injuries to financial burdens.

With our legal expertise, experience, and commitment, Regan Zambri Long can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you need to recover from your losses. Contact Regan today for a free consultation.

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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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Maryland Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating Accident Lawyer in Maryland