Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries and Anguish After a Boat Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault
Like car accidents, boating accidents can happen for various reasons. Not surprisingly, alcohol is a factor in the majority of fatal accidents. 70% of incidents are caused by human error or negligence.
The U.S. Coast Guard keeps track of the most common causes of boating accidents: operator distraction, excessive speed, alcohol and drugs, defective equipment, faulty repair work, ignoring laws, too many passengers, and operator inexperience.
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When onboard, boaters must follow boating safety rules and exercise common sense and caution. This is a duty owed to oneself and the others out on the water. If a victim can show that a boater’s negligence led to their injuries, they may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact our Virginia boat accident lawyers to discuss your situation at (757) 233-0009.
VIRGINIA BOAT ACCIDENT LAWYER
For more than 35 years, Attorney Richard Serpe has helped injury victims seek the justice they deserve. He’s earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on.
After law school, Richard Serpe obtained a Master of Laws in Maritime Law (LL.M.) from the Tulane University School of Law. He has also received the highest ranking (Proctor) from the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
If you have been injured on the water, contact Richard Serpe to discuss your rights.
Awards & Recognition: Best Lawyers® (2005 – Present), Martindale-Hubbell law directory: AV Preeminent rating (highest given), Super Lawyer: top 5% of lawyers in Virginia (2006 – Present), Avvo.com: Rated 10/10 – “Superb”
HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP
Here are a few ways an experienced attorney can use their legal education, experience, and expertise to protect your right to compensation:
- Investigate the boat accident and determine the potential value of your claim
- Protect you from abusive insurance company tactics and costly mistakes
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a favorable financial recovery
- File a lawsuit and go to trial if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement
NEGLIGENCE THAT LEADS TO INJURY
When a person is injured or killed in a Virginia boating accident, it’s possible that one or more people can be held liable for their injuries. For example, suppose a boat operator was drunk at the time of an accident that caused a passenger to fall overboard and drown. In that case, the intoxicated pilot could be held legally responsible for the victim’s wrongful death of the victim. If they collided with another boat, the other pilot might also be found to be liable, too.
Many boats are rentals. Should a vessel be poorly maintained and result in an injury, the rental company can be held liable for the damages caused by their watercraft. They can also be held legally responsible for renting out defective equipment or allowing an inexperienced and untrained person to pilot a boat or jet ski. Even the manufacturer or seller of the boat in question could be liable if the vessel were defective when it was sold.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)
In Virginia, there are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In many cases, Virginia provides a two-year deadline, also known as a Statute of Limitations. However, sometimes special circumstances may apply that can alter that deadline.
Once the statute of limitations has passed, you will never again be allowed to ask for compensation related to your accident and injuries. Consider contacting a Virginia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.
