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Auto Accidents | Truck Accidents | Boat AccidentsAs crowded as the roads are, Maryland's coastline, bay, and inland waterways are just as jam packed with nautical traffic. This can pose a serious risk for the boater and his guests. Water can be unforgiving. The number of boating accidents resulting in serious injury or death is at an all time high. The Coast Guard estimates that in an average year there are over 30,000 boating or jet ski accidents with over 4000 injuries and at least 50 million dollars in property damage. In a typical year, over 1000 people are killed in boating accidents; 51% of them in open motorboats under 21 feet long.
Boating accidents can cause injuries just as devastating as those suffered in a serious car or truck accident. Besides bone fractures, spinal cord injury, head trauma, burns, and cuts and gashes, there is also the danger of hypothermia or even drowning. A significant number of serious injuries result from drunk boating.
Boating accident cases can be complex. The law governing boating is a web of intricate rules and pitfalls. Case analysis often involves both state and federal law. A multitude of regulations come into play. Even Consumer laws may have a role. The boating accident attorneys at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton know how to navigate through this treacherous water. In addition, as recreational boaters ourselves, we have first hand experience with all the external factors unique to boating that can cause an accident ( strong wakes, fog, product malfunction, freak weather, slick decks, etc). No matter whether you are an able-bodied seaman or a weekend sailor/boater, call us, click here, or come in for a FREE CONSULTATION.
We take a proactive approach to all our cases . Our lawyers and experts use the state-of-the-art analytic techniques to reconstruct your accident (we believe that you have a right to know what caused your injury) including:
- Boat dynamics and characteristics analysis
- Occupant kinematics
- Weather analysis
- Engine failure analysis
- Time and distance studies/speed calculations
- Product malfunction analysis
- Weight shift and stability analysis
We will investigate your case immediately. We know that when you're injured, you want prompt answers and action. We also know that injuries can cause financial hardship and even a lifetime of suffering. We will be with you every step of the way. Our sole objective is to get you the MAXIMUM SETTLEMENT. We do all the work so are free to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Our record of collecting over $100 million dollars in cash settlements for our clients assures you that LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are the three names you can trust. That's our commitment to you. Never settle for less!
FOR FATAL OR CRIPPLING INJURIES CLICK HERE!
Our team, led by Super Lawyer Paul Tolzman, represents persons injured in boating accidents due to:
- Capsizing
- Falling Overboard
- Collisions with other vessels
- Striking fixed objects (docks, piers, navigation aids)
- Fuel Explosions
- Fire
- Propeller Impact
- Sinking/flooding
Most of these accidents are preventable. The majority, over 70%, are caused by operator error. Typical causes of a boating accident are:
- Recklessness
- Careless Supervision
- Use of Alcohol/Drugs
- Inadequate boat maintenance
- Failure to Respond to weather reports
- Overpowering of the boat
- Improper seating
- Ignorance of navigation aids or the rules of the road
- Excessive speed
- Failure to have adequate safety equipment
- Violations of Boater Safety Rules/Regulations
- Carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from poor ventilation or near engine exhaust
- Product malfunction
If you've been injured in a boating accident involving any of the following:
- Pleasure boat/yacht
- Jet ski
- Waverunner
- Fan Boat
- Water Taxi
- Fishing Charter
- Cruise Ship
- Parasailing
- Waterskiing
- Tubing
- Commercial vessels
CALL US IMMEDIATELY, TOLL-FREE, at (800) 358-4529. At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton there is absolutely no fee or expense charged to you until we win your case. So you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making that call today. Remember, we will fight for you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOATING ACCIDENT CASES
- Does your firm handle curise ship accidents and injuries?
- Can I recover if I was injured due to drunk boating?
- What is a personal watercraft?
- What is the Jones Act and how does it effect me?
- What safety tips can you give me to reduce the likelihood that i will be injured in a boating accident?
What should I do if I'm injured in a boating accident?
If you are injured while boating, skiing, parasailing or the like, if possible, immediately notify the captain of the injury; depending on the nature and extent of the injury, get medical attention or call us to arrange for a doctor visit, obtain the names and contact information of witnesses, attempt to identify the unsafe condition that caused the injury or occurrence or let our experts do that, complete U.S. Coast Guard Boating Accident Report Form (CG 3865) and call us as soon as you are able. We will review both the factual and legal basis of your claim for no charge. In fact, there is no fee or expense to you until we win your case.
Does your firm handle cruise ship accidents and injuries?
Yes, we do. LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton represents injured passengers and crew members against the cruise line and its owners. Claims for injury and death by passengers are governed by the General Maritime Law of the United States. Occasionally state laws and even consumer laws come into effect. Typical claims involve assaults by other passengers or crew members, food poisoning, sexual battery, slip and falls, or other injuries sustained on-board or while on an excursion. In some cases the statute of limitation may be shortened by the cruise line and you may have to file your claim in a designated venue. Call us for the details.
Can I recover if i was injured due to drunk boating?
Yes you can. Accidents caused by drunk boating are common. Although Maryland has laws against drunk boating, enforcement is spotty at best. if you were injured due to drunk boating, contact us at once. we will investigate your case and interview both other passengers and onshore witnesses. We will reconstruct what happened. These cases often involve complex insurance issues and you should have expert guidance. if the operator of your boat was drunk, he has broken the law and you are entitled to recover for all medical bills incurred, lost wages and pain and suffering. Call us for a complete case analysis and lawsuit chronology.
What is a personal watercraft?
A personal watercraft is any boat that uses an inboard water jet pump as its principal means of propulsion. Jet skis and waverunners are examples. Operators of personal watercraft must obey the same laws as operators of boats powered by propellers. There are over 1 million personal watercraft in the United States. Every year, there are over 5000 personal watercraft accidents resulting in atleast 2000 injuries and approximately 100 deaths. Call us immediately if you were injured in a personal watercraft accident. You are entitled to bring an action for injuries sustained or a wrongful death case in the event of a fatality.
What is the Jones Act and how does it effect me?
As a recreational boater, this law will not effect you. The Jones Act is a federal law designed to protect maritime workers and seaman. It provides compensation to workers on ships, boats or other vessels who were injured in work-related accidents. If the worker was killed, his family may also be entitled to compensation. If you are able-bodied seaman and were hurt while on duty, call us immediately. Claims under the Jones Act are complex and require professional guidance. Recreational boaters have other avenues of recovery that do not involve the Jones Act.
What safety tips can you give me to reduce the likelihood that i will be injured in a boating accident?
- Always wear a PFD (personal flotation device). The data shows that this will significantly reduce the chance of drowning; 50% of all fatalities come from capsizing and falls.
- Enroll in and complete a recreational boating safety course.
- Don't operate a boat while drinking.
- Conduct a Vessel Safety Check before leaving the dock.
- Have up-to-date nautical charts onboard.
- Contact your state lawmakers to urge them to adopt the NTSB's recommendations that children be required to wear a properly sized life jacket and that all recreational boaters complete a boating safety course.