Baltimore Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries in Maryland

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Advocate for Your Rightful Compensation After a Boating Accident

Maryland’s pristine rivers, bays, tributaries and coastal waters attract recreational boaters from around Baltimore and other cities along the East Coast. Unfortunately, many boat owners think driving a boat is no big deal and fail to obtain the training and experience necessary to safely operate a boat. Some boaters may act recklessly or drink alcohol while driving a boat, thereby putting themselves and other boaters, skiers, paddlers and swimmers in serious danger.

Baltimore boating accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. have assisted injured clients for more than 30 years. Our dedicated team fights to get you the compensation you deserve from a liable boat operator and insurance company.

Common Causes of Boating Crashes and Injuries

An enjoyable day on the water can quickly turn tragic because of negligent boaters or errors by passengers. Among the controllable factors that can contribute to an accident and increase the severity of injuries are:

  • Drinking alcohol while operating the vessel
  • Driving the vessel recklessly
  • Excessive speed
  • Equipment failure
  • Inadequate number of life jackets for passengers
  • Lighting malfunction at night or in bad weather
  • Operator error

Types of Serious Injuries on Vessels

The types of serious injuries related to a boating incident are not just confined to drowning deaths. Boaters may also be at risk of:

  • Amputation from propellers
  • Brain damage from drowning survival
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning from a malfunctioning motor
  • Head trauma caused by hitting a hard surface, such as from falling into an open engine compartment, or tripping on the steps leading into the cabin
  • Lacerations from sharp tools or fishing hooks
  • Spinal cord injury from a skiing or wake-boarding accident

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Accidents

An operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher, or who is under the influence of drugs, is considered impaired under Maryland statutes. Penalties for a first-time BUI include up to one year in prison and fines of up to $1,000. A second or third conviction carries even harsher sentences.

Maryland authorities take BUI seriously because it is so dangerous. According to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Boating Safety Resource Center, operators with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 percent are approximately 10 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than those with no alcohol in their system. In addition, boat passengers are placed at greater risk of injury or death.

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims Injured in Boat Accidents

To get more information about your rights and options after a maritime crash, call LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation with a Baltimore boat accident lawyer. We are available by phone 24 hours a day to take calls from accident victims, and we handle personal injury claims throughout Maryland on a contingency basis. Your satisfaction is our top priority.