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Boat owners and operators are responsible for safely using their vessels and ensuring they have enough safety devices for all passengers. Suppose you suffered serious injury in a boat accident in Washington DC because the owner or operator failed to meet those duties. In that case, you may be eligible to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
For more than 100 years, the Washington DC boat accident lawyers of Marks & Harrison have protected the rights of accident victims in Washington DC, including the victims of boating accidents. Contact us now to discuss your case and learn more about your rights and options in a free consultation. You will pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Reasons to Work with a DC Boating Accident Lawyer
At Marks & Harrison, our personal injury lawyers have recovered millions in settlements and trial awards for clients, including a settlement of more than $1.1 million for a boat accident victim who lost their left arm. Our firm has a history of over a century and a record of success in some of the largest cases in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
Hear what our clients say about working with a firm fully dedicated to protecting their rights and prioritizing their best interests. We are ready to put our experience in personal injury law to work for you and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Causes of Washington DC Boating Accidents?
Most boating accidents result from someone’s negligence, whether it’s the boat operator, vessel maintenance provider, or equipment manufacturer.
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Washington DC include:
- Operator negligence — Speeding, distracted driving, and operating a boat while intoxicated are examples of careless and reckless driving that could lead to a serious boat accident.
- Adverse weather conditions — Boat operators should monitor the weather and ensure they are not caught on the water in adverse conditions that could result in capsizing or other accidents.
- Poor boat maintenance — When boat owners fail to maintain their boats and safety equipment properly, it can lead to serious accidents and raise the risk of drowning after a crash.
- Defective safety devices — Manufacturers of flotation devices and other safety equipment could be liable if they fail to work and cause harm.
Where Do DC Boating Accidents Occur?
Washington DC lies between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, so most boating accidents occur on these waterways. The Potomac River’s Washington Harbor, near Theodore Roosevelt Island, is another hotspot for boat crashes.
What Types of Injuries Occur in Boating Accidents?
Boating accidents can result in all the same injuries as other motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries like whiplash
- Burns and lacerations.
In addition to these injuries, those involved in boating accidents can suffer from drowning, leading to brain injury or death. Our Washington DC boat accident lawyer is here to help.
What Should You Do If Involved in a Boating Accident in Washington DC?
After suffering an injury in a Washington DC boating accident, it will be essential to take the following steps to protect your right to seek full and fair compensation, including the following:
- Seek ongoing medical treatment — You should attend all follow-up doctor appointments in addition to your immediate medical treatment. By doing so, you create a record of your injuries and treatments.
- Keep track of all medical bills — Your attorney will use proof of your medical and other expenses to calculate the amount you should seek through a personal injury claim.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident — You may need to recall the details of your boat crash later. Your notes can prevent you from getting mixed up about the facts.
- Get help from an attorney — A lawyer with experience protecting the rights of people injured in boating accidents and handling insurance claims can help you explore all avenues for seeking just compensation for your losses.
How Do You Prove Who Is at Fault in a Washington DC Boating Accident?
Proving fault after a Washington DC boating accident involves collecting evidence. Evidence that your attorney may use to prove that another party’s negligence caused the boating accident may include the following:
- Photo and video evidence — Photographs of damage to the boat(s) and your visible injuries can be crucial in establishing liability and the harm you suffered. Video footage could serve as powerful evidence that clearly shows the party who is at fault.
- Eyewitness statements — Eyewitnesses, including other boat passengers, can corroborate your version of events.
- Expert testimony — In some cases, attorneys hire experts to testify about specific aspects of a case. For example, your attorneys may hire a medical professional to speak about how your injuries likely occurred or work with a boat maintenance provider to explain how poor maintenance caused the incident.
What Damages Could I Seek in a DC Boating Accident Lawsuit?
Victims can pursue compensation for various losses in boating accident cases. Similar to a car accident case, the most common forms of compensation sought through personal injury lawsuits after boating accidents include money for:
- Past and future medical expenses — Surgeries, medical treatments, prescription medications, medical devices, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity — You deserve compensation for the injury’s impact on your ability to work and earn a living for yourself and your family.
- Accommodations — A boating accident victim with a permanent disability may need to modify their home or vehicle to make them wheelchair accessible.
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering — Victims of boating accidents can suffer significant pain and lingering trauma.
- Lost or damaged personal property — In addition to bodily injuries and emotional harm caused by a boating accident, a victim may face substantial financial loss from damage to their vessel.
Does Washington DC Have a Time Limit for Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit?
Under Washington DC’s statute of limitations for personal injuries, victims have three years to file lawsuits against the liable parties. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this period, you could lose your right to seek compensation. An experienced attorney can assist you with filing your lawsuit within the deadline.
How Our DC Boating Accident Attorneys Can Help You
If you have been hurt while on the water, contact Marks & Harrison for a free consultation with an experienced boating accident attorney in Washington DC. Our law firm can assist you with all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to filing your lawsuit to representing you in court and seeking the compensation you deserve.
With more than 30 personal injury attorneys and 100 support personnel, including research attorneys and in-house investigators, we are ready to work for you. Contact us now to learn more in a free consultation.
