4 Reasons to Hire an Experienced Boating Accident Lawyer

Summer is here, and boaters across Connecticut are taking advantage of the State’s beautiful lakes and coastlines. Unfortunately, the increased amount of recreational boating also means that there will be an uptick in the number of boating accidents. Some of the common causes of these accidents include operator negligence and/or recklessness – speeding, driving under the influence, lack of proper safety measures and/or poorly maintained boats. 

Every boating accident is different, and recreational boat injury claims can be quite complicated. If you have been injured in a boating incident, here are four reasons to hire an experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyer: 

1. You May Be Dealing With Serious Injuries

A boating accident can result in injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to broken bones, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, burns, and even possible amputations. Some of these injuries require prolonged medical attention and can impact quality of life. Because of this, you might have to take a significant amount of time off work, resulting in lost wages and/or lost earning capacity.

An experienced Connecticut boating accident attorney will take into consideration your physical, emotional, and financial damages and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. 

2. The Boat Owner Has No Insurance or Not Enough Insurance

Boat owners are not legally required to purchase or maintain liability insurance in Connecticut. If you are seriously injured in a boating incident and the liable party is uninsured or underinsured, it can prove to be a significant problem. Hiring a Connecticut personal injury attorney who has experience dealing with complex insurance coverage issues might be your best option to ensure you recover for your losses. 

3. The Insurance Company Tries to Undervalue Your Case

If you or your loved one is involved in a boating accident, you may have a lot of expenses to cover. These include emergency treatment, hospital stays, medication, ongoing medical treatments, and damage to your property. 

Ideally, the boat owner’s insurance company should be able to compensate for any injuries and damages. However, in some cases, insurance companies might try to contest whether the incident was their insured’s fault or offer an amount that is less than what you are owed. In an effort to avoid this, please contact an experienced Connecticut boating personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

4. The Accident Was Caused by Negligence

Boating incidents can happen at any time, even when all rules and regulations are followed. However, there are times when the cause of the accident can be connected to the negligence of    a boat owner or driver.

If you suspect that you were injured because either of the drivers were not paying attention, were driving under the influence, or took unnecessary risks like boating in bad weather, it is best to hire a Connecticut personal injury lawyer who will represent your interests by filing a negligence claim against the driver(s) to help you recover compensation for your damages.

The boat owner has the responsibility of ensuring your safety by stocking the boat with Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), carrying out preventive maintenance checks, and making sure that the boat’s engines and electrical systems work properly before you get on the water. If they failed to do any of the above, a boat accident attorney will be able to help you file a negligence claim against the boat owner and/or operator.

The attorneys at ACK Injury Law have decades of experience dealing with boating accident claims and complex maritime laws. Visit our website or call us at (860) 754-3222 for a free consultation and let us help you receive the compensation you deserve.