Boating and Personal Watercraft Accidents

Millions of people take to the water every year to have fun on boats and participate in different water sports. However, sometimes what starts out as fun ends up in injury or even death for the unfortunate victims of watercraft accidents. Residents of Virginia suffer more than their fair share of boating and personal watercraft accidents, with the state ranking 9th out of all 50 states for boating fatalities.
Despite the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to make the Virginia waters safer, the numbers of injuries and deaths remain at an unacceptably high level.
Who is to Blame?
It is a sobering thought that your life is literally in someone else’s hands every time you step into the water. Whether you sign up for a pleasure cruise or simply want to take a quick swim, your fate depends upon the responsible actions of others around you. While most people share good intentions, there are always a few who take a more carefree attitude towards the safety of those sharing the water, and it is here that the danger lies.
Boating and personal watercraft accidents occur for many reasons:
- Overcrowding
- Boating while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Reckless behavior
- Loss of control due to speeding
- Lack of experience
- Lack of personal flotation devices
- Defective life jackets
Support for Victims
If you or a member of your family has suffered a boating or personal watercraft accident, you need expert legal assistance to pursue a claim against the responsible party. Individuals who survive these accidents are often left in great physical pain, requiring extensive medical treatment and suffering from a host of psychological problems as a result of the accident. They may be unable to continue working, putting a great amount of financial pressure on the whole family. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to consult a boating accident lawyer with experience in personal injury claims.
Let Kalfus & Nachman, Attorneys at Law handle your boating or personal watercraft accident lawsuit in Virginia. We have experience dealing with insurance companies who will attempt to avoid paying your claim, and we are in your corner fighting to help you have a brighter future. Please contact our experienced boating accident lawyers today to schedule a no-cost consultation in Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Roanoke, or Virginia Beach, Virginia.