Experienced Boat Accident Lawyers Serving Cumming, Georgia
Boating is a beloved pastime for many in Georgia, with access to over 400,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and the beautiful coast for sailing. However, as much as boating offers fun and relaxation, it also comes with significant safety risks. Boating accidents are unfortunately common, leading to injuries or fatalities that can change lives in an instant.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident in Cumming, Georgia, or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable boat accident lawyer by your side. The complexities of boating laws, liability, and insurance can make pursuing compensation challenging, but our team at the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC is here to help.
Boat accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal injuries, and even fatalities. Whether the accident occurred on one of Georgia’s many lakes or along the coast, if you’ve experienced property damage or physical harm, we are committed to helping you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our boat accident lawyers have extensive experience handling complex cases and are dedicated to protecting your rights. We will investigate every aspect of your case, whether it involves driver negligence, faulty equipment, or poor maintenance, and work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we serve the Cumming area as well as Atlanta, Marietta, and other surrounding Georgia locations. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your boat accident claim. Our bilingual staff is ready to assist you in both English and Spanish, ensuring a smooth experience as we fight for the compensation you deserve.
What are Common Causes of Boating Accidents?
Numerous circumstances can lead to a boating accident, many of which are similar to the causes of auto accidents, such as:
- Careless or reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Excessive speed
- Inexperience of operators
- Violation of navigational rules
- Boating under the influence
- Failing to maintain a lookout
- Bad weather conditions
- Negligence
It is important to take precautions as a boat operator or passenger to help minimize your risk of an accident or injury. However, even the most cautious boaters are not safe from someone else’s careless actions.
Consequences of Boat Accidents
Boating accidents are often life-altering. Since they involve large moving objects on the water, these accidents can have consequences such as:
- Propeller injuries including lacerations, disfigurement, or dismemberment
- Run-over injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and wrongful death
- Collision injuries including whiplash
- Drowning
Boating accidents also frequently result in property damage to costly watercraft. It is important to work with an attorney to pursue justice and compensation after a boating accident.
Boating Accident Liability
You must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your boating accident injury in order to recover damages from that person. Be aware that negligence claims can work differently depending on the type of boating accident. Our attorneys know how to handle collisions with other boats, wake and wave accidents, and collisions with a submerged object or the land.
In general, it is possible to sue the following parties for negligence:
- The owner of the boat
- The rental company
- Other passengers
- Entities responsible for maintaining the waterway
- The manufacturing company in the case of a defective boat
What Damages Available in a Boating Injury Lawsuit?
You are entitled to damages if you were injured in a boating accident caused by negligence. Your damages may cover the value of your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Insurance coverage can also play a role in your case. Our accident attorneys will look into the other party’s boater’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and assets to determine how they will pay your damages.
Building Your Boating Accident Case
Boating accidents tend to involve some special laws and principles. These accidents are often governed by federal maritime law though they can fall within the state’s jurisdiction. Our attorneys can determine where you should file your lawsuit.
You can also expect our boating accident attorneys to:
- Document: We will gather records related to your claim to evaluate the extent of your injury and property damage. This allows us to build a strong case for compensation.
- Investigate: We will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident. We will gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
- Negotiate: We will negotiate with the defense to seek the compensation that you deserve. If we do not reach a satisfactory agreement during settlement negotiations, we are prepared to go to trial.
Lake Lanier Boating Accidents
Lake Lanier is one of the most popular destinations for boating in the southeast and sees several million visitors annually. Unfortunately, it is also a common site of boating accidents. 57 boating fatalities occurred at Lanier from 1999-2018, according to The Law Enforcement Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Our attorneys handle accidents on Lake Lanier and other frequently visited lakes such as Allatoona, Oconee, and Sinclair. Contact us if you or a loved one has been injured boating on one of these Georgia lakes or another waterway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Accidents in Cumming, Georgi
What should I do if I’m involved in a boat accident in Cumming, Georgia?
If you’re involved in a boat accident in Cumming, Georgia, the first thing you should do is ensure your safety and seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. It’s also important to report the accident to local authorities and gather as much information as possible, such as the other party’s contact details, insurance information, and witness statements. After addressing immediate needs, reach out to an experienced boat accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and pursue compensation for injuries or property damage.
How can a boat accident lawyer help me after a boating accident?
A boat accident lawyer will guide you through the legal process following a boating injury. They will investigate the cause of the accident, whether it was due to negligence, poor maintenance, or unsafe conditions, and ensure that all parties responsible are held accountable. Your lawyer will help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while also negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible.
What types of compensation can I receive after a boat accident in Cumming, Georgia?
After a boat accident in Cumming, Georgia, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the accident caused long-term disability or requires future medical care, your boat accident lawyer will fight to secure compensation for those ongoing needs as well. Additionally, in cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
How long do I have to file a boat accident claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a boat accident claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you’ve been injured in a boating accident in Cumming, you must file your lawsuit within this period to preserve your right to compensation. However, it’s crucial to contact a boat accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and your case is handled promptly.
What are the common causes of boat accidents in Georgia?
The common causes of boat accidents in Georgia include operator error, such as speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol, inadequate vessel maintenance, and failure to follow boating safety rules. Accidents can also occur due to poorly marked hazards, poor weather conditions, or mechanical failures. If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, consulting with a skilled boat accident lawyer will help determine the cause and hold the responsible party accountable.
Can I file a claim if the boat accident was caused by another boater’s negligence?
Yes, if another boater’s negligence caused your accident, you can file a claim for damages. This may include accidents involving excessive speeding, reckless driving, operating a boat under the influence, or failure to follow proper boating protocols. A boat accident lawyer will investigate the incident and gather evidence to support your case, helping you recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve from Our Experienced Boat Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, let our experienced Cumming boating accident attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (770) 888-8901 to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the next steps. The Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC proudly serves Cumming, Atlanta, Marietta, and surrounding areas in Georgia.
