Boating Accident Lawyer

Were You Injured in a Boat Accident Anywhere in Mississippi?

A boating accident can be a serious and life-threatening event. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A Jackson, MS boating accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Boating accidents often result in severe injuries, and the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation can be significant. You should not have to bear these costs on your own. With the help of a boating accident lawyer from Giddens Law Firm, P.A., you can get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other damages. If you have been involved in a boating accident, contact our Mississippi personal injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.

What Compensation Can I Get for My Boating Accident Claim?

boat on the waterThe amount of compensation you may be able to receive for a boating accident claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and how much property damage has been caused. Compensable damages typically include:

  • medical bills
  • lost wages
  • rehabilitation costs
  • pain and suffering
  • emotional distress or trauma
  • damage to personal property
  • punitive damages (if applicable)

If you are seeking financial recovery for any losses suffered as a result of a boating accident, it is important to contact an experienced boat accident attorney who can review your case and advise you on the best course of action. Our personal injury lawyer can help ensure that all possible forms of compensation are included in your claim so that you can get the full monetary recovery that you deserve.

How Can Our Boating Accident Attorneys Help Your Claim?

attorney john giddensIf someone else’s negligence or misconduct caused the boating accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the liable party. In order to prove liability in a boating accident case, evidence will need to be presented demonstrating that the other person was irresponsible or careless and that their actions directly resulted in your injuries. Our boating accident lawyers can help you gather this evidence and present it effectively in court.

In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for your boating accident injury. If multiple parties were negligent or reckless, they could all potentially be held liable and required to provide financial compensation. The boating accident attorneys at Giddens Law Firm can help you identify all of the parties who may have contributed to your losses so that each one is held accountable for their part in the incident.

Your injury lawyer can also help you identify and pursue damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to receive compensation for past, current, and future medical bills, lost wages due to time away from work, loss of earning capacity if your injury prevents you from returning to a job with the same earning potential as before, pain and suffering, and any other costs incurred as a result of the accident.

Finally, an experienced lawyer can handle all negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are often more willing to negotiate a fair settlement when they know that they’re dealing with legal representation. Your attorney will do their best to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your losses so that you can focus on your recovery.

Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case, so it is important to do your research and find a qualified attorney who can best represent you. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have knowledge of the state laws that govern these cases and be able to help you get the justice you deserve.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to discuss your options and learn more about how they can help you get full compensation for all of your losses. Take the time to find an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to fighting for your rights and getting fair compensation for any injuries sustained due to another

What are the Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Mississippi?

Jet-ski and Boat Accident attorney in MississippiAccording to the United States Coast Guard, there were 658 boating fatalities across the United States in 2021. The top five accident types included:

  • Collision with another recreational vessel
  • Collision with a fixed object
  • Flooding
  • Grounding
  • Someone going overboard

In Mississippi, as in other states, inexperienced or distracted drivers were the number one cause of boating accidents in 2021. Every year, thousands of people take to the waterways without any prior experience operating a boat. As a result, they are more likely to make simple mistakes that can have serious consequences. Much like driving a motor vehicle, those who are driving a boat must stay alert for any hazards or dangerous conditions.

Another major cause for recreational boating accidents is excessive speed. In 2021, of the 298 boat accidents that were caused by speeding, resulted in 298 injuries and 28 fatalities.

Even though there are laws in place, alcohol use still remains the top factor in fatal boating accidents. According to the Coast Guard, alcohol played a part in 16 percent of fatal boating accidents in 2021. Drunk driving on the water is just as dangerous as drunk driving on the roads, and it often has even more tragic results.

Other causes of boat accidents include:

  • Crowded waterways and inexperienced boaters: Summer is the perfect boating season and during these warm months the number of boats on the water surge tremendously. Along with an increase in the number of boats on Mississippi’s many rivers and lakes, as well as in the ocean, comes a rise in the number of inexperienced boat operators.  Most summer boaters are only occasional drivers and may lack the expertise that comes with regular boating.  Often, these boaters are out with friends and family, which can impair their attention.  Combine this with improper lookout and collisions occur.
  • Failure of equipment on the boat: It is important to properly maintain your boat and regularly inspect its engine, navigation lights, rescue capacity, steering system, and communication system, along with other vital parts. Sometimes, however, even with the best maintenance an equipment failure can occur due to a faulty part or due to improper installation or maintenance on the part of the boat repair technician.
  • Improper lookout: It is the responsibility of the boat operator to maintain an unobstructed view from the helm and to continuously watch waters for any boats, swimmers and swimming areas, skiers, flags, fish-net, and other buoys, floating debris, and obstacles. But if the boat operator fails to keep watch, boating accidents occur.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents in Mississippi

Q: What Are the Legal Consequences of Boating Under the Influence in Mississippi?

A: Under Mississippi law, it is illegal for any person operating or in control of a vessel to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances while operating the vessel. Driving while under the influence can result in serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and loss of boating privileges.

In addition to criminal consequences, anyone who causes an accident due to their intoxication may also face civil liability for damages caused by their negligence. A conviction for BUI in Mississippi can also lead to increased insurance rates and other financial costs associated with the accident.

Finally, anyone who is arrested on suspicion of operating a vessel while under the influence may face social stigma and judgment from their peers. It’s important that boaters take responsibility for their actions and understand how serious the consequences of BUI can be.

The best way to avoid a BUI conviction is by never operating a vessel after drinking alcohol, no matter how small the amount. Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of an accident or injury. Additionally, all boaters should carry a designated sober driver who will remain on board and keep the vessel from moving until everyone is sober.

Q: What Are Common Boating Accident Injuries?

A: Common boating accident injuries can be divided into two categories: impact injuries and drowning.

Impact injuries occur when a person is thrown from the boat or hit by debris. These types of injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and burns. These injuries can be serious and the injured victim may be facing a long recovery time.

Drowning can occur if a person falls into the water and is unable to get back on the boat or swim to safety. Drowning victims may suffer from hypothermia, which occurs when the body temperature drops too much and affects internal organs. In addition, drowning victims may also suffer from other complications such as pneumonia or brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.

It is important to take precautions when you are out on the water in order to prevent potential accidents and injuries. Make sure everyone is wearing properly fitting lifejackets at all times, avoid taking risks such as swimming in unfamiliar or dangerous waters, and keep an eye on any friends or family that may be inexperienced swimmers. In addition, it is important to familiarize yourself with the area before heading out, so you know what to expect and have a plan of action if something does go wrong.

Accidental amputations and serious soft tissue injuries are also common in boating accidents. In order to avoid these types of injuries, it is important to wear life jackets and follow all safety procedures while on the water.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Boating Accident Lawsuit?

Mississippi law stipulates that injured victims have three years from the date of the accident to submit their boating accident claims. Even though it seems like a long time, after an accident, the evidence will go rapidly. The sooner you file an accident claim, the better your chances of success.

Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer at Giddens Law Firm, P.A. Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But navigating the legal system can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident. That’s where a boating accident attorney at Giddens Law Firm can help.

Our Mississippi boating accident lawyer will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. They can deal with the insurance companies and handle the paperwork so you can focus on healing. Don’t try to go it alone – get the help of a boat accident lawyer at Giddens Law Firm today. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Sidebar Contact Form
Related Practice Areas