Glen Burnie Boat Accident Lawyers
Glen Burnie residents and visitors regularly enjoy recreational boating activities on nearby waterways such as the Patapsco River, Chesapeake Bay, and Curtis Creek. However, when recreational boating involves risky, reckless or negligent activities, boating accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. When a day on the water turns into a life-altering event, victims and their families need strong legal support. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, our Glen Burnie boating accident lawyers help clients navigate the complex aftermath of boat accidents, holding negligent parties accountable and pursuing the compensation victims deserve.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Glen Burnie
Many boat accidents occur because someone failed to operate their vessel responsibly or failed to follow boating laws. Some of the most common causes include:
- Operator inexperience or negligence
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding and reckless operation
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Equipment failure
- Lack of maintenance
- Failure to heed hazardous water conditions such as poor weather or heavy waves.
Even experienced boaters can find themselves in dangerous situations due to the careless actions of others. Identifying the cause of the accident is critical in determining liability and building a strong case. Boat accident cases can involve a range of incidents. Common types of boat accidents include:
- Collisions between boats or with stationary objects like docks or buoys
- Falling overboard
- Vessels capsizing or sinking
- Onboard fires or explosions
Accidents may also occur on jet skis and other personal watercraft, or result from injuries caused by propellers, tow ropes, or other equipment. Each case is unique and requires a detailed investigation to uncover the facts and determine who is at fault.
Because boating accidents often happen far from immediate medical care, the resulting injuries can be especially serious. Victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, drowning or near-drowning, broken bones, lacerations, burns, or hypothermia. These injuries often lead to long-term recovery needs, expensive medical bills, and emotional trauma. Recovery can be slow and difficult, and victims may require months or even years of physical therapy or specialized treatment. Our team works to ensure you receive compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses and supports your recovery.
Liability in Maryland Boating Accidents
Determining liability in a boating accident depends on the specific facts of the case. Responsible parties may include the boat operator or owner, the manufacturer of a defective vessel or part, rental companies that failed to maintain their boats, or other boaters or third parties who contributed to the accident. Maryland law requires boaters to operate vessels in a safe and responsible manner. When negligence occurs, injured victims have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. However, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule bars recovery if the injured party is found even slightly at fault, making it essential to have experienced legal representation to avoid missteps that could jeopardize your claim.
How Maryland Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping boat accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our legal team begins by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering critical evidence such as accident reports, photographs, and witness statements. We consult with boating safety experts and marine accident reconstructionists when necessary to determine fault and strengthen your case. From there, we negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue a fair settlement. If insurers fail to offer adequate compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation includes emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. It may also cover lost income if you are unable to work, as well as loss of future earning potential if your injuries result in long-term disability. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. Property damage to the boat or personal items may also be recoverable. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that all potential damages are accounted for in your claim.
Contact a Glen Burnie Boat Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident in Glen Burnie or nearby waterways, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact Maryland Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the negligent party accountable. With our help, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal process. There are no fees unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out and everything to gain by protecting your future.
