Maryland Boat Accident Lawyers
Maryland’s waterways offer countless opportunities for boating, fishing, and water recreation, from the Potomac and Patapsco Rivers to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. However, negligent and reckless behavior on the water can lead to serious or even fatal accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, Maryland Injury Lawyers is here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us at any of our locations for help from our team of experienced and dedicated Maryland boat accident lawyers.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Maryland
Boats are powerful machines akin to motor vehicles on the land, but because they are so often used for recreation, operators fail to appreciate the risks and take the care they should. Boating accidents often occur due to many different forms of negligence or recklessness, including:
- Operator inattention – Failing to keep a proper lookout for other vessels, swimmers, or hazards.
- Boating under the influence (BUI) – Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and highly dangerous.
- Excessive speed – Speeding on the water increases the risk of collisions and makes it harder to react to obstacles.
- Failure to follow navigation rules – Ignoring right-of-way rules, reckless turns, or improper passing can lead to accidents.
- Inexperienced operators – Many boaters lack the training and experience needed to operate a vessel safely. Maryland law does not place a minimum age on who may be allowed to operate a boat on the state’s waters.
- Mechanical failure – Poor maintenance or defective boat parts can cause sudden malfunctions leading to crashes.
- Adverse weather conditions – Fog, strong winds, and rough waters can create dangerous conditions for boaters.
Severe Injuries in Boat Accidents
Boat accidents can cause life-threatening injuries due to the impact of a collision, falls overboard, or even drowning. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from impact or lack of oxygen, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, broken bones and fractures, severe lacerations and amputations, hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold water, and drowning or near-drowning incidents. Survivors of boating accidents often face extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes. Our lawyers fight to secure compensation that covers all accident-related expenses.
Determining Liability in a Boating Accident
Holding negligent parties accountable requires a thorough investigation. Our legal team collects evidence such as accident reports from the Maryland Natural Resources Police or the U.S. Coast Guard, witness statements from passengers or bystanders, and surveillance footage from marinas or nearby properties. Other critical evidence in a boat accident case might involve boat maintenance records to identify mechanical failures, operator logs and GPS data to determine speed and location at the time of the accident, and toxicology reports if alcohol or drugs were a factor.
Boat accident cases can involve complex legal issues, including federal maritime laws. Our experienced lawyers understand the nuances of boating accident litigation in Maryland and will fight to hold negligent parties responsible.
Compensation for Boat Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your damages, including emergency medical treatment and ongoing care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and mental trauma, and rehabilitation and long-term care. If the accident resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, we can help surviving family members seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
Contact Maryland Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Insurance companies and boat operators may try to deny liability or minimize your claim. Don’t let them take advantage of you. Maryland Injury Lawyers has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation, and let us start building your case immediately. You pay nothing unless we win for you.