Denver Boat Accident Lawyer
Although water sports and recreational boating can be great sources of fun and leisure, they can also be extremely dangerous – particularly when other people are negligent. If you were injured in a boating accident someone else caused, you need experienced legal help to hold them accountable for what you’ve suffered. You need The Wilhite Law Firm.
A Denver boat accident lawyer from our firm can help you navigate the legal process in the aftermath. From the initial investigation to settlement negotiations with insurance companies, you can expect strong legal advocacy and a commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for your boating accident injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation, and find out what our firm can do for you.
What Are Some Causes of Denver Boating Accidents?
Unfortunately, boating accidents in Colorado can cause significant injuries or even death. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has documented some common causes of recent boating accidents. Some of the causes of these accidents are related to the boat itself, including failure of the vessel or boating equipment.
However, human error and environmental factors can also cause watercraft accidents. The use of alcohol, unsafe speed, failure to keep a proper lookout, and boat operator inexperience are all common contributing factors to boating accidents. Hazardous water conditions, bad weather, and even the wake of the boat itself can lead to injuries as well.
What Injuries Are Most Common in Boating Accidents?
The speed of the boat, the operator’s actions, and environmental factors can all contribute to an accident and affect the nature and extent of subsequent injuries, which might include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident?
Your Denver boat accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of the incident to assess who might be liable for your injuries. Any parties that failed to act with reasonable care might be responsible for the accident and your injuries.
Every case is different, so the specifics surrounding the accident will dictate who is liable for it. That might include any of the following:
- The person operating the boat that collided with yours
- The reckless operator of a boat you were a passenger on
- Other boat passengers who acted recklessly and contributed to your injuries
- The boat owner who failed to properly maintain the boat equipment
- The boat manufacturer if the accident was due in part to an equipment defect
Are There Steps I Can Take to Be Safe in a Boat?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) provides helpful tips for staying safe on a boat. You can protect yourself and others by keeping some key safety practices in mind while enjoying a boat ride or other water sports on Colorado’s many lakes and rivers. Consider these tips before going out on the water:
- Wear a proper life vest
- Perform a safety inspection of the boat
- Review what to do in the event of an accident
- Check your equipment
- Attend a boating safety course
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Boating Accident?
Your first steps after a boating accident should be to get yourself to safety and then seek medical attention. Once you’ve done so, taking these steps can preserve your legal rights to compensation:
- Gather evidence – Be sure to obtain contact information from any witnesses of the accident. Take photographs of your injuries, any damage to the boat, and the accident scene. Write down your account of events while your memory is still fresh.
- Contact law enforcement – If first responders appear at the accident scene, they will likely create an accident report. This report is a crucial component of your case as it will include details about the accident, its location, and the officer’s impression of how the accident occurred.
- Talk to an attorney – By retaining a skilled boating accident lawyer soon after the accident, you can rest assured you have strong legal representation from the beginning. Your attorney will assist in all aspects of your case, handling any communications with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
What Compensation Might Be Available for My Injuries?
An experienced Denver boating accident attorney from The Wilhite Law Firm can evaluate your case and the types of compensation for which you may be eligible. As a boat accident victim, the type and severity of your injuries will affect the amount of compensation you may receive for your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Denver Boat Accident Claim?
Under Colorado law, a boating accident victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failure to file your case within this timeframe could leave you unable to recover money for your losses.
Although two years may seem like a long time, it is essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Your attorney can file your case on time and keep track of all other deadlines so you can work on fully recovering from your boating accident injuries.
Contact a Denver Boat Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a boating accident in Denver, contact The Wilhite Law Firm. Our team works tirelessly on behalf of our deserving clients to seek maximum compensation, and we never charge a fee unless we win. Contact us today for a free case review with one of our Denver boat accident lawyers.
