Boating is one of our favorite pastimes. Whether it be a cruise on Lake Erie, a trip to Put-in-Bay or Kelleys Island, or fishing trip on any number of Clevelands’s rivers or lakes, boating is enjoyable for the whole family. However, boating can be extremely dangerous. In 2014, According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft, 22 people died as a result of a boating accident. Statewide, there were 1,311 boating accidents resulting in 43 injuries.
The Cleveland boating accident lawyers at Tittle & Perlmuter have the knowledge and experience to prosecute claims for injuries that resulted from the negligence of others on Ohio’s waterways. When you or a loved one is injured or killed as a result of a boating incident, our personal injury lawyers are there to ensure you receive justice.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
While alcohol, otherwise known as boating while intoxicated, causes a large number of accidents, there are a number of other causes of maritime incidents as well. This is why is it important that the attorneys you hire to handle your case will carry out an in depth investigation as to the cause. The most frequent situations of where a boat operator may be negligent and, therefore, responsible for an occupant’s injury or injury to the occupant of another vessel include:
- Boating in restricted areas;
- Alcohol and drug impairment by operators;
- Negligent operation of a vessel;
- Faulty Safety equipment;
- Hitting a large wave or wake at an unsafe speed or angle;
- Ejections from the boat due to improper operation or navigation in heavy weather;
- Contact with propellers;
- Operating at a high speed;
- Failing to keep a lookout while a guest is skiing or tubing;
- Not knowing the navigational rules;
- Collisions with other watercraft;
- Defective boat construction or repair;
- Impacting a fixed object, such as a navigational aid, pier or bridge;
- Overcrowding & Overloading
Individuals injured due to the negligence of a boat operator may be entitled to compensation such as payment of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with the accident.
It is important that you contact an experienced and skilled boat accident attorney if you or a loved one were involved in a boating or personal watercraft incident – Tittle & Perlmuter will work for you to bring you the peace of mind you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Maritime Accident
The lawyers at our firm will handle all aspects of the case, including the steps necessary to file, pursue, and litigate a boating accident lawsuit. Tittle & Perlmuter wants their clients to focus on one thing, their recovery – let us worry about the rest.
Your local attorney will also launch a thorough investigation and determine the most effective route to achieve justice on your behalf. This may include any of the following things:
- Perform comprehensive research on the history of the vessel and similar accidents in the area;
- Review the boating operator’s driving history and credentials;
- Determine the relevant sections of the applicable laws;
- Research applicable case law for similar cases;
- Investigate the scene or photographs
- Interview any witnesses;
- Order and review all related medical records and bills to gain knowledge of your injury;
- Consult with expert liability and medical experts to provide insight on your claim;
Hire an expert to perform an accident reconstruction; - Negotiate your claim with an insurance adjuster or defense attorney; or
- Try your case in front of a jury.
Our boating accident attorneys are well versed in prosecuting these claims. The attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter have the experience, knowledge of the law, and familiarity with Ohio’s waterways to fight for justice on your behalf.
Consulting with a Boat Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one are a victim of a maritime wreck, the boat accident lawyers with Tittle & Perlmuter will pursue a claim to help you receive the compensation you need and deserve. For a free consultation, call now or fill out our online contact form. We will respond promptly. We can arrange evening and weekend appointments and we can come to you.
