Boating Accidents Attorney in Flowood, Mississippi

From wakeboarding, parasailing, or simply sitting back and enjoying the views, there’s so much to do on the water. But just like the roads, the water can be dangerous – especially when reckless boating is involved. 

Many different circumstances can cause an injury while boating. A boat defect that causes an accident can lead to major injuries and expensive medical bills. Another person’s recklessness boating could end up sending you to the hospital. In the worst-case scenario, there may even be a wrongful death in a boating accident that changes your life forever. It is vital to work with an experienced boating accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected. 

Boating laws are different and more complicated than other personal injury laws, such as those surrounding car accidents. Attorney Ronald E. Stutzman, Jr. can investigate the details surrounding your case and explore your legal options. The Stutzman Law Firm, PLLC proudly serves clients in Flowood, Mississippi, and throughout Bandon, Clinton, Pearl, Richland, and Rankin County.

Boating Accidents in Mississippi

Boats that are used for recreational purposes, such as pontoons, deck boats, trawlers, yachts, and fishing boats, are all subject to state and federal laws – and all can be involved in accidents.

These accidents happen not only in the ocean but also in lakes and rivers. They can occur when one boat collides with another. A wave caused by one boat’s wake can cause an accident. It’s also possible to collide with an object that’s submerged or even the land. Injuries caused by some boating accidents may be prevented if the proper safety equipment is on board.

Ultimately, there are many types of boats and many different circumstances that can lead to a boating accident.

Liability for a Boating Accident

Who can be held liable or financially responsible for the boating accident depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Typically, the person who is liable will be the driver or owner of the boat where the injury happened or the driver (or owner) of the other boat. 

However, other parties can be held responsible if they played a role in the accident. For example, if the accident was caused because of a flaw in the construction of the boat, then the manufacturer of the boat could be held responsible. 

Similarly, the dock owner could be held liable if they played a role in the accident. Last but not least, drunk boating has caused many accidents. It may be possible to hold the intoxicated person who caused the accident liable.

Proving Negligence

To prove that an individual caused a boating accident, there are three conditions that generally must be met. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about how the conditions apply in your specific case. 

First, you must show that the individual had a duty of care, such as to safely operate the boat or to safely maintain the dock. Then, you must prove that the duty of care was breached. For example, you might need to prove that the person operating the boat exceeded the speed limit or was otherwise acting unsafely. 

Lastly, you must show that the breach of the duty of care caused the injuries you sustained. For example, if you were thrown overboard and hit your head on a rock because of the person’s reckless driving, you must prove that instance caused your injuries. 

Compensable Damages

It is possible to recover financial compensation, known as damages, for the losses caused by the boating accident. You may be able to receive damages for your medical bills and for lost income due to missing time at work. It also may be possible to recover compensation for pain and suffering. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about what damages you could receive for your case.