Chandler residents have numerous beautiful lakes and rivers nearby where they can escape the heat and enjoy their natural surroundings. Many people enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the area’s waterways. Some of the larger lakes can accommodate power boating, waterskiing, and riding personal watercraft.
Unfortunately, many people go out on the water with insufficient training and experience. Some people operate their watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs. These irresponsible boaters cause accidents that injure innocent people.
If this has happened to you, contact a Chandler boat accident lawyer at Phillips Law Group. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing accident victims in the local area for decades, and we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Boating Regulations in Arizona Are Lax
Unlike many states, boaters in Arizona do not need a license to operate watercraft. They also do not need to take a boating safety course before taking a vessel onto the water and operating it near other people. As a result, boat operators sometimes have no idea how to manage a boat safely.
The lack of training and experience can lead to accidents, particularly when an unskilled person is operating a powerboat or a jet ski. They may not understand how to manage their wake and might swamp smaller boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. They also may not be attentive enough to avoid swimmers and divers.
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is especially dangerous. Although Arizona Revised Statute § 5-395 makes operating a powerboat while under the influence illegal, enforcement is spotty, and violations are frequent. Our skilled Chandler attorneys can investigate a boating accident and collect evidence indicating the at-fault boater was intoxicated when the accident occurred.
Common Injuries in Boating Accidents
Any injury that occurs on a boat or in the water will be more serious than a similar injury that took place on land. One reason is that the water contains bacteria and pollutants that can cause reactions, including serious infections. The other factor that heightens the severity of injuries sustained in boating accidents is the delay in getting appropriate medical attention.
Injuries can occur when a boat passenger falls on the deck or is thrown overboard. Equipment on the boat can shift and cause injuries. A Chandler attorney represents boating accident victims with the following injuries, among others:
- Cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains, muscle tears, and whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Facial injuries, including blinding eye injuries
- Trauma to the chest and torso
- Traumatic amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Drowning and near-drowning
When boating accident injuries are fatal, a legal professional can assist the victim’s family in bringing a wrongful death lawsuit.
An injured person is entitled to compensation when someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to their injuries. Appropriate compensation would include reimbursement for medical treatment, lost wages, and incidental expenses incurred due to the injury. A boat accident victim is also entitled to compensation for their pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life after the accident.
Proving Negligence in a Boat Accident Case
Negligence is a legal term that means failing to use appropriate caution to prevent injuries to others. Negligent boating can be challenging to prove, so engaging a Chandler injury attorney immediately after the incident is critical.
Arizona Revised Statute § 5-349 provides boaters two days to report an accident with injuries. In that time, a boater could destroy or move evidence that might be critical to proving a negligence case against them. A Chandler attorney can contact the boater immediately after the incident with a demand to preserve evidence.
Sometimes, a negligent boater claims that the accident victim’s conduct contributed to their injuries. Even when that allegation is true, the injured person is still entitled to collect the portion of their damages attributable to others’ conduct.
Engage a Chandler Attorney to Handle a Boat Accident Claim
Injuries sustained in boating accidents can lead to significant pain and inconvenience, loss of income, and a diminished quality of life. The irresponsible person who caused or contributed to the incident is responsible for compensating your losses.
Contact a Chandler boat accident lawyer at Phillips Law Group immediately after the accident. Our team can investigate the incident, collect valuable evidence, and hold the responsible party accountable.
Do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the team for a complimentary consultation today. The evaluation is confidential and you are under no obligation to work with us after this initial meeting. Call now to learn more!
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