Gilbert Boat Accident Lawyer

While Arizona may be better known for deserts and gulches than rivers and lakes, there are still a few places in the aptly named Grand Canyon State where boaters can get out on the water. However, with boaters comes the risk of a boat operator acting irresponsibly at the helm of their vessel, which can, and as you may have learned the hard way recently, sometimes does, lead to collisions and other accidents resulting in serious injuries.

Just like you could after a traffic accident on land, you can often file a civil suit with a personal injury attorney’s help against a person who negligently causes you to get hurt in a boating accident. If you want to get the best possible result from your unique claim, though, you should strongly consider retaining a Gilbert boat accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group who is willing to go to court on your behalf if necessary to make sure you get the compensation you need.

What Damages Are Recoverable After a Boat Collision?

Contrary to what many people might assume, a high-speed collision between mostly metal machines can have devastating consequences whether it happens on asphalt, concrete, or on the surface of a “navigable waterway.” In the latter most scenario, the risk of drowning is added to the risk of injuries such as broken bones, ligament tears, and debilitating damage to the brain or spinal cord. This means boat accident lawsuits often have to account for long-term damages caused by an irreversible injury in addition to short-term losses that have already happened by the time a civil claim begins.

While every case is unique, just like every boat accident victim is, damages that commonly factor into claims of this nature include:

  • Emergency medical bills and expected future costs for things like physical therapy, assistive equipment, and in-home care
  • Lost work income and/or future earning ability
  • Personal property damage, potentially including vessel repair/replacement costs
  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • Emotional and psychological suffering
  • Lost enjoyment of life

A Gilbert boat accident attorney can offer more specific information about the losses a particular person could possibly recover for during a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Comparative Fault Could Impact Civil Recovery

One other important thing boat accident litigation has in common with auto accident litigation is the possibility that “comparative fault” could reduce the total compensation available to the injured “plaintiff” filing suit. As per Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-2505, any person who contributes to causing their own injuries through their own negligence can only recover financially for the amount of fault held by other people for those injuries.

Fortunately, Arizona adheres to a “pure comparative fault” system, which means that unlike in many other states, there is no amount of fault an injured person can hold — other than 100 percent — which completely disqualifies them from seeking civil compensation from other people to blame for their accident. Still, this can be a major obstacle to recovering fairly for injuries in a boat accident, and it is something a seasoned lawyer in Gilbert can provide crucial help blunting the impact of.

Let a Gilbert Boat Accident Attorney Help

Negligence on the water can cause life-altering harm, just like negligence on the road can, especially if a collision happens at high speeds. On top of that, demanding the compensation you deserve for harm you sustained due to someone else’s negligence can be challenging even if you have lots of evidence on your side — and unfortunately, that is often not the case with boat accident lawsuits in particular.

Assistance from a seasoned Gilbert boat accident lawyer will almost certainly be essential to effectively enforcing your rights and achieving a favorable outcome from your lawsuit or settlement demand. Call today to discuss your legal options with a member of our legal team at Phillips Law Group.

With over 30 years of experience helping the local community, we are passionate about providing knowledgeable, tenacious representation to people who need it most. Please reach out today to learn more about how we can help!