Even though Arizona is a landlocked state, there are still various places within the Grand Canyon State to put unpowered and powered vessels into navigable bodies of water and spend a day — or more — away from dry land. Just like on roads and highways, though, you may have to share navigable waterways with other boaters who are not as careful and responsible as they should be, and that sometimes leads to accidents with life-altering repercussions.
If you have been hurt recently in any accident caused by negligent boat operation or maintenance, you should strongly consider contacting a Glendale boat accident lawyer to discuss the possibility of civil litigation. With help from a local personal injury attorney who is unafraid to go to court on your behalf, you will have a much better chance of getting the restitution you deserve than you would ever likely have filing suit on your own. Call Phillips Law Group today to learn more about how we can help.
What Counts as “Negligence” Out on the Water?
Like motor vehicle drivers, boat operators and owners have a “duty of care” under Arizona state law requiring them to follow all applicable boating laws for the waterway they are in and to stay focused and responsible at all times while operating their vessels. Anyone who violates, or “breaches,” this duty and causes an otherwise preventable accident as a direct result of their breach is legally “negligent,” which in turn would make them civilly liable for injuries and losses they cause another person to suffer through that incident.
It is worth noting that while children under the age of 12 are technically prohibited by Arizona law from operating vessels with motors capable of generating more than eight horsepower, that law does not apply if there is at least one adult at least 18 years of age with a valid Boater Education Card on board with them. If a person under 18 is the one primarily at fault for a boat accident, a Glendale attorney can help hold their parent(s), guardian(s), or some other adult liable for failing to provide proper supervision.
Getting Paid Fairly Within Filing Deadlines
Boat accident lawsuits are also similar to motor vehicle crashes in terms of the “damages” that an injured person can seek recovery for through a lawsuit or settlement demand. Both economic and non-economic forms of harm can be factored into a boat accident claim, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Short-term and long-term medical bills
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Vessel repair/replacement costs and other forms of personal property damage
- Emotional anguish and psychological trauma
- Lost work income, benefits, and/or earning capacity
A person injured in a boat accident will typically have two years at most under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542 to file suit after they initially get hurt, something which a skilled lawyer in Glendale can provide crucial assistance with accomplishing.
Get in Touch With a Glendale Boat Accident Attorney Today
In many respects, collisions between powered watercraft can be even more dangerous than collisions between cars on land, thanks to the ever-present risk of drowning and the relative lack of safety equipment on board the average boat. This can make it even more important than usual to thoroughly understand what legal rights you have after suffering a boat-related injury and to have help with enforcing them from dependable legal counsel.
A conversation with a seasoned Glendale boat accident lawyer can give you answers to any questions you have about the civil litigation process and confidence about what next steps you should take within it. Our team is ready to help you move forward.
With over 30 years of serving the local community, the team at Phillips Law Group can utilize our knowledge and experience to advocate for your best interests. You are under no obligation to work with us after your first meeting and your initial consultation is free. Please reach out today to begin discussing the details of your situation with a trusted advocate.
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