Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating has always been a popular recreational activity in the Edmonton area. Many people take advantage of the North Saskatchewan River and other waterways to use their motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes for a day of fishing or just relaxing out on the water with family. Unfortunately, not all boating trips remain serene. Sometimes, people experience devastating injuries while out on the water due to someone else’s negligence.

If a boating injury harmed you or your loved one, you might be able to seek financial damages from the person responsible for the accident. An Edmonton boat accident lawyer could guide you through a personal injury lawsuit. Zacharias, Vickers & McCann have been in business over 5 years and have a record of success with these types of cases.

Different Types of On-the-Water Accidents in Edmonton

Many different types of boating accidents can cause injuries to boat passengers and people in the water. People on a boat can experience harm when their vessel is not well-maintained, runs aground, hits another vessel, strikes a buoy or dock, takes on too much water, or capsizes. An accident on a vessel could cause a passenger to lose their balance and slip on the boat deck, or even fall from the boat and risk drowning.

People in the water can suffer injuries when a boat strikes them. The vessel’s propellers can cause serious lacerations, cuts, and even amputations to swimmers, water skiers, and anyone else caught in the water. The impact of a fast-moving boat colliding with a person in the water could also lead to broken bones, internal organ damage, back and neck trauma, and head injuries.

Potential Damages

An Edmonton legal team could help an injured boating accident survivor pursue pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages to compensate them for their losses. The lawyers could meet with an injured party to learn the full effect that the accident has had on their life, and help them pursue a reasonable damages award or settlement with the responsible party.

Sadly, boating incidents can also lead to drownings. In the unfortunate event of someone losing their life, a lawyer might be able to help the family of a lost loved one seek financial compensation and accountability in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Common Causes of Boating Injuries

As with most car accidents, most boating accidents could also be prevented if individuals uphold their duty of care. Negligence and recklessness lead to most waterway incidents, which opens up the possibility of a lawsuit. The most common reasons for boating accidents include the following:

  • Inexperience
  • Overcrowding
  • Intoxicated or drugged operation
  • Distracted operation
  • Speeding
  • Boating without lights
  • Lack of safety gear and equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares
  • Deciding to go out onto the water without checking the weather forecast
  • Failure to maintain a vessel and make necessary repairs
  • Manufacturing defects in a vessel or its machinery

An Edmonton lawyer could skillfully investigate what led to the boating accident. They could comb through all available evidence and speak with witnesses, and people familiar with the vessel and operator to determine the liable party.

Call an Edmonton Boating Accident Barrister Today

People who own or operate boats have a duty to maintain them in proper working order, and operate their vessels responsibly and safely. When they fail to observe those duties, they could be liable for any resulting injuries. If you experienced harm while on a boat, you should be aware of your legal rights and options. Call an Edmonton boat accident lawyer who could help you seek reasonable compensation for your losses.