Crowley’s proximity to the beautiful coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and its freshwater lakes makes boating a pleasurable pastime. The hot, humid summers make boat rides appealing because they offer an opportunity to cool off.
Riding along the gorgeous waters in Louisiana is a dream. However, that exciting time can turn quickly sour if an accident occurs. Although you never expect an accident while enjoying your time on the lovely blue water, it can happen. When it does, your injuries could be serious.
Whether you have been in an accident while driving your boat or lost a loved one in a boating accident, you deserve to collect the financial damages from your injuries or losses. A Crowley boating accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal process of pursuing compensation.
The Prevalence of Boating Accidents
The U.S. Coast Guard 2019 Recreational Boating Statistics states that 4,168 recreational boating accidents in 2019 resulted in 613 fatalities, 2,559 in juries, and roughly $55 million in property damage.
When you work with one of our boating accident lawyers, you will be working with someone who has many years of experience handling personal injury cases. You will also have an attorney who understands the Louisiana laws and will use them to your advantage.
For a free legal consultation with a boating accident lawyer serving Crowley, call (337) 777-7777
Types of Boating Accidents in Crowley
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the top five causes of boating accidents are:
Collisions with Other Recreational Vessels
Many individuals choose to get out on the water to enjoy themselves and stay cool in the summer. However, when sharing a space with other boaters, accidents can easily happen. Some boats run into one another due to operator error or negligence.
Collisions were the most common type of boat accident in the U.S. in 2019, resulting in 1,071 accidents with 47 fatalities and 650 injuries.
Collisions with Fixed Objects
Not all boating accidents in Crowley involve other watercraft. In some cases, boat operators strike fixed objects, like a pier. They may also run their boat into a natural feature, like an underwater rock they did not notice.
Running Aground
Some boat operators accidentally run their craft aground. When this happens, they can get stuck on the shore or a sandbar. In some cases, these accidents allow water to flood into a hole ripped into the boat’s hull.
Flooding the Boat
Water entering a boat can result in serious problems for everyone on the vessel. Boats can sink quickly once they develop a hull breach. Water flooding into a boat also increases the chances of an electrocution accident.
Falling Overboard
Finally, some boating accidents occur when someone falls over the side of the craft. Boat operators and guests may fall off the ship. This type of accident poses several risks, especially if the person who fell overboard cannot swim.
However, even strong swimmers can sustain injuries after falling off a boat. They could land poorly in the water or hit something under the surface. Furthermore, sometimes the water around Crowley gets very cold.
Exposure to frigid water can tire swimmers out quickly and lead to issues like hypothermia. Therefore, even strong swimmers should attempt to return to the boat quickly after falling overboard.
Crowley Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Boating Accidents and How They Happen
As you can imagine, there are many different reasons a boat wreck may occur. Inattentive driving tops the list, as it does with many kinds of vehicle accidents. It was a contributing factor to approximately 546 boating accidents in 2019. Other boat accident causes include:
- Machinery malfunction
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Tumultuous water due to bad weather
- Inexperienced driver
If you have experienced a boating accident, a Crowley boating accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help. We will get you started with a free case consultation.
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Types of Injuries Sustained in a Boating Accident
Injuries and even death can occur from a boating accident, and some of these injuries can be serious. One of the most serious results of a boating accident is drowning. In a drowning incident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Other injuries from a boating accident may include:
- Spinal cord injuries due to a collision
- Brain injuries if you are under the water too long
- Electrocution
- Broken bones or sprains
- Whiplash
Not only do boating accidents result in physical injuries, but you can be emotionally traumatized too. Some accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, or fear of water (aquaphobia).
Your Crowley boating accident lawyer can guide you on what options you have in your case. Ensure you seek immediate medical care after any injuries sustained in a boat accident. Getting care quickly helps connect your healthcare expenses to the accident.
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Recoverable Damages in Boating Accident
You may be wondering what type of damages you can recover when you are in a boating accident. Of course, the other party will be responsible for covering any property damage to your boat. However, you will likely have sustained other damages, as well.
Other recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and supplies
- Lost income from being away from work
- Future wage loss, if disabled
- Wrongful death, if applicable
- Loss of consortium
- Mental pain and suffering
Our team understands the losses you could face after a boating accident in Crowley. We take your needs seriously and put you first to help you recover fair compensation.
Possible Liability for Boating Accidents in Crowley
Your Crowley boating accident lawyer must gather evidence to build a strong case. They must show that the other party was liable for the accident. To prove liability, your lawyer will show the other party had a duty of care to uphold.
Everyone who operates a motor vehicle has a duty of care to other drivers. In many cases, boat operators hold some degree of liability for the accident, especially if they acted recklessly by:
- Disobeying boating regulations
- Failing to keep their boat properly maintained
- Not providing appropriate safety gear for passengers
Generally, boat operators need to provide their guests with life jackets. However, some boat operators skip this precaution, especially if they only have their friends on a boat. Taking this risk endangers anyone on the watercraft.
However, boat operators do not always hold liability for an accident. In some cases, a lawyer may seek compensation from the boat manufacturer. The manufacturer could cause an accident by selling a boat with dangerous defects.
Gathering Evidence After a Boating Accident in Crowley
You cannot secure compensation after a Crowley boating accident simply by claiming that someone else caused the collision. Your lawyer must show that the at-fault party violated their duty of care and was negligent.
Your lawyer will assess the evidence in the accident by looking at the police report, talking to witnesses, and viewing photos of the boats. This evidence helps prove who was at fault in the accident.
Gathering evidence typically occurs before a lawyer files an insurance claim on your behalf. Having evidence in hand allows your attorney to make a stronger case on your behalf, helping you seek the compensation you deserve.
The evidence can also help link the accident to certain injuries you may have sustained, which is the final part of the case.
You may only receive compensation if a lawyer shows that the accident directly led to your injuries. Our team reviews the facts about what happened in the accident and their effects on your life. We gather details from medical professionals and other experts.
Hiring a Crowley Boating Accident Lawyer
Hiring a Crowley boating accident lawyer is smart if you are suffering from injuries. They will ensure you do not get the short end of a settlement claim. With their knowledge of boating accidents, they will investigate every avenue to work toward a positive result in your case.
You also will not need to collect any evidence in your case because we can handle all of that for you. This service is a relief as you can take time to heal from your traumatic experience.
Take action and preserve your rights today. Under Louisiana Civil Code § 3492, you only have one year to file a claim. Get ahold of our office at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers; we will make sure you have a strong advocate fighting your case.
Receive a Free Consultation with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
When you contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation case consultation. During this time, we will discuss your options and outline a plan moving forward. We will keep you updated on our progress with your case, and you will not have to pay unless we collect.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
