Boat Accidents

Navigating the waters for leisure or work should be a safe and enjoyable experience, but accidents can happen when least expected. When boat accidents occur, they often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boat accident, you already understand the devastating impact it can have on your life. However, it’s also important you understand your rights.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George’s County boat accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of boat accidents seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Our compassionate and skilled team is here to support you through every step of the process to make sure that you and your case are given the respect and attention you deserve.

Maryland, with its extensive network of rivers, bays, and the Atlantic coastline, offers many waterways. Not surprisingly, boating is a very popular activity. Unfortunately, not every captain takes their responsibilities seriously, and boating accidents are more common than more people realize. Some of the waterways in Maryland where boat accidents may occur include:

Chesapeake Bay: As one of the largest estuaries in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay is a popular destination for boating. Its busy waters can lead to accidents involving recreational boats, commercial vessels, and fishing boats.

Patuxent River: This major river runs through central Maryland and is frequented by boaters for its scenic views and fishing spots.

Potomac River: Flowing along the border between Maryland and Virginia, the Potomac River is a well-known spot for boating. However, its varied traffic, from small recreational boats to larger vessels, makes boating in the Potomac dangerous.

Severn River: Located near Annapolis, the Severn River is a popular spot for sailing and other water activities. However, the combination of recreational and competitive boating can sometimes lead to accidents.

Assawoman Bay: Near Ocean City, Assawoman Bay is a hub for boating and water sports. Its heavy usage, especially during the summer months, increases the risk of boating accidents.

Boat accidents can be reviewed under different laws, depending on circumstances. However, many boating accidents are determined by what is known as maritime law. Under maritime law, there are certain claims that you may be able to pursue that you wouldn’t be able to pursue under other laws. For example, if a claim is truly a maritime law claim, the theory of comparative negligence may apply. Comparative negligence is much more favorable to accident victims than contributory fault, which is the legal principle used under Maryland law.

The operator of a boat is held to a “reasonable person” standard, which means they should control the vessel in a way that a reasonable person would find safe. Often, an expert in boat operation and maneuvers may be required to prove negligence since this is an area where many jurors lack the necessary level of understanding.

Cases involving maritime law often have different deadlines, and you must file them in a different court. You want to make sure that your Prince George’s County boat accident attorney is familiar with all the deadlines and proper procedures before you choose a lawyer to represent you.

Boat accidents can happen in many different ways, including:

• Following another watercraft too closely,
• Careless operation when near swimmers,
• Driving at excessive speeds,
• Inexperience,
• Not paying attention, or
• Impaired driving.

Because boat passengers are not secured with a safety restraint when riding on a watercraft, a serious impact with a wave, another watercraft, sandbar or a permanent structure can easily cause someone to fall inside the watercraft or even be ejected from the watercraft.

If you were recently hurt or lost a loved one in a boating accident, reach out to the dedicated Maryland boating accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. At our firm, we take great pride in helping accident victims and their loved ones obtain the justice they deserve. We are compassionate advocates who know what it takes to secure the compensation needed to ensure all your expenses are covered and that you are not left on the hook for someone else’s negligence. We handle all types of boating accidents, as well as other vehicular accidents. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call us at 301-441-2022 or connect with us online by filling out our secure online contact form.