According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the top five most common causes of boat accidents include improper lookout, machinery failure, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and operator inattention. Additionally, statistics show that 17 percent of boating accident deaths were attributed in some way to alcohol, making it the number one leading factor in boating fatalities. Between 2011 and 2012, boating accidents decreased 1.6 percent, injuries decreased 2.6 percent, and deaths decreased 14.1 percent.
At first glance, these statistics may indicate that boating accidents and injuries are declining. However, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,515 boating accidents, 3,000 injuries, and 651 deaths in just 2012. Although boating is a popular form of recreation across the country, it can also be dangerous and potentially fatal if those on the water fail to exercise caution and a reasonable standard of care when operating their vessels.
Individuals who have been injured in a boating accident caused by recklessness or negligence may consider working with a Colorado boat accident lawyer to determine if they have a case. The first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is to determine who is responsible for the incident, and a Colorado boat accident lawyer can help you make this determination.
While machine and mechanical failures are sometimes to blame for these boating accidents, many occur because one party was careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent in some way. Your Colorado boat accident lawyer can inform you if one or more of the following parties could be named as a defendant in your case:
- The leasing company, if the boat was a rental
- The owner of the boat
- Personnel, staff, or other passengers
- The manufacturer of a defective part
- The individual or party responsible for repairing, inspecting, or maintaining the boat
- The operator of the boat
When you consider all of the factors that can go into a boating accident lawsuit, it becomes clear why legal counsel is important. A Colorado boat accident lawyer can help you pursue your claim against those responsible and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, you may also be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf.
Contact a Colorado Boat Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident and you believe that the incident was the fault of another party, you may be able to pursue a claim and seek compensation for your condition. Attorney Group for Colorado can evaluate your case, free of charge, and help you determine if you have a case. If you do, we can connect you with an affiliated Colorado boat accident lawyer who can help you seek compensation. Contact us today.
