REPRESENTING CLIENTS IN ATLANTA, AUGUSTA, COLUMBUS, MACON, SAVANNAH, GAINESVILLE, LAWRENCEVILLE, DECATUR, JONESBORO & THROUGHOUT GEORGIA
Many Atlanta-area residents enjoy taking boats of various sizes out on Georgia’s lakes and rivers or onto the Atlantic Ocean not far to the east. Boating is a pleasurable hobby, and when a boat is given the proper respect it is also a safe hobby.
However, many innocent people are hurt when that proper respect is not shown. Passengers can suffer catastrophic injuries due to the mistakes of a boat operator, while everyone is endangered by a defective part.
Our boating accident lawyers have decades of experience helping the innocent victims of negligence and misconduct. We can do the same for you if you suffered a personal injury while boating.
If you’re a resident of the Atlanta, Georgia area and you’re looking for an experienced,proven boating accident lawyer, please call Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at 404-760-7400 for a free consultation.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS?
Boating accidents are complicated cases and require skilled lawyers to find their true causes. A thorough investigation is required if you are to discover the proximate cause of the accident that injured you.
At Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta area attorneys have helped clients hurt in boating accidents caused by:
- Reckless behavior on the part of the boat operator, including pushing the boat to unsafe speeds
- Failure to recognize obstacles or the presence of land
- Intoxicated operation of the boat
- Defective or poorly manufactured parts
- Improperly trained boating personnel
Every case is unique, and we recognize that. It’s why we provide all of our clients with the individualized attention they deserve. It’s the only way we can truly help you pursue justice and compensation.
What Are The Most Common Boating Accident Injuries?
Several injuries are possible when you are involved in a boating accident. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Electrocution
- Burn Injury
- Broken Bones
- Amputation
Medical expenses, an inability to work, and other economic damages will follow when a boating accident is serious. Therefore, it is always best to talk to an experienced boat accident lawyer to understand your options before settling with an insurance company.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Boating Accident In Georgia?
Victims of boat accidents in Georgia have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim. However, we encourage you to take action long before that time limit approaches. Taking swift action allows our attorneys to investigate the accident while also helping to protect you against insurance companies that may try to coerce you into accepting much less than your claim is worth.
Can I Still File A Claim If I Am Partly At Fault For A Boating Accident In Georgia?
In Georgia, you may still be entitled to seek compensation after a boat accident as long as you are less than 50% responsible. However, determining liability is not something you should leave to an insurance company.
Even if you suspect your actions played a role in your boating accident, consulting with a personal injury attorney is a good idea. Several factors go into these accidents, and many may go overlooked when a thorough investigation is not performed.
Can I Sue A Boat Manufacturer?
When a design flaw or manufacturing defect results in injury, the company that manufactured the boat can be held accountable. This is also true of parts that may have been installed after the boat was purchased, sometimes making a mechanic or third-party parts manufacturer liable as well. The best way to determine who can be held liable for your injuries is through a consultation with an experienced boating accident lawyer.
How Can I Help Prevent A Boating Accident?
Steps to help prevent a boating accident include:
- Take a boating safety course
- Refrain from alcohol consumption
- Maintain a safe and controllable speed
- Be aware of changing weather conditions
- Give other boats room to operate
Boating safety courses are required in Georgia for all operators born after 1998. It is a good idea to take a class, even if you were born before that year, to help ensure you know how to operate your boat safely.
In addition to these steps, be sure all passengers are wearing properly fitted life jackets and that safety equipment is always kept on board.
HOW OUR ATLANTA BOATING ACCIDENT LAWYERS CAN HELP
Whatever the specific circumstances of your boating accident, we are prepared to discuss all of the details. Whether you were hurt on a professionalized boating operation or on a small boat operated by some friends, we can help you decide if legal action is right for you.
In the aftermath of your accident, we can help by:
- Discussing your case at a free initial consultation
- Evaluating the viability of a legal claim deriving from your accident
- Investigating your accident to determine its true cause
- Engaging in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, courtroom proceedings
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“My siblings and I engaged Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King during an extremely stressful time in our lives, and we are thankful that they provided a warm working environment. We were highly impressed by their level of knowledge, their efficiency and their extreme professionalism. From our first contact to our very last conversation, we felt that our team at LCFCK genuinely cares about helping people.”-V. Ford
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Of course, this process can’t start until you arrange for your free initial consultation. It’s important to move quickly, as evidence can disappear and memories can fade.
If you live in or around the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area and you’ve been hurt in a boating accident, you should speak to our attorneys immediately. Please contact Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today by calling 404-760-7400 for a free consultation.