Arizona
(602) 900-9402Helping Boat Accident Victims Across Arizona
Boat operators are responsible for the health and welfare of their passengers as well as other boaters on the waterways. Oftentimes, boaters are injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. Collisions, capsized vessels, falling overboard, and other boating accidents can result in serious injuries and even death.
If you are the victim in a boat accident, The Ramos Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your injuries which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages
If a loved one has been killed in a boating accident, you may have a wrongful death claim and could sue for your loss.
No matter what the situation is, you need an experienced boat accident attorney fighting for you. Let us help you get back on your feet! Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation to evaluate your case.
What a Boat Accident Attorney Will Do For You
After a boating accident, it is crucial to contact a skilled personal injury law firm in Colorado and Arizona familiar with boating regulations and the legal penalties for boating negligence. The attorneys at Ramos Law have extensive knowledge of boat accident investigations and are dedicated to providing expert legal guidance in personal injury cases. We have your best interest in mind and will work diligently to help you get back to a normal way of life.
In order to win your boating accident case, you must prove that:
- The boat owner/operator owed you or your loved one a duty of care (the legal responsibility of a person or organization to avoid any behaviors or omissions that could reasonably be foreseen to cause harm to others)
- The boat operator was negligent
- The operator’s negligence was the direct cause of the boating accident
- The accident caused your injuries or the death of your loved one
The most important thing to know about our experienced boat accident attorneys is that we do the hard work for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. We will gather evidence to fully understand the incident that took place and build your case.
Evidence in your case may include:
- The incident report
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Photos or videos that were taken to document the accident
- Photos of your resulting injuries
- Medical files documenting your injuries
These are all important factors in determining fault for the boating accident and how much compensation you can receive for your injuries.
Boat Accident Causes
Common contributing factors of Arizona boating accidents are:
Distracted Operators
Boaters operating a vessel have a responsibility to focus their attention on the water. When they do not take this seriously, catastrophic accidents can occur to themselves and others.
Improper Lookout
Boat operators are required to keep an eye out for potential dangers. If they do not, potential threats can be missed and accidents can occur.
Operator Inexperience
When boat operators do not understand the rules and basics of boating or how to handle emergency situations, there is a higher chance of getting into a boat accident.
Alcohol Use
In Arizona, it is illegal to operate a motorized watercraft while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.08% or higher), yet intoxication is the primary cause for boat accident deaths.
Excessive Speed
Just like on the road, most waterways have speed limits. Driving too fast puts the boat operator, passengers, and other boaters all at risk because they have less time to react to dangers which can result in horrible collisions.
National Boating Accident Statistics
According to the 2020 recreational boating report from the U.S. Coast Guard, causes of boating accidents were as followed:
- There were 5,265 recreational boating accidents nationally in 2020 — 3,191 were injuries and 767 involved deaths
- 5.62 percent of the national boating accidents involved alcohol
- Alcohol is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents, standing at 15 percent
- 77 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction
The national report stated that casualties include deaths and injuries. Most casualties occurred in boating accidents involving the following:
- Open motorboat: 1896
- Personal watercraft: 962
- Cabin motorboat: 331
- Pontoon: 299
- Canoe/kayak: 271
Arizona Boating Accident Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, the statute of limitations in the state of AZ for a boating accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must either settle the claim or file a lawsuit before the two years expires.
If the at-fault party is a government entity, such as the state, municipality, county, or school district, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the accident. However, there are important procedural deadlines that must be met in any case involving a government entity, and these deadlines can be as little as six months from the date of the accident. For this reason, it is very important that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately if you are involved in a boating accident.
It is important to file your claim as soon as possible after the accident so that potential witnesses can be contacted and evidence (such as video surveillance tapes) can be more easily obtained. Be sure and contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your options as soon as possible as well.
Yes. If another person’s negligent actions caused your boating injuries, that person can still be held responsible, even if you didn’t collide with one another.
Yes. If a family member drowned in a boating accident due to someone’s negligence, you may have a potential wrongful death claim. Make sure to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately if your family member drowned in a boating accident due to someone’s negligence.
No. Make sure to consult with an experienced boat accident attorney BEFORE talking to the insurance company.
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