Boating Accidents Attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina is among the landlocked states in the United States. Regardless, there are still over 5,000 miles of North Carolina waters – including reservoirs and lakes – for boaters to explore. In fact, many boating aficionados visit waterways across the state every year to sail, fish, water ski, and enjoy other water recreational activities.  

Unfortunately, just like drivers on land, boaters are also exposed to possible dangers and risks. Such boating accidents may occur from collisions with other vessels or fixed objects, flooding, equipment failure, or explosion. If you or someone you know were injured in a boating accident caused by another person's negligent actions, you may be eligible to seek fair financial compensation through injury claims.     

At Life Law, we have the comprehension, practice, and resources to direct, support, and represent victims of boating accidents in their injury claims. Also, we can examine every element of your case and educate you about your possible options to seek damages. Our skilled North Carolina personal injury attorneys will battle compassionately for your legal rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses.  

Life Law proudly serves clients across Raleigh, Nags Head, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville, and throughout all of North Carolina.

Which Boats Require Registration in North Carolina? 

According to North Carolina law, all motorized vessels and boats used on public waters in the state must be registered, including jet skis. Other boats that require registration include: 

• Coast Guard Documented Vessels operating in the state for over 90 consecutive days. 

• Sailboats longer than 14 feet used on public waters. 

• Vessels already registered in another state but operating in North Carolina waters for more than 90 consecutive days. 

In addition, vessel owners who decide to title their vessels must also register them. 

Types of Boating Accidents 

Below are some of the most common types and causes of boating accidents in North Carolina: 

• Collisions with fixed objects 

• Collisions with other vessels or boats  

• Hitting a wave 

• Hitting another boat's wake 

• Equipment failure 

• Fires 

• Failure to have adequate safety equipment on board 

• Accidents involving another person on a towable object 

• Sinking, swamping, capsizing, or running aground. 

• Operator errors 

• Carbon monoxide poisoning 

• Flooding 

• Accidents involving a skier 

• Explosions 

• Falls overboard 

A strategic North Carolina boating accident can assess and investigate all of the facts of your case carefully, establish liability, and determine the best way to proceed with your injury claims. 

Liability for a Boating Accident 

Depending on the events leading to the crash and other surrounding circumstances, a number of different parties or entities may be held liable for a boating accident. These include: 

• The driver or owner of the boat the injured person was riding. 

• The driver or owner of the other boat involved in the incident. 

• The dock owner 

• The boat or equipment manufacturer 

• Drunk boating 

• Any other party who negligently or recklessly contributed to the boating crash or your injuries. 

A well-informed personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights, seek to identify the liable party or parties, and help establish negligence.   

Proving Negligence 

To prove negligence in a boating accident claim and pursue damages, the plaintiff must show that: 

• The at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care. 

• The at-fault party breached their expected duty of care. 

• The at-fault party's breach or negligent act caused your injuries. 

• You suffered bodily injury, actual harm, or other losses from the accident. 

A loyal attorney can review the facts of your case, help prove negligence, and determine the damages you may be entitled to. 

Compensable Damages 

The following damages may be recovered by filing a boating accident claim in North Carolina: 

• Medical bills, including the cost of ongoing and long-term treatments. 

• Lost wages/income and other benefits 

• Physical therapy         

• Lost or reduced earning capacity         

• Emotional distress 

• Physical impairment 

• Medical supplies and medication 

• Disfigurement 

• Attorney fees and court costs 

• Repair or replacement of damaged property      

• Pain, discomfort, and suffering 

• Loss of consortium 

• Disability 

• Loss of enjoyment of life 

An understanding North Carolina boating accident lawyer can evaluate the magnitude of your injuries and losses and help you pursue your rightful financial compensation. 

How Life Law Can Help You  

Being involved in a negligent boating accident can be an overwhelming experience and can affect your mental, physical, and financial well-being. However, you don't have to go through the pain and financial liability all by yourself. Therefore, when injured in a boating accident, you need to act quickly and possess an experienced personal injury attorney to advocate for your best interests and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.   

At Life Law, our team has the comprehension to help you hold those responsible for your injuries liable. Also, we will fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and damages.