Jacksonville NC Boat Accident Lawyer

The allure of North Carolina’s waterways and ocean views is undeniable, offering moments of relaxation and enjoyment. However, a boating accident can instantly destroy the tranquility of a day on the water. While these incidents may be relatively infrequent, their consequences can be significant, leading to severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

What happens after a boat accident can be overwhelming, with victims facing physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. A Jacksonville personal injury lawyer can help you determine liability and navigate the complexities of filing a claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident in North Carolina, contact our Jacksonville NC boat accident lawyer from the Ricci Law Firm to receive immediate assistance.

Boating Accidents in Jacksonville, NC

In the Jacksonville, North Carolina area, accidents can arise from a variety of hazards and risks presented to personal watercraft, commercial fishing boats, and other vessels. Constantly moving waterways like the nearby New River will hold different dangers than on the still lakes of Onslow County. Our boating accident lawyers understand the unique characteristics and legal principles governing the pursuit of compensation after boating accidents in our local area.

Sporting and Recreational Boating Accidents

Boats designed for active water sports and recreational passenger hauling can present specific challenges. Some include:

Deck Boats: Combining the space of pontoons with the speed of ski boats, deck boats present risks associated with high-speed watersports and potential overcrowding.
Kayaks: Their low profile makes them challenging to spot, especially in busy waterways. Waves from larger boats can easily capsize kayaks, and adverse weather conditions can quickly escalate danger.
Ski Boats: Designed for waterskiing, slalom, and jumping, these boats can create hazardous situations when skiers fall or collide with other vessels or objects.
Sailboats: While graceful, sailboats are susceptible to capsizing, particularly in strong winds or rough waters. Motorized sailboats also introduce the risk of propeller injuries.

Personal Watercraft (PWC): Jetskis, Waverunners, and Sea-Doos are agile and fast, but their maneuverability can make them difficult for larger vessels to avoid. High speeds and sudden turns increase the risk of collisions.
Pontoon Boats: Their spacious decks encourage large gatherings, but their limited maneuverability can contribute to collisions, especially in congested areas.

Luxury Live-Aboard Vessels

These vessels, designed for extended voyages, introduce risks similar to those found in residential settings:

Cabin Cruisers: Enclosed cabins pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust or onboard generators.
Yachts: Their sheer size and limited maneuverability make it difficult for them to stop or change course quickly, posing a danger to smaller vessels.

Dangers of Commercial Fishing Boats

Boats used for commercial fishing and related activities face unique occupational hazards:

Catamarans: Their multiple hulls make docking challenging, increasing the risk of collisions in marinas.
Fishing Boats: Often operated solo, fishing boats expose operators to increased risks of falls, capsizing, and isolation in case of emergencies.
Trawlers: Used for commercial fishing, trawlers present hazards associated with heavy machinery, commercial fishing gear, and demanding work conditions.
Dinghies: Small and easily affected by wind and waves, dinghies pose risks of capsizing or being swept away by larger vessels.

Legal Support For Boating Accidents in Jacksonville, NC

Regardless of the type of vessel, boating accidents can result in severe injuries and complex legal issues. A North Carolina boat accident attorney from the Ricci Law Firm can provide crucial assistance if you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident. We possess the maritime knowledge and legal resources to investigate your case, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Understanding the hazards of different boat types is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring a successful outcome.

Statistics Regarding Boating Accidents

The numbers from the U.S. Coast Guard’s annual boating report paint a sobering picture of recreational boating safety. Nationwide, 3,884 accidents occurred, tragically resulting in 564 deaths and 2,126 injuries. This translates to a fatality rate of 4.9 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational boats, a statistic that underscores the inherent risks associated with water activities. Notably, a significant percentage of these fatalities, specifically 75%, where the cause of death was identified, were attributed to drowning.

Further exacerbating the issue is the critical role of life jacket usage. The data reveal that a staggering 87% of drowning victims whose life jacket status was known were not wearing them. Another report published by the National Institutes of Health emphasizes the role of alcohol as a contributing factor to these drowning incidents, especially where people have not been wearing life jackets.

In North Carolina, the most recent reporting year documented 155 boating accidents, resulting in 20 fatalities. If you were injured in a boating accident in Onslow County or elsewhere in North Carolina, that was not your fault. You need a boating accident attorney to represent you and get you the settlement you deserve.

Calculating Your Comprehensive Case Value

Pursuing a boating accident claim independently can often result in significantly lower compensation than you deserve due to the difficulty of calculating a comprehensive value of the damages you have sustained. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit requires legal experience and the ability to calculate past, present, and potential future expenses. We will meticulously assess your case and pursue claims for:

All past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity resulting from your recovery
Compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
Damages for the impact of your injuries on your personal life and relationships

In the tragic event of a fatal boating accident, we provide compassionate and aggressive representation in wrongful death claims. In these cases, we provide sensitive and determined legal support, acting as your advocates during an incredibly difficult time.

Causes of Boating Accidents

While North Carolina’s diverse waterways offer ample recreational opportunities, they also present potential hazards. Understanding the common causes and types of boating accidents can help you determine liability and construct a solid case for your personal injury claim. Common accident types include:

Boat Collisions: These can involve collisions between boats, boats and personal watercraft (PWCs), or boats and fixed objects like docks or submerged obstacles. Hidden obstacles due to high water levels pose a significant risk, particularly in unfamiliar areas.

Flooding and Swamping: Overloading and uneven weight distribution can cause boats to take on water and capsize. Sharp turns can also lead to water intrusion. Malfunctioning bilge pumps exacerbate the risk of swamping.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents: The speed and maneuverability of PWCs contribute to a higher risk of accidents. Their jet-propelled nature, which requires throttle engagement for steering, can lead to collisions when operators release the throttle in panic situations. Blunt force trauma is a common cause of PWC-related fatalities.

Falls Overboard: Smaller boats (under 21 feet) are disproportionately involved in fatal falls overboard. A significant percentage of drowning fatalities result from individuals not wearing life jackets.

Serious Injuries that Result from Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries and fatalities. The specific type of injuries can depend on the nature and severity of the accident as well as the type of boat(s) involved. Common injuries reported in boating accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur from impacts with hard surfaces within the boat, being thrown from the vessel, or being struck by debris. Concussions can lead to short-term memory loss, headaches, and dizziness, while severe TBIs can cause long-term cognitive impairments, including memory loss, difficulty with speech and language, personality changes, and impaired motor skills. Rehabilitation for TBI can be extensive and costly, often requiring ongoing therapy and support.
Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures, strains, sprains, and ligament tears are common due to the force of collisions, falls, and impacts, and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Burns: Boat fires and explosions can cause severe thermal burns, leading to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term pain. Burn treatment often involves skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and intensive rehabilitation.
Amputations: Propeller strikes, collisions, and entanglement in ropes or equipment can result in traumatic amputations. Victims may require extensive medical care, prosthetic devices, and ongoing rehabilitation, as well as therapy for their psychological trauma.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can occur from falls, impacts, or crushing forces, leading to paralysis or other neurological deficits. Spinal cord injuries require specialized medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck and back injuries are common due to the sudden and forceful movements involved in boating accidents. These injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability.
Soft Tissue Damage: Muscle tears, contusions, and other soft tissue injuries can lead to prolonged pain and recovery. These injuries can also lead to the development of scar tissue that limits movement and causes pain.
Lacerations: Cuts and lacerations from collisions or debris can be extensive and require immediate medical attention.
Drowning/Near Drowning: Even brief periods of submersion can result in severe brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. Near-drowning victims may experience long-term cognitive impairments, respiratory problems, and neurological deficits.

The consequences of these injuries can be devastating, impacting not only the victim’s physical and emotional well-being but also their financial stability and family life. The substantial medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs can create significant burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident, it is crucial to seek legal counsel. A knowledgeable boat accident lawyer can assess your case, advise you on your legal rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries and rebuild your life.

How We Can Help With Your Boating Accident Claim

Working with a North Carolina boat accident lawyer can help protect your rights. When you start a personal injury claim with Ricci Law Firm, our boat accident lawyer will begin by investigating your accident. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties. We will also examine whether the at-fault party broke North Carolina boating regulations, which could further support your claim.

Gathering evidence is the next step, which includes collecting crucial evidence as soon as possible. You should never delay pursuing your claim, as physical evidence, as well as memories from eyewitnesses, will degrade over time. We work to pursue testimony, accident reports, medical records, photographs, videos, and other types of proof to collect a body of evidence to support a strong claim in your favor.

After this, we will negotiate with insurance adjusters and manage all communications with the at-fault party’s insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. If they deny your claim or refuse to negotiate to a fair settlement amount, we will help you pursue further legal action. This means filing a lawsuit within the North Carolina statute of limitations for personal injury to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether your boating accident goes to court or is settled out of court, we will advocate for your rights and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Ricci Law Firm’s North Carolina boat accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of these cases. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you navigate the aftermath of a boating accident and secure the compensation you need to recover. If you have been involved in a boating accident, do not hesitate to contact the Ricci Law Firm for immediate assistance. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice.

Contact Our Boat Accident Attorneys in Jacksonville, NC, for Your Personal Injury Claim

Know that you are not alone if you suffered injuries in a boating accident caused by negligence. At Ricci Law Firm, we are here to help you navigate the aftermath. Our North Carolina boat accident attorneys will aggressively pursue your claim, handling all insurance negotiations to maximize your compensation.

Review our case results to see how we have helped people just like you recover their financial situation after similar accidents. Learn more about us when you are ready to pursue the next steps for your claim. Do not hesitate to reach out for a free case consultation today.