In and around Mesa, traffic accidents make up a substantial percentage of the cases that personal injury attorneys deal with. Auto accidents of many different types occur in the U.S. with alarming regularity, including car, truck, bus, and motorcycle accidents.
However, a surprising fact you may not be aware of is that, even in a landlocked state such as Arizona, boating accidents are still an unfortunate fact of life. There are numerous recreational lakes and rivers near to Phoenix that boat owners like to visit and, although boating should be a fun time for the whole family, boating misadventures and injuries repeatedly occur.
Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve
At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, our Mesa boat accident lawyers know how startling the boating accident facts and figures are. For example, in 2012, the American Boating Association found "the Coast Guard counted 4515 accidents that involved 651 deaths, 3000 injuries, and approximately $38 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents."
Causes of Boat Accidents
The boating accident statistics are made even worse when you consider "Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 17% of deaths."
The over-consumption of alcohol is not the only reason why boat-based disasters occur;
the other chief causes of boating accidents include:
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speeding
- Reckless operator or passenger behavior
- Lack of concentration
- Machinery malfunction
Boating Accident Damages
If you have recently been involved in a boating accident in which the injuries you or a member of your family have sustained were not your fault, you may deserve compensation.
This is especially true if your injuries have negatively affected your quality of life, such as failing to be able to walk or travel to work without assistance. Another thing to keep in mind is that, although financial difficulties due to costly hospital bills are one thing, it is another thing entirely if a boating disaster results in the death of a loved one.
Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC provides first-class legal help to those who have suffered due to the negligence of a careless, distracted, and/or drunk boat operator, or due to boating equipment failure.
Understanding the Legal Process for Boat Accident Claims
Dealing with the aftermath of a boat accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the legal process to seek compensation for your damages. At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, our experienced Mesa boat accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here is an overview of the legal process for boat accident claims:
- Initial consultation: During the initial consultation, our lawyers will listen to your story, gather information about the accident, and assess the strength of your case. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
- Investigation: Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene. This step is crucial in building a strong case.
- Negotiation: We will engage in negotiations with the responsible party's insurance company to seek a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We will represent you and present your case in front of a judge and jury.
- Resolution: Once a settlement is reached or a court decision is made, we will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Our lawyers will handle all the necessary paperwork and communicate with the involved parties on your behalf.
At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we understand the complexities of boat accident claims and are committed to providing you with personalized legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Our Boating Accident Lawyers Can Help
In the Valley of the Sun, Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC’s dependable Mesa boat accident lawyers have the experience and skill needed to fight your case if you have been involved in a boating accident for which you were not to blame.
Our reputable and trustworthy legal team will fight for the rights of boat-lovers who live in areas including but not limited to Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Fountain Hills.
