A day out on the river or the lake can end in disaster if someone is reckless or negligent. Boating accidents are increasingly common in the Las Vegas area, and if you have been injured in this type of incident, you may be owed compensation for your losses.
A Las Vegas boat accident lawyer at Shook & Stone could dig into the facts of the incident and identify any potentially liable parties. Our proactive team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers could also speak with witnesses, gather evidence, and compile a claim for damages on your behalf to present to the insurance company.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Las Vegas
Boat accidents in Las Vegas can arise from several types of negligence—which is why it is beneficial to work with experienced lawyers who can immediately get to work investigating the events preceding the accident and where liability may stem from. Sometimes, incidents occur due to a mistake made by the person operating the boat. In other cases, a crash occurs because the boat driver was distracted, speeding, or intoxicated.
There are circumstances where a boat wreck stems from outside hazards, such as a collision with another boat. If equipment or machinery malfunctions, this can also lead to a serious boating crash that places everyone on board at risk. Commonly reported boat accident injuries include:
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain damage
- Serious or even fatal drowning injuries, such as asphyxiation or cardiac arrest
When a water vessel accident happens, an assessment of liability will come down to the details of the incident. Potentially liable parties could include:
- The owner of the boat
- The operator of the boat
- The manufacturer of the boat
- The company from whom the boat was leased
Nevada has a lot to offer when it comes to water sports. Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, Lake Topaz, and the Colorado River attract thousands of visitors and local residents each year. With an active boating community, however, often comes increased risks of accidents and injuries, and at Shook & Stone, our dedicated auto accident lawyers in Las Vegas work with many victims who’ve been injured in boating accidents all across the state.
Although Las Vegas enforces a number of regulations for boating and water sports, including skiing and jet skiing, not everyone obeys the law. Additionally, some boaters and victims suffer injuries as a result of defective equipment or mechanical malfunctions. Whatever the cause may be, victims injured by the negligence of others have a right to exercise their legal rights.
Shook & Stone fights for victims harmed in all types of boating and water sports accidents. Contact us today to learn more about how a Las Vegas boat accident lawyer can protect your right to compensation.
Boating While Under the Influence
Serious boating accidents can occur when drivers get behind the wheel drunk. Drinking and boating are just as dangerous as drunk driving and can warrant some of the same penalties. Although a boater can be criminally charged with BUI for having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher, they could also face civil penalties for accidents or injuries that they cause. It is not uncommon for drinking to take place on Nevada’s lakes and rivers, but there is no excuse for drunk operation of a boat or other watercraft. If you or someone you love was injured by an intoxicated boater, the Las Vegas boat accident attorneys at Shook & Stone could fight for your right to maximum financial compensation.
Nevada Boating Regulations: NRS Chapter 488
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (DOW) is responsible for enforcing boating regulations as well as educating boaters on the safe operation of their watercraft. Consider some of the Nevada boating regulations that drivers and passengers have to comply with:
- Children under 13 must wear life jackets on watercraft at all times.
- Anyone born in or after 1983 must complete a boating education course in order to operate a boat with more than 15 horsepower.
- It is illegal to operate a water vessel while intoxicated.
- An orange flag must be used to indicate a skier is “down” and operation of a vessel within 100 feet of a flag is prohibited.
- It is illegal to operate a motorboat in excess of the posted speed, and also illegal to create a wake in a no-wake zone.
- It is illegal to operate a watercraft when weather conditions are deemed “dangerous.”
These and other Nevada boating laws can be found in the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 488. If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident because a driver was not in compliance with one of these statutes, contact us to speak with a seasoned boat accident injury lawyer in Las Vegas.
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Get in Touch with a Las Vegas Boat Accident Attorney
If you believe that your injuries were caused by the negligent, careless, or even illegal actions of another, then you need to contact a Las Vegas boat accident lawyer at Shook & Stone to discuss your case. Our firm will inform you of your rights and provide you with information as to the best legal recourse.
During your free initial consultation, we can evaluate your case to determine whether or not you are entitled to a personal injury claim. If you are, our firm can pursue maximum financial compensation for expenses such as medical treatment, rehabilitative care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
To learn more about how Shook & Stone can help, call us for a free consultation with a qualified boat crash attorney.
Collecting Compensation for Water Vessel Collision Injuries
Our diligent Las Vegas boat accident attorneys could help someone injured in a water vessel incident seek financial recovery for their losses. A court award or settlement typically consists of two forms of compensation: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages have a specific dollar amount and include compensation for property damages, medical bills, and lost wages. Compensation may also be available for future medical expenses and lost earning capacity, if applicable. Non-economic damages could provide payments for intangible losses, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A seasoned legal professional could provide further insight as to what financial damages may be available based on the specifics of the boat accident and the injuries sustained. Most claims in Las Vegas must be filed within two years from the accident date; thus, getting help from our well-practiced lawyers early on ensures that time is not an obstacle to legal recovery.
Speak with a Las Vegas Boat Accident Attorney Today
When a water vessel collision occurs, multiple liable parties may be involved. Determining where the legal fault lies and the extent of the compensation that may be available can be overwhelming if you are grappling with serious injuries.
A Las Vegas boat accident lawyer at Shook & Stone could help ensure that every detail of your case receives the full attention it deserves. Our dedicated attorneys can also ensure you avoid costly mistakes that could impact your financial recovery. Schedule your free case consultation with one of our committed legal professionals today.
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