Many people enjoy boating for leisure as well as for fishing and sports. However, when not properly maintained or operated, boats could be dangerous, and boating collisions could lead to serious injuries and even death. Anyone who has been injured in a boating accident should call an experienced Marshall County boat accident lawyer for advice about their case.
There are many ways a diligent personal injury attorney could help, including investigating a case to prove liability, negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement, or arguing a case in court. The best course of action will depend upon the facts of an individual case.
There are several important laws concerning boating in the state. As per Mississippi Code Annotated §59-21-3, all boats must have safety equipment, including items such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares, on board. In addition, boats are not to be operated while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is a violation that could result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Additionally, boats must be operated in a safe and reasonable manner; negligent or reckless operation renders an individual liable for any accidents that result. An experienced Marshall County boat accident attorney could advise as to the full range of laws that apply based on the facts of a particular accident.
The term damages refers to the compensation the court awards to people who are injured due to someone else’s negligent actions or inactions. There are a range of damages available to those injured in boating accidents. This includes compensation for economic losses like medical bills, lost wages, and earning potential as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and emotional trauma. It is important to note that non-economic damages are capped. The exact damages available may depend on the facts of a particular case.
One way an experienced boat accident attorney in Marshall County could assist is by putting together a comprehensive accounting of damages to pursue in court or at the negotiation table. There is no second chance at damages once a judgment is rendered or a settlement is reached, so it is important to get this number right.
Successfully proving liability is a legally complex process that could necessitate a thorough examination of a boating accident, including analysis of photos and videos, review of police reports and witness statements, and parsing of medical records. An experienced Marshall County boat accident attorney will have conducted these investigations before and know what to look for to build a strong case.
Our team could also help get a case ready for court before the three-year statute of limitations tolls or negotiate for a settlement with the insurance company on an injured person’s behalf. The best course of action is dependent on the details of a case and the goals of the injured party.
You deserve quality representation, and too much is at stake to try to face the legal process on your own. A Marshall County boat accident lawyer can help answer your questions. Contact Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, today for a free consultation.
