Fredericksburg Boat Accident Lawyer

There are over 250,000 registered motorboats in Virginia, according to the state’s Department of Wildlife Resources. Boating is popular in Fredericksburg on the nearby Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, as well as many lakes in surrounding areas, like Lake Anna. But boating accidents can cause severe injuries.

If you have been hurt in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, talk to the personal injury attorneys at Marks & Harrison about your legal options. Pursuing a boating accident claim without legal representation is difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. With our track record of success, we can even the odds and help you pursue the maximum compensation for your boating injury-related losses.

Check out the positive reviews previous clients have left for us to discover more about what it is like to work with our attorneys. For example, one of our past clients wrote:

“From the day I contacted the firm, I felt that they had my best interests in mind and we were moving forward. There were injuries involved and medical claims to be handled. Throughout the whole process, I knew they were working for me and my family members that were involved. I highly recommend this firm!”—Karen Neylan

Contact our offices today to set up a free case evaluation with a Fredericksburg boat accident lawyer at Marks & Harrison.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Boat Accident Lawyer in Fredericksburg, VA?

Boating insurance policies can have high limits, and injuries from boating accidents can be severe, so insurers are sure to fight claims vigorously. Boating accidents also frequently overlap with maritime regulations and laws, which can impact investigations.

Our Fredericksburg boating accident attorneys know how to assertively pursue boating injury claims and how to navigate the regulatory and legal environment.

Our attorneys can also deal with the insurance adjusters and other parties throughout the personal injury claims process for you, allowing you to prioritize healing and well-being. Working with our personal injury lawyers could increase your chances of recovering a fair settlement.

How Much Does a Fredericksburg Boat Accident Lawyer Cost?

Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we receive our fee from any final settlement or judgment. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. The benefit of this arrangement is that you can secure legal counsel from an experienced attorney without worrying about paying our attorneys up front. Our attorneys, in turn, have the incentive to pursue the highest possible settlement for you.

What Types of Boat Accident Cases Do We Handle?

Marks & Harrison offers legal representation for all types of boating accidents and injuries. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, some of the most common types of boating accidents are collisions with other watercraft and fixed objects, like docks and piers. Grounding is another common type of accident in which the boat runs aground while sailing into water that is too shallow.

Rough handling and collisions may cause boats to capsize and throw occupants into the water, increasing the risk of drowning and hypothermia. Electrical and mechanical malfunctions can also cause fires and explosions on boats, especially if the owner has neglected maintenance.

No matter what type of boating accident, we are ready to work to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused.

What Are Common Causes for Fredericksburg Boating Accidents?

Many boating accidents are due to negligence and wrongful behaviors, such as:

• Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Improper lookout
• Distractions
• Operator inexperience
• Equipment failure
• Lack of proper safety equipment
• Not enough life jackets for all passengers
• Overcrowding
• Violation of navigation rules
• Hazardous waters and adverse weather conditions

What Injuries Can Result from a Boating Accident?

Boating accidents can result in numerous injuries. Some examples of potential injuries from boating accidents include:

• Broken bones and fractures from impacts and falls
• Drowning from capsizing or falling overboard
• Whiplash from sudden stops or collisions with other boats
• Burns and exposure to hazardous chemicals in fires
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or collisions

What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Boating Accident?

If you are in a boating accident, it is important to document the scene. Take pictures of your injuries and report the accident to the authorities so they can make an official record. Get the boat owner’s liability insurance information and get prompt medical treatment.

Keep copies of all medical bills and records concerning the treatment of your injuries. Delays in medical treatment could jeopardize your health and your claim, so do not wait to see a doctor even if you think your injuries are minor at first.

Get help from our Fredericksburg boating accident attorneys as soon as possible, and do not discuss the accident with anyone until you have us on the case.

How Do You Prove the Other Person Was Responsible for the Boat Accident?

To successfully recover damages, you must prove the boat’s operator or another responsible party was negligent in causing the accident. Boat operators are required to obey boating laws and take reasonable steps to minimize risks while boating. Actions such as speeding or ignoring no-wake restrictions can be considered negligence, making operators liable for the injuries they cause.

Our attorneys are ready to thoroughly investigate your situation and analyze all the evidence that could indicate whose negligence was responsible for the accident that harmed you. We can then build a strong claim for compensation and pursue financial benefits for you at the negotiating table or in court, if necessary.

What Compensation Could You Recover After a Fredericksburg Boat Accident?

Victims in boating accidents can recover financial compensation for the following kinds of injury-related losses:

• Medical bills – Medical bills can include emergency medical expenses and ongoing medical costs, such as rehabilitation, prescription costs, and medical devices.
• Lost income – A settlement can compensate you for lost wages and permanent reductions in your lifetime earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress are subjective losses that a settlement can compensate you for.

Is There a Time Limit in Virginia for Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit?

Virginia law places a two-year time limit on all civil lawsuits for personal injury, including boating accident lawsuits. Once the two-year deadline expires, you will lose your legal right to seek compensation. Only very narrow exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.

The time limit is very strict, and it can take months to build a strong personal injury claim, so the best option is to start as early as possible.

Contact a Virginia Boat Accident Lawyer in Fredericksburg

Recreational boating accidents are legally complex to address, but an experienced boat accident attorney can bring clarity and relief. Marks & Harrison has been a mainstay of Virginia’s legal community since 1911 and has received national recognition for our legacy of legal advocacy.

With over 30 attorneys and 130 support staff, we have the resources needed to pursue your case from any of our 14 convenient office locations in Virginia, including our Fredericksburg office. Many of our attorneys have previous experience in the insurance industry and know how to negotiate and try injury claims in court. You can count on us to handle your claim with care, compassion, and respect.

Contact our offices online or reach out by phone today for a free consultation with a Fredericksburg boat accident lawyer at our law firm.