Boating Accident Lawyer
Have You Experienced a Boat Accident? Request a Free Consultation
At Greenblatt & Veliev, LLC, in Rockville, MD, our lawyers can fight to help get you justice and compensation after a boat crash in Maryland, DC, or Virginia. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis for our personal injury clients. You don't have to pay us unless we win your case. If the unthinkable happens to you or someone you love, we're here to help.
Contact us to request a free consultation at our Rockville law firm, serving clients in Prince George's County, MD, Washington, DC, and throughout the DMV area:
(301) 251-8776
"I am very pleased with the outcome of my case." Rockville, MD, Clients Thank Our Attorneys
Marina Man
2022
I have been working with lawyers for over 43 years and I can say that Greenblatt and Veliev are the best. We worked with Virgina to resolve an issue and the results were perfect.
View on GoogleKeshia Patterson
2018
I do appreciate the care and patience that Mr. Greenblatt and Mr. Veliev have shown to me over the months. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case.
View on GoogleWhat Causes Accidents On The Water? The Top Six Reasons
Several factors can cause a boating accident, many of which may not be in your control. Here are the top six reasons according to data from the U.S. Coast Guard for boating accidents in 2021, listed in order of the number of accidents they've caused:
Operator Inattention
Operator inattention was the number-one cause of boating accidents, with 677 accidents reported. It wasn't the most fatal factor, but 41 deaths did occur.
Operator Inexperience
Similar to getting into a car accident because of an inexperienced driver, an inexperienced boater can cause serious harm. Operator inexperience led to 506 accidents on the water.
Improper Lookout
The operator isn't always the one at fault. 454 accidents were caused by an improper lookout, making it the third most common reason for boating accidents.
Machinery Failure
Boating accidents can be caused by the vessel's manufacturer when a faulty part leads to an accident. 305 accidents resulted from machinery failure, but our product liability lawyers can help you secure justice.
Excessive Speed
Just like speeding on a highway and getting in a car accident, speeding on the water can result in a collision. 298 boating accidents were the result of excessive speed.
Alcohol Use
Drunk driving can lead to horrible car accidents, and the same applies to operating a boat. Alcohol use was the leading factor in fatal crashes in 2021, causing 16% of total fatalities that year.
Common Boating Accident Injuries
Whether you're driving a small jet ski or a large boat, accidents can happen. These accidents can cause damage to your vessel, as well as fatal or life-changing personal injuries to everyone involved. The types of injuries that may result from boating accidents may look similar to those suffered in a car accident, including:
- Concussions
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Sprains and strains
Was Your Property Damaged? Common Boat Crash Damages
Because Maryland has a sprawling 3,190 miles of shoreline, recreational boaters and other maritime vehicle operators in the area are susceptible to collisions, injuries, and property damage. In 2021, approximately $67.5 million dollars worth of damage to property resulted from boating accidents nationwide. These are some of the most common reasons damages occur from boat crashes:
- Collision with a recreational vessel (jet skis, motorboats, pontoons, kayaks, etc.)
- Flooding and swamping
- Collision with a fixed object
- Running the watercraft aground
- Falls overboard
Our Accident Attorneys Can File Your Claim According to Maryland's Legal Standards
Whether you're in a boating accident, a car accident, or another accident that results in a personal injury, our attorneys can work with you to ensure you follow Maryland's legal standards and submit your claim in a timely fashion. We can:
Promptly File a Claim
In Maryland, victims have 3 years to file a claim when an incident happens. This means it’s vital to get the help of an attorney right away. A personal injury lawyer can help you file your claim immediately after a boating accident to ensure you secure sufficient monetary compensation. This settlement can help you pay for damages to your property, cover any medical expenses, and also gain justice.
Prove Negligence
In Maryland, to prove someone was at-fault for a boating crash, your accident attorney must prove negligence on behalf of the other party through intoxication, reckless driving, or other factors. They must also prove that you were not involved in the incident at all. This is because Maryland recognizes the Pure Contributory Negligence Rule, which states that if the victim of an accident is even 1% responsible, they forfeit all rights to compensation.
Damages Can You Collect Compensation For
In Maryland, you can collect compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Maryland has a cap on how much compensation you can obtain for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Each year this cap is raised by $15,000, making the cap for 2023 come in at $935,000. However, there is no cap on compensation for economic damages. The attorneys at our Rockville, MD, law firm can help you fight for fair compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earnings potential
- Property repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral costs
"I am very grateful for the help I received." We're Here for Our Rockville, MD, Clients
Mary Ainsworth
2022
A 5-Star rating goes to Greenblatt & Veliev. I was fortunate to have Mr. Veliev assist me with my car accident. He was there for me every step of the way. He reviewed reams of materials, explaining every detail and settled my case with the insurance companies quickly and efficiently. I cannot say enough about this company. Don't look any further....go with the best.
View on GoogleCheryl Diggs
2022
I highly recommend Greenblatt & Veliev LLC. I am very grateful for the help I received. My case was handled immediately and with great efficiency. I received excellent customer service. Everything was explained to me in great detail. I felt at ease during the whole process. I highly recommend this law firm. It was an absolute pleasure having Greenblatt & Veliev helping me.
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