Boating is a beloved pastime of many Bangor residents. With several bodies of water to choose from, locals are offered ample opportunity for fun-filled days on the water. However, a seemingly relaxing day can quickly become devastating if a negligent driver operates their watercraft carelessly.
If another party’s recklessness caused your watercraft collision, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation for your injuries. If you need help filing a claim for damages, a Bangor boat accident lawyer can assist. Contact the dedicated attorneys at Gideon Asen LLC today to get started.
Common Causes of Recreational Boating Accidents
Although the facts of each boat collision are unique, some causes of accidents are more common than others. These include:
Inattentive Boat Operation
Inattentive boat operation is defined as the failure of a driver to pay attention to their watercraft, passengers, or others while out on the water. As with driving a motor vehicle with distractions, inattentiveness can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Operating a Watercraft Under the Influence
When drivers attempt to operate their boat while under the influence, they put themselves and everyone around them in harm’s way. Substances can drastically affect a boater’s reaction times and cause reckless vessel operation.
Speeding and Reckless Boat Operation
Reckless operation of a watercraft is the failure to exercise a duty of care to other boaters, property, or wildlife. When someone operates a boat at excessive speeds, they risk losing control of the vessel and causing severe harm.
A Bangor attorney can assess the facts of a boat accident to help determine the cause of the crash and the liable party.
Recovering Damages After a Boat Accident
After a boat collision, a claim for damages seeks to recover compensation for all medical bills and losses related to the accident. Successfully proving liability also means that an injured party could be awarded compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, emotional anguish, physical pain and suffering, and permanent disfigurement or disabilities.
A Bangor boat crash attorney can help recover the evidence needed to prove liability and collect compensation for the damages. They can complete a thorough evidence review to help determine the cause of the accident and potentially prove that the defendant was reckless.
Boating Laws and Responsibilities in this State
Recreational boaters must follow local watercraft safety regulations whenever they are on a body of water within the state. According to the Maine Boating Laws and Responsibilities, it is unlawful for boat operators to:
- Operate the watercraft in a way that could cause harm to people or their property
- Recklessly operate a boat or watercraft
- Engage in wake jumping, racing, or prolonged circling
- Operate the watercraft at high speeds
- Operate a vessel in a way that disturbs wildlife
- Allow the unlawful watercraft operation by another on their recreational boat
- Operate any boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Failing to abide by the state’s safety laws and regulations could lead to steep fines, jail time, and civil lawsuits from injured parties. A boat accident attorney in Bangor can help determine if a boater was unlawfully operating the vessel at the time of the incident.
Schedule a Meeting with a Bangor Boat Accident Attorney Today
A fantastic day on the water can quickly become a disaster due to a negligent boater’s actions. A serious watercraft collision could leave you with severe, life-altering injuries and losses that impact every aspect of your life.
When accidents occur because of careless boaters, you have the right to pursue legal action. A diligent Bangor boat accident lawyer can help you navigate this complex process and recover the award amount you deserve. Call Gideon Asen LLC today to start building your compensation claim.
