Boat Accidents

Boat Accidents Lawyer in Ridgeland, Mississippi

 As a state with stunning bodies of water, Mississippi is home to a sizable population of people who work in the maritime industry. Boating is a regular leisure and employment activity for Mississippi natives and their families. Still, it’s a sad fact that boating accidents happen frequently.

You may be eligible for fair compensation for the damages sustained if you or a loved one were hurt in a boating accident while enjoying yourself or on the job. The Rollins Law Firm’s experienced boat accident attorney is prepared and able to pursue justice on the victim’s behalf when these injuries occur.

Our highly skilled Mississippi boat accident lawyers at The Rollins Law Firm have years of combined legal expertise, so they know how to handle a boating personal injury case. We have a reputation for quality and think every client deserves an attorney with the knowledge and passion for getting the outcomes they seek.

Call us for a free consultation to learn how our Ridgeland boat accidents lawyer might help you.

Why do I need a Boat Accidents Lawyer in Mississippi?

The practice area of personal injury law is complicated. You can file a claim on your own. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may lose your case and fail to get any compensation.

If you hire our attorney at The Rollins Law Firm, here’s what we can do for you:

When you first meet, a Ridgeland boat accident attorney will ask you to detail the accident. They can use this information to identify the party responsible for the accident and, consequently, the defendant in your personal injury claim.

Experienced lawyers know whether bringing a lawsuit against a single person or even an entire company is necessary. Liability isn’t always clear-cut; if you file a lawsuit against the incorrect person, it will be for nothing. 

Our Ridgeland boat accidents lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance companies for you. These entities are businesses, thus motivated by profit. They have tactics to decrease your claim or even deny it altogether. We know how to counter these tactics, so you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Suppose you or a loved one was hurt in a boating accident. In that case, you should get a personal injury attorney specializing in boat accidents. 

It is not your job to obtain compensation for your boating injuries. Leave it to The Rollins Law Firm’s experienced boating accident lawyer in Ridgeland, Mississippi. We will continuously try to develop a compelling case to ensure that your damages are covered. For a free consultation, contact us.

What are the Boating Laws in Mississippi?

All boaters must abide by state regulations and Mississippi boating laws. You need to have a current Mississippi Certificate Number and visible validation stickers before you may launch a craft onto the water.

Anyone born after 1980 must complete a boating instruction course certified by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) before they are legally permitted to drive a boat. All around the state, safety courses are provided.

When someone completes an approved course, they must keep their certificate with them at all times while their vessel is in use. When on a boat, a child below 12 must always be accompanied by a certified adult who is at least 21. The use of alcohol or drugs while operating a boat is likewise prohibited.

Mississippi mandates that personal flotation devices (PFDs), like life jackets, be installed on all vessels. Every individual on the boat must have a wearing PFD with them at all times. Children aged 12 and younger are required to wear life jackets while the craft is in operation. The following safety equipment might also be necessary for vessels, depending on their size:

• Extinguisher for fires
• An effective sound generator, like horns or bells
• Other visual distress signs, such as flares

Injury sustained in a boating accident can frequently be life-altering. A person may experience severe financial strain due to high medical bills and losing weeks or even months of work, all because another person behaved carelessly. Our reliable Mississippi boating accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your suffering.

Common Boating Accident Injuries

Property damage is common. But parts can be fixed, or can be bought again. The same can’t be said for boat accident victims.

Anyone in a boating accident could sustain serious injuries. Hospitalization, operations, or long-term care may even be necessary for healing, depending on the kind and extent of the injuries. Injury from a watercraft accident may be lethal in really severe circumstances.

Among the numerous injuries sustained in boating accidents are:

• TBIs (Traumatic brain injuries)
• Spinal cord damage
• Loss of limb and amputation
• Bone fractures
• Slashes and abrasions
• Drowning

In worst-case scenarios, the situation can become a fatal boating accident. If your loved one suffered a wrongful death, you’d need the wrongdoers to see justice. Call our Ridgeland law firm today to discuss your boating accident claim with an experienced attorney. 

Causes of Boat Accidents

Our Mississippi personal injury lawyer has seen the following common reasons for boat accidents:

Boating Under the Influence of Alcohol

Many boat accidents occur in recreational environments where drinking is permitted or expected. This indicates that a lot of accidents include drinking to some degree. Consuming alcohol while driving a boat accounts for a significant portion of boat accidents in Mississippi. 

Inexperience

According to Mississippi law, everyone born after 1980 must take a safety course before driving a boat in the state. But passing a class does not automatically indicate experience. Anyone prepared to pay for an online course can get their boating card online even with no experience! A Mississippi boating license can be obtained at any age, in addition. Young children can operate boats under the supervision of an adult at least 21 years old.

Severe Weather

Even seasoned operators find it challenging to control hazardous conditions from lousy weather. A boat might take on water, capsize, or even sink in turbulent water.

Seeking Thrill

We know that getting a boat license in Mississippi is simple, and weekend warriors frequently take advantage of this. Individuals that own their boats take pride in them and adhere to safety regulations to help protect everyone on the water, making up the recreational boating community. The waters are shared by both responsible boat owners and those who see boating as a game.

Inexperienced boat operators put the lives of others nearby at peril out of enthusiasm. Sometimes, boat renters seek thrills by driving at dangerous speeds and performing risky maneuvers.

Overconfidence

Boating is common in large, open bodies of water. This can give off a lot of confidence and cause mistakes in judgment. Drivers frequently make poor judgments and cruise at excessive speeds when they feel safe on the water. Many people fail to use the same caution when driving on boats because they are unaware that boat accidents can be just as severe as automobile accidents.

Who’s Responsible for Preventing a Boat Collision?

The crux of any boating accident lawsuit is figuring out who is to blame for the incident.

All boaters are in charge of keeping their craft under control and preventing collisions with objects and other boats. The safe and responsible operation of every boat is the captain’s responsibility. Boat operators should remain conscious of their surroundings and concentrate solely on operating the vessel. In the end, it is up to the individuals in charge of the boats to prevent a collision.

Who Is at Fault in a Boating Accident?

Usually, victims or their relatives have the right to file a lawsuit against the boat’s operator for negligence or failing to offer a reasonable level of safety. Mississippi permits family members to file negligence lawsuits against other family members. Typically, a boat owner will have liability protection available through a boat policy, or it can be protected under a homeowner’s policy.

The boat owner, the boat operator, the boat rental service, or other passengers may also be liable for your boating injury. Suppose a defective product in the vessel caused your injury. In that case, you could also file a product liability case against the manufacturer. Government organizations might be at fault in particular situations if warning buoys meant to alert mariners to shallow water or other dangers were not correctly placed.

Holding the right people liable can maximize your compensation. Talk to our Ridgeland personal injury attorney to discuss your boating accident case. 

Call Our Boat Accidents Lawyer Now!

A boating accident injury can be devastating and tragic, especially if another vessel’s operator or owner’s negligence or carelessness contributed to the disaster. Our knowledgeable Ridgeland personal injury lawyer, who handles boat accidents, can investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, research maritime laws, and gather evidence to build a case against the party at fault. In contrast, the injured party or parties attend to immediate matters like medical attention and rehabilitation.

You might be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages if you were hurt in a boating accident, such as a collision with another vessel. Contact our experienced lawyer right away to talk about your boat accident claim.

We can also assist you and provide legal advice regarding your personal injury case if you live in Gulfport, Mississippi.