Recreational Boating Accident Attorneys in Mobile, AL

Alabama has more than 77,000 miles of rivers and streams, a couple dozen publicly managed lakes, and over 600 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline that is utilized by thousands of commercial and recreational boaters. Each year, countless Alabamans and tourists from nearby states come here to enjoy our beautiful waterways.

There is no doubt that Alabama is a great state for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are few activities that are more enjoyable than spending a day out fishing, sailing, or jet skiing with family and friends. Boating is definitely a lot of fun, but there are dangers out on the waters as well. With so much water traffic, there is an increased risk of boating accidents, some of which can result in serious and even fatal injuries.

When someone gets injured in a boat accident, recovering compensation for their injuries can be far more complicated than with a standard auto accident. Depending on where the accident happens, you could be dealing with state, federal, and even international laws. In many cases, maritime law will apply. For example, commercial boat workers who are injured will usually file a claim under the Jones Act. Whatever the circumstances of your boating accident, you need strong legal counsel in your corner fighting hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

At Hedge Copeland, PC, we have several decades of experience successfully representing clients who have been injured in boating accidents and those who have suffered all other types of personal injuries in Alabama. Our attorneys are focused exclusively on representing plaintiffs who have been injured by wrongful acts, and we have extensive knowledge of this area of the law.

We understand that getting injured in a boat accident can take a major physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families, and we handle all of the complicated legal tasks, so you can focus on your recovery. We do things a little bit differently here. We limit the number of cases we take on, so we can give each case the time and attention that it deserves. This puts our clients in the best possible position to recover maximum compensation for their injuries.

Types of Boating Accidents

Alabama’s lakes, rivers, and the Gulf Coast are filled with all types of watercraft, commercial boats, large and small fishing boats, pontoons, sailboats, jet skis, canoes, and kayaks. There are several ways that these vessels can become involved in an accident:

• Collisions with Other Water Vessels: One of the more common types of boating accidents is a collision between two or more watercraft. Accidents like these are especially common when there is a lot of traffic out on the water.

• Crashing into a Fixed Object: A boat or another water vessel could collide into an object that is fixed out on the water, such as a dock, pier, bridge support, or anchored raft.

• Flooding or Capsizing: Some boat operators run into trouble when their vessel starts taking on water or they run into high winds and large waves that cause the boat to capsize.

• Grounding: Boat accidents can happen when the vessel crashes into the shore or into a large rock or another heavy object while out on the water. This usually happens either because the operator does not see the object until it is underneath the boat and/or the operator is not paying attention to where they are going.

• Passengers Going Overboard: Though not as common as other types of boating accidents, passengers sometimes fall overboard usually because they lose their balance. A passenger going overboard is one of the leading causes of boat accident fatalities.

Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Alabama

There are several reasons why boating accidents happen, and it usually comes down to some type of operator negligence. Here are some of the more frequent causes:

• Operator Inexperience: In Alabama, you must be 14 years of age or older and have a vessel license to operate a vessel or personal watercraft alone. But these requirements are not all that stringent, and all you need to do to get a license is pass a written exam. Some boat operators do not have the training and level of experience necessary to safely navigate the waterways, and this makes it more likely that they will make a crucial error.

• Reckless Boating: Some boat operators have the skills to operate the watercraft safely, but they still choose not to. Speed on the waterways is often a big part of the fun, especially for younger boaters. Many of them like to push the limits by going faster than it is safe to, driving too close to other watercraft, and making dangerous waves for themselves and others.

• Intoxication: A day out on the water often includes alcohol. For this reason, it can be very tempting for a boat operator to indulge in their favorite adult beverage. But as is the case with driving other motorized vehicles, alcohol does not mix well with operating a water vessel. Intoxicated boaters tend to drive more recklessly and make poor decisions that can result in an accident.

• Inattentiveness: In the age of smartphones, distracted boating is becoming a bigger problem than ever before. In fact, according to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, between 22% and 24% of all reported boat accidents are caused by operator inattention or improper lookout. These days, it is far too easy for boat operators to take selfies, send and receive electronic messages, watch videos, and do other things with their phones while they are supposed to be paying attention to the waterways.

• Overcrowding: There is a reason why water vessels have weight limits and maximum seating capacities. When there are too many people piled into a boat, the excessive weight can cause it to take on water, especially when moving at faster speeds.

• Equipment Failure: Some boat accidents can be attributed to various types of equipment or mechanical failures. These accidents are often caused by negligent maintenance or some type of product defect. In such cases, it may be possible to file a claim against a mechanic or product maker if they are found to be responsible for the accident.

Contact Our Skilled and Knowledgeable Alabama Boat Accident Attorneys

Boating accidents can literally turn your life upside down, and those who get injured are often left with a stack of medical bills and being out of work with no way to pay them. At Hedge Copeland, our goal is to help you recover full and fair compensation while holding those responsible for your injuries fully accountable. To schedule a free consultation and case assessment with one of our experienced attorneys, message us online or call our office today at 251-432-8844. We look forward to serving you!