An injury or accident typically is the last thing on any boater’s mind when they set out to enjoy one of Pennsylvania’s hundreds of lakes or rivers. But, if you are injured in a boating accident, you need a boating accident attorney to fight for you. A boating accident – such as a collision or capsizing – can have a tremendous impact on an injured victim, both physically and financially. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission reported 61 recreational boating accidents in 2018.
You or an injured loved one may face mounting medical bills, extensive property damage and lost income in the aftermath of a boating collision. A personal injury claim or lawsuit may help your family recover the financial resources you’ll require to move forward.
Our boating accident attorney understands the long-term economic and emotional implications of a boating accident injury. We offer confident legal representation as we pursue compensation on your behalf. With respect to the uncertainties you face, we have offered a brief overview of what you should know after having suffered injury.
How to get compensation in a boating accident claim
A boating accident claim, like any personal injury lawsuit, is based on negligence. You must be able to prove someone else’s negligent actions – such as operating a boat while intoxicated – were the cause of your injuries. You also must be able to prove you suffered damages (such as physical injuries and financial loss) as a result of the other person’s behavior.
You may prove these elements of negligence with the presentation of evidence. This may include, but is not limited to:
- photos of the accident wreckage
- medical bills
- boating accident report
- witness statements
Failure to preserve and present compelling evidence severely limits your ability to pursue sufficient compensation in a personal injury claim.
Compensation Available in a Boating Injury Claim
The value of your boating injury claim is based on a number of factors, including:
- cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- lost income
- permanent disability or disfigurement
- out-of-pocket expenses (crutches, prescriptions, etc.)
- pain and suffering
Keep in mind that your final settlement or award will be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident.
Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Action in Pennsylvania
There is limited time in which to pursue compensation after an accident. Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524. This brief timeline underscores the importance of taking quick action after having suffered injury.
Reporting a Boating Accident in Pennsylvania
State law requires you to report a boating accident within 48 hours of the incident, provided the accident involved an injury requiring first aid or a fatality. Owners of other involved vessels are obligated to make this report in circumstances where an injured operator is unable to do so. An accident involving property damage in excess of $2,000 must be reported to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission within 10 days.
Provide your boating accident attorney with a copy of the accident report as quickly as possible. Such documentation likely will serve as evidence in a personal injury action.
Pennsylvania Counties Served
With three offices in Pennsylvania, we are close to you no matter where you are. Typically, our PA boating accident attorney services the following counties:
- Adams County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Berks County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Bradford County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Bucks County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Carbon County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Chester County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Columbia County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Cumberland County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Dauphin County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Delaware County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Franklin County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Juniata County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Lackawanna County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Lancaster County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Lebanon County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Lehigh County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Luzerne County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Lycoming County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Mifflin County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Monroe County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Montgomery County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Montour County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Northampton County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Northumberland County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Perry County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Philadelphia Boating Accident Lawyer
- Pike County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Schuylkill County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Snyder County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Sullivan County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Susquehanna County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Union County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Wayne County Boating Accident Lawyer
- Wyoming County Boating Accident Lawyer
- York County Boating Accident Lawyer
If your county is not listed, call us. While these are the counties we typically serve, our PA boating accident attorney has handled cases in other counties upon request.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Boating Accident Attorney for Help
You do not have to go through this difficult process on your own. Out PA boating accident attorney will provide you with the strength, confidence and charisma you need to fight for what is right after someone else’s negligence has left you with a serious injury. Our boating accident attorneys at ARM Lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience; we are adept at settling serious accident cases, and know how to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
With three offices in Pennsylvania, we’re close to you no matter where you are. Call to schedule a free consultation with our PA boating accident attorney or reach out to your closest office:
