Norfolk Boating Accident Lawyer

When another person’s negligence ends your fun-filled day on the water, it’s a tragedy. However, a Norfolk personal injury lawyer from Atkinson Law in Norfolk, VA, is devoted to helping you pursue justice and monetary damages from the responsible parties. These funds can compensate you for the financial costs and devastation related to injuries or even the loss of a loved one.

As a Norfolk boating accident lawyer, I will help you navigate maritime laws to receive fair compensation. My mission is to empower clients by giving them easy access to legal information. I will help you understand how the law applies to your case, and the final decisions will be yours. Call me to discuss your legal options.

Working With a Local Boating Injury Attorney in Norfolk

Boating is a significant component of recreational and commercial life in Coastal Virginia. The ocean, bay, and canals are crowded with sailboats, container ships, motorboats, tugboats, Naval vessels, pontoon boats, kayaks, jet skis, and other watercraft.

With the ocean, ports, Chesapeake Bay, and all our inland navigable waterways, there are many opportunities for seamen, boating enthusiasts, and passengers to become injured. Unfortunately, devastating recreational boating incidents are common in Hampton Roads. 

As a personal injury lawyer based in Norfolk, I understand maritime law complexities, their unique challenges, and the various watercraft types prevalent in our region.

My knowledge of our local waterways and a deep understanding of the legal framework governing boating accidents allow me to effectively represent clients like you who have suffered boating incident injuries.

I am personal injury attorney Ed Atkinson, and I will help you receive just financial compensation for your boating-related injury or even the unfortunate drowning death of a loved one. 

About Norfolk Boating Accidents: Dangers on the Water

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) identifies open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats as the most common types of recreational watercraft involved in maritime incidents. In 2021, open motorboats were involved in 44% of accidents.

Using canoes, kayaks, jet skis, and pontoons also lead to significant injuries and fatalities each year. Given how active and significant our coastline and waterways are, Virginia frequently ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for watercraft-related fatalities.

The type of recreational boating accident most commonly mentioned by the USCG report is a collision with a recreational vessel, followed by collision with a fixed object, and flooding or swamping.

The following are cited as the main contributing factors to accidents, according to the report:

• Operator inattention
• Boat operator’s lack of experience
• Improper lookout
• Speeding
• Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Other Circumstances that May Lead to a Norfolk Boating Accident

Boating accident injuries may also occur in maritime professions like freight shipping and commercial fishing. Furthermore, cruise ship accidents often receive significant media attention, despite being relatively rare.

Other boat-related accidents involve water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and water skiing. Regardless of your circumstances, call us if you believe you’re the victim of another boater’s negligence.

As your dedicated boat accident attorney, I will guide you through the process of filing a claim for damages against the responsible party.

How Maritime Laws Ensure the Safety and Accountability of Norfolk Waterways

Federal maritime laws play a vital role in preventing accidents and safeguarding those who use our waterways. They impact a wide range of individuals, including recreational vessel operators, maritime workers, passengers, and those involved in commercial fishing.

The intent of maritime rules is to foster a secure environment for all waterway users by promoting proper training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols.

These laws encompass various aspects of maritime activities, including:

• Navigation rules: Governing the movement of vessels to prevent collisions and maintain orderly waterway traffic.
• Safety equipment requirements: Mandating the presence and proper maintenance of essential safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights.
• Reporting and investigation of accidents: Requiring the timely reporting of accidents and facilitating thorough investigations to determine the causes and implement corrective measures.

In cases where negligence and a failure to comply with maritime regulations led to your injuries, I will investigate the incident, determine liability, and work diligently to secure appropriate compensation for damages.

How Product Liability Laws Protect Norfolk Waterway Users

In addition to maritime laws, product liability laws play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Norfolk waterway users. By regulating the manufacture, distribution, and sale of vessel components, vessels, and related equipment, these laws ensure companies are held accountable for the quality and safety of their products and any negligence that may occur.

These regulations set stringent manufacturing standards to minimize the chances of defects and require thorough safety testing to rectify potential hazards before they reach consumers.

In cases where a product defect, such as a faulty steering system, causes an accident on the water, I will help by determining if manufacturer negligence contributed to the accident. I will also identify distributors, retailers, and other potentially liable parties.

Pursuing a Lawsuit with the Help of a Boat Accident Injury Lawyer

Pursuing a lawsuit following a boating accident can be an overwhelming process. As your boat accident lawyer, I will help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and assist you by:

• Evaluating your case: I will assess the merits of your case, taking into account the circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the potential negligence of the involved parties.
• Gathering evidence: I will collect essential evidence to support your claims, such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and medical records. This documentation will help build a strong case for your claim.
• Determining liability: I will work diligently to identify the responsible parties, such as other boaters, vessel manufacturers, or maintenance providers, and establish their negligence in contributing to the accident.
• Calculating damages: I will help you determine the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses, to ensure that you seek the appropriate amount of compensation.
• Negotiating settlements: I will negotiate with insurance companies and other responsible parties to reach a fair settlement on your behalf, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
• Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, I will represent you, advocating for your best interests and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

By enlisting my help as your boat accident injury lawyer, you can focus on your recovery. I handle the complex legal matters, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the financial relief you need, while you turn your attention to getting better.

Recoverable Damages After a Norfolk Boat Accident

Evidence of faulty equipment or negligence is essential to boating accident claims and can entitle you to compensation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could receive damages for:

• Present and future medical treatment
• Present and future wage loss
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

As a boating accident attorney in Norfolk, VA, I can help you calculate your recoverable damages. Keep any documents with your accident-related expenses and hand these over to me. 

For example, if you were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), your medical bills and records will help prove the extent of your injuries and financial loss. I will help you explore and gather evidence from different sources to strengthen your personal injury claim.

Wrongful Death Damages Caused by a Norfolk Boating Accident

If a fatal accident caused your loved one’s wrongful death, you could claim damages, including loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and lost income, according to Virginia law.

The amount of damages awarded will depend on the specific details of your case and will vary. However, I understand the devastating impact an untimely death can have on you and your family. Therefore, I will handle all legal aspects of your wrongful death lawsuit, allowing you to take time to grieve. 

Call Atkinson Law for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If you were involved in a Norfolk boating accident, seek legal representation as soon as possible. As a personal injury lawyer and business owner of Atkinson Law, I am invested in the success of every case I handle and believe in building a genuine rapport with each of my clients.

That means listening to your story, answering your questions, and helping you make informed decisions about your future. I believe in transparency and will keep you updated by returning calls, answering emails, and running an office that makes you an “insider.” So please contact my law office today for a free, zero-risk consultation.