York County boat accident lawyers

Helping people recover after an accident on the water in or near York County

Many Virginians love outdoor activities, especially in the summer. With more than 130 miles of coastline, more than 50,000 river miles, and several large lakes, it’s no wonder that Virginians like to be on the water.

The Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, the York and James Rivers, and their many tributaries are wonderful places for boating, fishing, and other water sports for residents and visitors of York County.

Boating can be a delightful family activity, but risks are involved. Collisions, mechanical failures, and other types of water accidents lead to thousands of injuries and deaths annually. In a recent year, 47 people were injured, and 19 people died in boating accidents in Virginia, according to Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources.

If you were harmed in a York County boat accident caused by another person’s careless behavior, our team at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys can file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company to help you get the money you need to put your life back together. We have the legal experience, as well as the firsthand knowledge of Virginia’s waterways, to help you.

Call (804) 413-6777 to learn more today. If we take your case, we will offer you our Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning we don’t get paid until we win your case.

Back to Top

What causes boating accidents?

Human error causes most boating accidents, which often involve the use of drugs and alcohol. The person responsible for keeping all their passengers safe is the boat’s operator. But the boat’s owner must make sure that the person at the helm is qualified, responsible, and sober.

Frequent causes of boating accidents include:

• DUI
• Failure to monitor the weather
• Capsizing
• Operator distraction
• Excessive speed
• Bad navigation
• Overcrowding
• Operator inexperience
• Poor maintenance
• Propeller accidents
• Fires and explosions
• Falling overboard
• Defective equipment
• Faulty repair work
• Operators that ignore boating laws
• Cluttered walkways, wet floors, bad railings
• Collisions with stationary objects or other boats

Back to Top

Boating under the influence

Just like drunk driving, boating under the influence poses a serious risk to everyone onboard, as well as those nearby on the water. Virginia has a “Zero Tolerance” policy for operating a boat while under the influence of narcotic drugs, alcohol, or any other self-administered intoxicant or prescription drugs. Penalties include stiff fines, jail time, and suspension of privileges for operating a watercraft.

Drugs and alcohol impair the operator’s balance, coordination, depth perception, vison, reaction time, and judgment. And being out in the heat and sun can increase the effects of drugs and alcohol on a person’s system.

Back to Top

Why you need a York County boat accident lawyer

Boating accidents often involve complex legal issues. If you were harmed in a York County boating accident, it’s not always easy to know who’s responsible for your injuries. That’s why an experienced York County personal injury attorney will review incident reports, interview witnesses, examine photographs, collect surveillance video, and consult with expert witnesses to find out what really happened.

Once your attorney has determined who is responsible for your injuries, we’ll file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company. This will help you get the money you need to pay your medical bills and other expenses caused by the accident.

More than one party can share responsibility for your injuries, and this may include:

• Boat owners
• Boat operators
• Boat rental agencies
• Manufacturers of defective parts
• The operator of another boat that caused a crash

Back to Top

Getting compensation for your injuries

Boating accidents can cause severe injuries. In many of these cases, the victim needs extensive treatment and years of rehabilitation. Some injuries, such as paralysis, require a lifetime of care.

Insurance companies typically resist paying out large claims to accident victims. In fact, their focus on profits often leads to them shelling out as little as possible.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we work wisely to get our clients the money you need to put your life back together after a boating accident. Ken Gibson is a former prosecutor, and John Singleton has worked for insurance companies. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies, and we aren’t afraid to take them to court if they refuse to make a reasonable offer.

Back to Top

Common boat accident injuries

Boat injuries are caused in many ways. The boat owner has to make sure the boat is in good working order, that it has enough life jackets and safety equipment onboard, and that the deck is clear of hazards. And it’s the operator’s job to stay alert and sober at all times while guiding the vessel.

Frequent boating accident injuries include:

• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Loss of limb
• Electrocution
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Paralysis
• Vision loss
• Permanent scarring
• Wrongful death

Back to Top

We’re on your side

You shouldn’t have to pay your own medical bills and other expenses when your injuries were caused by someone else’s careless behavior on the water. At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we feel called to help our neighbors in time of need – with excellence and compassion.

Call (804) 413-6777 to learn how we can help you today. We’ll sit down with you, learn all about your story, and share with you all of your best options. And at GibsonSingleton, we will always treat you like the neighbor you are, never like a number.

Back to Top