Phoenix Boating Accident Lawyers
Phoenix boat and watercraft accident attorneys serving clients throughout Arizona
If you or a loved one has been injured severely in a boating or personal watercraft accident, you will need knowledgeable Phoenix boating accident attorneys with years of experience representing claims just like yours. At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we honestly and thoroughly investigate the cause of boating accident injuries, and then aggressively fight all responsible parties to hold them accountable. Honest people deserve honest justice and restitution for their injuries, and we are just the law firm you need to advocate for you in or out of court.
How can we help?
How can your attorneys help after a Phoenix boating accident?
When you’ve been in a boating accident, we want to help you on the road to recovery. Our team of honest and dependable Phoenix mass transport accident attorneys is on your side, and we want you to focus on your health and wellness while we focus on your restitution and adequate compensation that you’re due. We will need a full list and consultation about your injuries - including anything that might be long-lasting, such as respiratory issues or impacted mobility.
We know there is a complex set of issues in almost every boating accident case, and we are here to help you obtain the compensation you need to have an improved quality of life. We will help you find medical specialists if needed, and we can retain some to help as experts in your case.
Although most cases will settle, we prepare for an aggressive trial litigation. This helps us have the upper hand in your settlement negotiations. Our three active partner attorneys are all recognized by the Arizona Bar Association as Board Certified Specialists in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation.
What are popular lakes in Arizona?
If you’re not from our beautiful state, you might not realize just how many opportunities there are to get out on the water in Arizona. Inexperienced boaters can sustain serious injuries on any of our rivers or lakes. We help people who were injured while out on a boat in:
- Lake Powell
- Lake Havasu
- Tempe Town Lake
- Black Canyon
- Canyon Lake
- Lake Pleasant
- Goldwater Lake
Why do boating accidents happen?
The United States Coast Guard named the top five contributing factors to boating accidents:
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Improper lookout
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
In boating accidents where fatalities occur, alcohol use is often involved. It is illegal to drive a boat while intoxicated. The majority of boating fatalities occurred in boats less than 21 feet in length, and the majority of these fatalities were as a result of drowning. If you have a loved one who has died in a boating accident, you may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
The United States Coast Guard reports that in 2022, there were 4,040 boating accidents. Of these accidents, more than 600 resulted in deaths, and more than 2,000 injuries.
Personal watercraft
According to the Boat US Foundation, there are more than one million personal watercraft in use today. Personal watercraft are also referred to as “jet skis.” Per the Foundation, “Personal Water Craft is considered by the Coast Guard to be Class A inboard motor vessels and as such must adhere to the same Coast Guard regulations and standards as any other powerboats in this category, such as they must have a fire extinguisher on board, and must have an appropriate sound signaling device such as a horn or athletic whistle.”
They also note that the most common cause of jet ski accidents is striking an object, often another personal watercraft.
What should I do after a boating or personal watercraft accident?
When you are in a boating accident, there is a specific procedure you need to follow. Federal regulation 33 CFR C – Casualty and Accident Reporting mandates that you notify the nearest state boating authority in the event of an accident. You are required to do this within two days (48 hours) of the accident if any of the following things happen:
- A death occurs within 24 hours of the incident
- An injury requires medical attention that’s not just first aid
- Property damage is more than $2,000
- Someone disappears from the vessel, noting likely injury or death by drowning
Our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to successfully handle the complexities of a boating accident case. We are trained in the regulations and rules that govern maritime and water mishaps. We know how to accurately and honestly conduct investigations, and after you have reported your incident to a state boating authority, you should immediately retain competent counsel.
Do you have a Phoenix boating accident attorney near me?
At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we meet clients at our Phoenix office located at 316 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012. We also have a Tempe office located at 5500 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ. Our attorneys can make arrangements to meet clients at their homes or a hospital if they are ill or not mobile.
Our Phoenix boating accident attorneys want to hear from injury victims
After you’ve filed your report with the Arizona boating authority, don’t be afraid to contact us for a confidential and free consultation. We want to hold negligent parties responsible for the injuries and long-term effects of the accident that you’ll carry throughout your life. We will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve, and there’s no need to worry about affordability. Plattner Verderame, P.C. handles case payments on a contingency fee basis, meaning we won’t charge you anything unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Call our offices today or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.