Pittsburgh Boating Accident Attorneys

Pennsylvania has more than 45,000 miles of rivers and streams and 139 natural lakes. The Commonwealth also has 51 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie. With all of the waterways and natural beauty the state has to offer, thousands of tourists and residents come here each year to go boating, jet skiing, water skiing, fishing, and swimming.

Many of us love to enjoy water-related activities in Pennsylvania, especially in the summertime. But the high amount of boat traffic comes with some risks as well. With so many people on the waterways, accidents are almost inevitable, and some of these accidents result in serious and even fatal injuries. Sadly, most boating accidents are preventable and caused by some type of human error.

If you or someone close to you suffered injury in a boat accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. But cases like these tend to be more complicated than a typical auto accident, for example, and insurance companies will always do whatever they can to minimize the amount of damages that they have to pay to injury claimants. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced boating accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.

If your life has been turned upside down by a boat accident in Pennsylvania, Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. is here to help. Our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys have been standing up for injury victims for five decades. Our firm has a successful track record with even the most complex cases, and we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. When you work with us, you will have strong advocates in your corner who are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.

Types of Boat Accidents

There are several different kinds of watercraft that inhabit Pennsylvania’s lakes and rivers, and there are a number of ways in which these vessels can become involved in an accident:

• Boat to Boat Collisions: Crashes between two or more water vessels are among the most common types of boating accidents. Collisions like these are more likely to happen during the busier times of the day when there is a lot of traffic out on the waterways.

• Flooding or Capsizing: Boats and other watercraft can flood or capsize if the operator runs into adverse weather conditions and/or the vessel starts taking on water. Flooding often happens because of a combination of the operator driving too fast with too much weight in the boat. Capsizing often occurs because of heavy winds or large waves.

• Crashing Into a Fixed Object: Boat accidents can happen when the watercraft collides with an object that is fixed or stationary. Examples of fixed objects on the waterways include docks, bridge supports, piers, and anchored rafts.

• Grounding: Grounding refers to boats that crash into the shore or into a large rock or another large object in the water. Hitting a rock or another underwater object is fairly common, especially when the vessel enters shallower waters, and the operator does not see very well what is down below. Crashing into the actual sure is less common, but it does happen once in a while when a boat operator is not paying proper attention.

• Passenger Overboard: If a boat is going too fast and/or a passenger stands up, there is a risk of the passenger falling overboard. This type of incident happens far less frequently than other types of boating accidents, but when it does happen, it can result in some very serious injuries.

 

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boat accidents happen for a number of different reasons, and as we talked about earlier, most are caused by some type of human error that could be prevented. Some common causes include:

• Inexperienced Operators: Pennsylvania requires all personal watercraft operators, regardless of age, to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. In addition, persons who are 11 years of age or younger are not allowed to operate personal watercraft or boats with motors that have higher than 25hp. But even with these requirements, there are still boat drivers on the waterways who lack the proper experience to safely operate a watercraft.

• Recklessness: Some boat operators have all of the required education and necessary experience, but they still drive the vessel in an unsafe manner. Maybe they are just having fun or showing off to their friends as they push the limits of how fast the boat can go, but regardless of their reasons, this type of behavior puts themselves and everyone else on the waterways in greater danger.

• Inattentiveness: It is estimated that roughly one quarter of all boating accidents are caused by operator inattentiveness or improper lookout. This is becoming more of a problem with the widespread use of smartphones, and you see more and more boat drivers out there taking selfies, sending electronic messages, or even watching videos on their phone when they are supposed to be paying attention to the waterways.

• Intoxication: Alcohol is often included in a day out on the water. People love to enjoy the great outdoors while they indulge in their favorite adult beverages. This is fine within reason for passengers, but it is extremely dangerous for boat operators. Just as alcohol does not mix well with driving an automobile, the same holds true for operating a watercraft.

• Overcrowded Boats: Earlier we talked about how too much weight in the boat can cause it to take on water. This usually happens because the boat is overcrowded. While it is understandable to want everyone in your party to enjoy time out on the water, there is a reason that boats have seating capacities and weight limits.

• Equipment Failure: A boating accident could be caused by some type of mechanical or equipment failure. This could be due to negligent maintenance or a product defect. In cases like these, the one at fault could be the party responsible for maintaining the boat or a product maker.

Can I File A Personal Injury Claim If I Was A Passenger On The Boat in Pittsburgh, PA?

Passengers Have The Right To Seek Compensation

If you were injured while riding as a passenger on a boat in Pittsburgh, PA, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. Unlike the person operating the boat, passengers are usually not responsible for navigating or controlling the vessel. If another person’s careless actions caused the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and related losses.

Boating accidents can happen on rivers, lakes, or other waterways. Pittsburgh’s location near the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers means many people enjoy recreational boating throughout the year. Unfortunately, accidents can still occur due to negligence.

Who May Be Responsible For Your Injuries?

Several parties may be responsible for a passenger’s injuries after a boating accident. The boat operator may be liable if they were speeding, distracted, operating while impaired, or ignoring boating safety rules as outlined in 30 Pa. C.S. § 5501. Another boat operator could also be responsible if their actions caused the collision.

In some situations, responsibility may extend beyond the operators. A boat owner who failed to maintain the vessel properly or allowed an inexperienced person to operate it could also share liability. Each accident is unique, so identifying all potentially responsible parties is an important part of the claims process.

Common Causes Of Passenger Injuries

Passengers can suffer injuries in many different types of boating accidents. Collisions with other boats, crashes into docks, sudden turns, or striking underwater objects can all cause serious harm. Slippery decks, broken equipment, and unsafe boarding conditions may also lead to injuries.

Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, neck and back injuries, cuts, burns, and spinal cord damage. Some passengers may also suffer emotional trauma following a serious boating accident.

What Compensation May Be Available?

An injured passenger may seek compensation for several types of losses. Medical expenses are often the largest part of a claim and may include emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical care.

You may also be able to recover lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. In addition, compensation may be available for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. The amount available depends on the facts of your case and the extent of your injuries.

Evidence Can Strengthen Your Claim

Strong evidence can help support a personal injury claim after a boating accident. Medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, accident reports filed under 30 Pa. C.S. § 5503, and maintenance records may all provide valuable information.

Keeping copies of medical bills, receipts, and documentation of missed work can also help demonstrate the financial impact of your injuries. The more evidence available, the easier it may be to establish liability and prove damages.

Acting Promptly Is Important

Pennsylvania law places time limits on filing personal injury claims. Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524, an action to recover damages for injuries must generally be commenced within two years. Waiting too long could affect your ability to pursue compensation. Acting promptly also helps preserve evidence while witness memories remain fresh and important records are still available.

If you were injured as a passenger on a boat in Pittsburgh, understanding your legal rights is an important first step. Every boating accident presents different circumstances, and determining liability often requires a careful review of the facts. Learning your options early can help you make informed decisions about protecting your interests and pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to recover.

Contact Our Experienced Pittsburgh Boat Accident Lawyers

At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we understand that boating accidents can cause an enormous amount of physical, emotional, and financial stress on you and your family, and we are here to provide strong legal guidance and moral support during this difficult time. We work closely with our clients through each step of the legal process, and we handle all negotiations with the other side, so you can focus on getting recovered.

To schedule your free consultation and case assessment with one of our attorneys, call our office today at 412-391-9860 or toll free at 866-466-5789, or send us an online message. We look forward to serving you!