One of the best things about the Raleigh-Durham area is the availability of recreational activities, including boating opportunities. Anyone who has been to Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, or Harris Lake in the middle of the summer knows that Wake County is home to countless jet skiers, kayakers, speed boaters, fishers, and others. Unfortunately, not all folks on the Lake behave reasonably. Many operate their boat under the influence of alcohol, at excessive speeds, or in a generally reckless manner. This sometimes results in injuries. When it does, the attorneys at Maginnis Howard can help you to recover fair compensation for your losses.
Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents are an unfortunate result of an atmosphere where many casual boaters do not know the rules of operating their vessel. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission reported 143 boating accidents in 2013 and 17 boating fatalities—many of these involved jet skis or speed boats. The folks injured are often innocent passengers, swimmers, tubers, or bystanders.
If you have been injured due to another boater’s negligence, you have the right to hold them responsible. The recoverable damages include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement. If the boater who injured you was drunk during the collision, you may also be entitled to recover punitive damages. These damages are in place to punish the drunk driver.
Maginnis Howard provides free consultations to those involved in a boating accident. While our office is located centrally in Raleigh, we represent North Carolinians from Asheville to Wilmington. To schedule a free consultation, call our firm or email us using our contact page.
Like all personal injury matters, our firm offers a contingency fee arrangement for boating collision cases. Unless we recover a verdict on your behalf, you do not owe any attorneys’ fees. Additionally, we travel across North Carolina to meet with potential clients.
