Dothan, AL Boating Accident Attorneys Focus on Victims’ Rights

Determined lawyers hold negligent vessel operators accountable for injuries

Alabama is a state of abundant lakes and rivers that offer restful retreats and invigorating recreation. In our corner of the state, residents and visitors can enjoy the Chattahoochee, the Choctawhatchee, and the Pea rivers. Unfortunately, negligence by boaters can lead to serious injury and even death. In the first six and a half months of 2019, Alabama recorded 25 boating accident deaths, making that year the deadliest since 1998. Victims were as young as five years old. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating mishap, our legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan is prepared to help. For nearly two decades, we have helped victims of personal injury recover full compensation for their losses. If you need a Dothan Alabama boating accident attorney, we can provide the personal care and aggressive representation you need to obtain the best possible results.

Common boating accidents in Alabama

The spike in accidents may be due to a sharp increase in boaters on Alabama waterways and fewer Marine Patrol troopers, who could deter negligent operation of watercrafts. Accidents involve a variety of watercraft, including speed boats, jet skis, canoes and kayaks.

Three major factors in boating accidents are:

  • Consumption of alcohol
  • Excessive boat speed
  • Failure to wear a lifejacket

While going without a lifejacket will not cause an accident, it can make a significant difference in a victim’s chance of survival. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 84 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents in 2018 were not wearing life jackets.

Alabama law permits youthful boat operators

Under Alabama law, 12-year-olds can obtain an Alabama boater safety certification and operate a vessel legally if supervised on board by a person 21 years of age or older. Children 14 years of age or older can operate a motorized vessel legally without an operator’s license for up to 45 days per calendar year. After 45 days, the youthful operator must have a valid proof of boater safety certification. If an accident occurs because a parent failed to properly supervise a child, that parent can be legally liable for any injuries.

Injuries arising from Alabama boating accidents

The consequences of a boating accident can be severe, including broken bones, spinal injury and traumatic brain injury. Drownings, as mentioned above, are far too common. Near drowning can cause lasting disability, especially if the victim is deprived of oxygen for a lengthy period.

If someone’s negligence or recklessness with a watercraft caused your injury, you are entitled to recover monetary damages for your medical care, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.

A personal injury lawyer at our firm can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries or for a loved one’s wrongful death. We thoroughly investigate the incident, examine the physical evidence, interview witnesses and consult with a variety of experts to build a strong case. Our experience with DUI injury cases helps inform our handling of boating accident cases caused excessive drinking.

Contact a dedicated personal injury attorney in Dothan for your boating accident

The legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan represents people injured in boating accidents throughout Alabama. Our office is conveniently located at 102 South Orange Avenue in Dothan, just off of West Main Street. Call 855-435-4797 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.