Pennsylvania Boat Accident Attorneys
The Pennsylvania boating accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily know that a pleasant day on the water can quickly turn into a disaster while on a pleasure boat, sail boat, fishing boat, ferry, sightseeing boat, tug boat, party fishing boat, cruise ship, jet ski, kayak, or white water raft. All too quickly, a boating trip meant to capture summertime and family fun and create magical moments can turn into the ultimate nightmare when something goes wrong. Statistics indicate an increase in boating and personal water craft accidents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Most boating accidents occur due to the fact that many individuals have an apparent misconception that boats are easy and safe to drive. Many people who operate a boat do not possess the necessary experience nor have they successfully completed a Pennsylvania or New Jersey boating course. Many times operators of boats turn out to have improper licensing or in fact, are not licensed at all.
Another deadly combination is alcohol or drugs, which will definitely lead to a boat driver's judgment becoming impaired or the main cause of boating accidents - erratic driving. Our experienced Pennsylvania boating lawyers have investigated and litigated boat accident cases involving the following:
- Medication impairment
- Recreational drugs
- Erratic driving
- Failure to navigate properly
- Excessive power
- Operating a vehicle in poor weather despite warnings
- Product defects in Pennsylvania
- Failure to maintain proper lookout
- Failure to maintain safety equipment
- Failure to maintain navigation equipment
- Failure to maintain or posses communication equipment
- Ineffective drainage
- Ineffective pump systems
- Power failures
- Improper lighting
- Improper surface treatments
- Improper engine ventilation
- Fuel systems leading to fire and explosion
- Failure to understand the rules of the sea
Boating accidents can lead to drowning and serious water submersion injuries including but not limited to hypothermia, traumatic brain injury, permanent scarring, internal organ injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. The experienced Pennsylvania boat accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily understand that many businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will rent jet skis, skidoos, wave runners, Tiger Sharks, speed boats, and many other types of personal water craft to people who do not possess basic boating safety educational certificates and are not aware of any safety regulations. Most times, easily preventable boating accidents result in catastrophic injuries and death by drowning.
Last year, over 63 people died in boating-related accidents in Pennsylvania due to intoxication. The United States Coast Guard has also noticed a dramatic increase in boating fatalities with 2/3 occurring on non-motorized boats such as row boats, canoes, kayaks, and sail boats. Many times, these injuries and deaths could have been prevented if proper safety equipment including flotation devices and life jackets had been used or present. Boating accidents continue to climb at a staggering rate. Last year boating accidents increased over 80% and there were approximately 48,000 boating accidents that killed 709 people and injured over 3,000, causing over $4 million dollars in property damage.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating, maritime, or jet ski accident, why not put a team of experienced boaters and boating accident lawyers on your side. Our boating accident attorneys have decades of boating and legal experience and will work with investigators and experts to commence a comprehensive investigation to determine where proper liability lies to recover financial damages for physical and pain and suffering, as well as loss of income and payment of medical bills. Maritime accidents can often be complex and require specialized experience. The Philadelphia fatal boat accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily have over three decades of experience representing generations of those catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed. We have a passion for boating and understand that accidents happen. We know how to identify who to hold accountable. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact us online or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.
