Baltimore Boating Accident Lawyers
Boating Accidents can Result in Serious or Deadly Injuries in Maryland
Maryland is home to hundreds of miles of designated water trails offering recreational boaters a plethora of opportunities. The impeccable coastal waters, tributaries, rivers, lakes, harbors and bays throughout the state attract boaters from in and around the Baltimore area as well as residents from up and down the entire East Coast. Boats and other vessels are routinely seen on the waterways including motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, pontoon boats and personal watercrafts.
Unfortunately, many owners think operating a boat is an easy task and fail to obtain the proper training and experience to do in a safe manner. In addition, some boaters choose to act recklessly or drink alcohol, and thereby put themselves and other boaters, skiers, paddlers and swimmers in serious danger.
Our Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers Fight for the Rightful Compensation for Boat Accident Victims
Started by an experienced team of Baltimore accident lawyers, LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. has been successfully helping injured clients for more than 30 years. Our compassionate and dedicated team fights to get you the compensation you deserve from the insurance company as well as the negligent vessel operator.
Common Causes of Boating Collisions
Following basic waterway rules and regulations can greatly reduce the risk of being involved in a boating accident. Common types of accidents include capsizing, collision with another vessel, colliding with a fixed object such as a dock, pier or submerged object and falls overboard. Unfortunately, negligent boat operators and passenger errors may contribute to these types of accidents. Some of the common causes of boating accidents include:
- Alcohol Use
- Congestion boat traffic on the water
- Equipment failure
- Excessive speed
- Failure to observe safety law
- Force of wake/wave
- Improper boat maintenance
- Inadequate number of life jackets for passengers
- Inclement weather
- Lighting malfunction at night or in bad weather
- Operation distraction or inattention
- Operator inexperience, lack of training
- Overloading and overcrowding
- Reckless operation
Boating Accident Injuries
The types of serious injuries that can occur as a result of a boating incident are:
- Amputation from propellers
- Burns
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Death
- Drowning
- Fractures
- Head trauma including concussions
- Hypothermia
- Lacerations and bruises
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
Penalties for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in Maryland
According to state laws in Maryland, boats are classified as motor vehicles. Therefore, it is against the law for anyone to drive or operate a boat if they are under the influence of alcohol. If the amount of alcohol in a boat operator’s bloodstream registers 0.08 percent or higher, the driver is considered impaired under Maryland statutes and can be arrested and charged with a drunk driving offense. Penalties for boating under the influence can include a suspension of your boating license, fines of up to $1,000 and up to a one-year prison sentence. Additional punishments can also be applied if passengers under the age of 16 were being transported at the time of the incident. Second and third convictions can carry even harsher sentences.
Contact our Maryland Boating Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Today
An experienced Baltimore boating accident lawyer is your first line of defense if you or someone you love has been hurt in a boat accident. Victims of boating accidents may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for their personal injuries and property damage. To learn more about your rights and options after a maritime crash, call the legal team at the law offices of LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation. We maintain a 24-hour hotline to take phone calls from accident victims. Our Maryland boating accident lawyers handle all types of personal injury claims throughout Maryland on a contingency basis. Your satisfaction is our priority.
