Arizona Boat Accident Lawyer
A day on the water can be relaxing and fun, whether you jet ski at Lake Pleasant or paddleboard at Lake Havasu. However, accidents can happen when others are not careful on the waterways. Boat collisions can result in serious injuries that lead to high medical bills and time off work.
If you or a loved one was hurt while on the water, our Arizona boat accident lawyers are here to help. At Feller & Wendt, LLC™, we have extensive experience handling boat injury cases and can steer your claim from start to finish. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Choose Feller & Wendt LLC™ for Your Boat Accident Case
Our firm has the legal and environmental knowledge needed to navigate Arizona’s complex legal landscape. We are ready to take your case to trial if necessary and boast strong negotiation skills in securing compensation.
Our partner, Adam Dougherty, leads our Arizona office and is a former officer in the legal system with over a decade of courtroom experience. He became a trial attorney to fight powerful defendants and help build safer communities. With Dougherty at the helm of your case, you receive dedicated, skilled, and compassionate representation.
Our team obtained a $362,500 settlement for a client in one boating wreck case on a Utah river. We achieved this result with our topical experience and ability to pursue meaningful compensation in complex cases, even when jurisdiction and conditions vary.
Liable Parties After a Boating Accident
Several parties may be held liable for a boating accident, including:
- The boat operator
- Rental companies
- Manufacturers, if a boat had a defect
- Other negligent boaters
Determining liability often requires an in-depth investigation and legal insight. Our boat crash lawyers in Arizona can offer helpful advice and assistance throughout your case.
Potential Compensation After a Boat Crash
Our boating accident attorneys in Arizona can assist you in pursuing various types of compensation, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages consist of tangible, objective losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment
- Lost wages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses you experience after a boat wreck, which can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement
A court can grant punitive damages for particularly egregious conduct, intended to punish the culprit behind such conduct. In boating collision cases, this could include situations where an operator was impaired by alcohol or drugs or where the accident caused fatal injuries.
Every case is unique, so we provide personalized legal consultations to all clients. Our lawyers calculate damages and negotiate settlements, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Our Arizona Office Locations
1 N 1st Street Suite 7550
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(By Appointment Only)
What Are the Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Arizona?
Numerous situations can result in a boat wreck. Operator misconduct is a common reason for collisions, while other factors involve manufacturing and equipment errors.
Operator Negligence
When boat operators exhibit negligent practices, the risk of a crash can significantly increase. Some examples include texting while driving and getting too close to other boats.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Like drunk driving, boating under the influence, or BUI, is extremely dangerous. Boats are vehicles with much power against smaller watercraft or swimmers. Due to Arizona’s sunny weather, BUIs are especially common in popular lakes like Lake Pleasant or Bartlett Lake around the holidays and throughout the year on weekends.
Reckless or Speeding Boat Operators
When boaters operate their vessels aggressively or without considering their surroundings, they pose a serious risk of harm to others.
Equipment Failures or Poor Maintenance
When equipment fails on a boat due to poor maintenance or defective parts, this can easily lead to an accident. Maintaining a water vessel is always essential. However, you may be unable to determine the state of a boat if it is being rented out, which is common in Arizona.
Overcrowded Waterways and Inexperienced Boaters
Overcrowding mixed with inexperience can significantly increase the likelihood of wrecks. Nearly anyone can rent a boat on the major lakes in Arizona, so operators may be inexperienced and make poor decisions on the water.
Similarly, overcrowding is a major concern during holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day weekend, when thousands of people gather on the lakes in the Valley.
Legal Steps to Take After a Boat Accident in Arizona
Taking the correct steps in the aftermath of a boat accident is essential to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and your rights to a claim.
Report the Accident
After seeking medical assistance, the next step is to report the incident to law enforcement or AZ Game & Fish. These entities can file a report that documents your accident.
Document Injuries and Damages
Take photos of your injuries, property damage, and any other parts of the accident that may help your case. Collect copies of the police report and medical documentation as well.
Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance
We recommend never speaking to insurance before meeting with an attorney. Our lawyers can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary.
Our boat collision attorneys can also ensure you adhere to the Arizona statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is two years from the date of the accident. Failure to file within this deadline may result in being barred from recovering compensation.
Get in Touch With a Boat Accident Lawyer in Arizona
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat crash, do not hesitate to contact Feller & Wendt, LLC™ at 480-702-2277 or complete our online form. We operate on a contingency fee structure. This means you do not pay unless we win your case.
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*This information provided by Feller & Wendt, LLC™ is for informational purposes only and should be in no way construed as legal advice.
