Boating Accident Attorney

Boating Accidents

Sanford, NC Boating Accident Attorney

North Carolina’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters offer countless opportunities for boating and water-based recreation. However, with these opportunities come potential hazards that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. At Wilson, Reives & Doran, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping those who have been harmed in boating accidents across the state. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident, our team will guide you through the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents come in many forms, each with its own set of risks and potential injuries:

Collisions with Other Vessels
When two boats collide, occupants may be thrown overboard or injured by the impact. Property damage to both vessels can also be significant.
Collisions with Fixed Objects
Bridges, docks, piers, or other stationary structures can cause severe damage if a boat collides with them, often leading to injuries to passengers or the boat operator.
Capsizing or Sinking
Sudden shifts in weight, high winds, or rough waters can cause a boat to capsize. In serious situations, the vessel may sink, putting passengers at risk of drowning.
Falling Overboard
Passengers may fall overboard due to rough waves, sudden movement of the boat, or lack of safety measures. If victims are not wearing life jackets, the risk of drowning increases.
Grounding or Running Aground
Operating in unfamiliar waters or poor visibility can lead to a boat running aground, causing hull damage, injuries from impact, or stranding the vessel.
Fires or Explosions
Poor maintenance, fuel leaks, or electrical malfunctions can result in dangerous fires or explosions on board, leading to serious injuries and property damage.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can happen for many reasons, some of which are preventable. Common factors include:

Operator Inattention or Carelessness
Boat operators who fail to pay close attention to their surroundings, speed, or other vessels on the water are at a heightened risk of causing or contributing to an accident.
Operating Under the Influence (OUI)
Just like driving a car under the influence, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and a leading cause of serious boating accidents.
Lack of Proper Training or Licensing
Inexperienced operators may not fully understand navigational rules, waterway markers, or the operation of their watercraft, putting everyone on the water at risk.
Speeding and Reckless Operation
Excessive speeds and disregarding wake and no-wake zones can lead to collisions, capsizing, or loss of control, endangering both passengers and other boaters nearby.
Poor Maintenance or Defective Equipment
Failing to maintain a boat or using defective parts can lead to mechanical failures, fires, or other dangerous situations while on the water.
Inclement Weather or Rough Water Conditions
Sudden weather changes—wind, rain, or storms—can create treacherous conditions for boat operators and passengers who are unprepared.

Injuries and Damages Resulting from Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can be severe, often resulting in substantial physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Common injuries and damages include:

Broken bones and fractures
Head, neck, or spine injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Drowning or near-drowning incidents
Soft tissue injuries
Property damage to boats and personal belongings
Emotional trauma and mental anguish

When you have been harmed due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact a Boat Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a North Carolina boating accident, you need a trusted legal advocate on your side. At Wilson, Reives & Doran, we are committed to guiding you through this challenging time and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let our experienced North Carolina boating accident attorneys review your case and help you move forward with confidence.