Boating Accident Attorney

Serving West Virginia and Ohio

Boat accidents can involve boats, ferries, ships, and personal watercraft such as jet skis and Wave Runners. There are thousands of people injured each year in boating accidents. In 2005, there were approximately 700 boating-related deaths in the United States, and of those killed approximately 80% were not wearing their personal flotation devices at the time of the accident.  Of that 80%, 70% died from drowning.

At the current time, there are almost 13 million boats and personal watercraft (PWC) registered in the United States. Unfortunately, with the increased popularity of boating has come an increase in boating-related deaths and injuries.

There are laws that dictate how long you have to file a boating accident report after the accident actually occurs. The laws vary depending on whether or not injury/death was involved or whether property was damaged. There are also laws governing the age at which persons can operate certain watercraft.  At the law offices of Jim Leach, our boating accident attorney will provide comprehensive coverage of all the factors involved in your accident and make sure you are not just fairly represented, but adequately compensated.

Causes of Boat Accidents and Injuries
There are many causes of boating accidents, but the majority of them can be prevented. The main cause of boating accidents is operator inexperience/inattention. According to statistics, 84% of all boating deaths that occur happen where operators have not completed a boating safety education course. Other reasons include:

• Careless boat operation
• Unsafe speed
• No lookout
• Alcohol use

Persons falling overboard or the boat capsizing and the victims drowning because they are not wearing their personal floatation device (PFD) account for the majority of fatal accidents in small boats. Even if you are a good swimmer, the urgency of going into the water unexpectedly along with fatigue could render you helpless.
Most non-fatal accidents are caused by collisions with other boats or objects in the water. Remember that the rules of the water require that a lookout be posted at all times. 

Drawing on his long experience as a trial attorney, Jim Leach gives the residents of West Virginia high-level service and individualized legal help. He regards each case as one-of-a-kind, and starts out with each new client by listening. Once he has a grasp of your particular situation and needs, he can apply his knowledge of how insurance companies operate. He is familiar with how they assess the trial and settlement value of your case. With his associates, he uses a unique case management system to collect and organize all the important facts, so that he can represent you successfully and win maximum compensation for you. Depend on our comprehensive representation to see you through this difficult time.

Boating Accident FAQ

Our boating accident attorney represent boat accident victims throughout West Virginia and Southern Ohio including the communities of Charleston, Belpre, Marietta, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Athens, Jackson, Vienna, Morgantown, Huntington, Ravenswood and Ripley.