Mesa Boat Accident Attorneys

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In and around Mesa, traffic accidents make up a substantial percentage of the cases that personal injury attorneys deal with. However, a surprising fact you may not be aware of is that, even in a landlocked state such as Arizona, boating accidents are still an unfortunate fact of life. There are numerous recreational lakes and rivers near Phoenix that boat owners like to visit. Boating should be a fun time for the whole family but boating misadventures and injuries repeatedly occur.  At Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, our Mesa boat accident lawyers know how startling the boating accident facts and figures are. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's most recent 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics report, there were 3,887 recreational boating accidents resulting in 556 deaths, 2,170 injuries, and approximately $88 million in property damage.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact our boat accident attorneys in Mesa at (480) 833-8800 for a free consultation.

Arizona Boat Accident Laws and Liability Rules

Arizona boating laws are designed to promote safety, but violations are common. Boat operators must follow navigation rules, maintain proper lookout, and avoid operating under the influence (BUI). When these rules are broken, injured victims may have grounds for a personal injury claim.  Arizona boating statutes (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 5, Chapter 4) establish critical safety requirements that all boat operators must follow:
  • Duty of Care: Boat operators must operate their vessel with reasonable care, maintaining a proper lookout and following all navigation rules.
  • Boating Under the Influence (BUI): It is illegal to operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Arizona's BUI limit is a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the same as for driving.
  • Speed and Operation: Operators must maintain safe speeds appropriate for weather, water conditions, and visibility.
  • Equipment Requirements: Vessels must carry required safety equipment including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights.
  • Accident Reporting: Boating accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to Arizona Game and Fish Department within 48 hours.
When these laws are violated, it may establish negligence per se, which can help prove the operator was careless. Arizona also follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is different from many other states that bar recovery if you're more than 50% at fault. Arizona's pure comparative negligence rule is more favorable to injured victims.

Why Boat Accident Cases Are Often More Complex Than Car Accidents

Boat accident claims can be more complicated than standard motor vehicle cases for several reasons:
  • Different laws may apply depending on whether the accident occurred on state or federal waters.
  • Multiple parties may share liability, including the operator, owner, or rental company.
  • Evidence can be harder to preserve due to water conditions and lack of immediate reporting.
  • Insurance coverage is often less straightforward than auto policies.
Working with an experienced boating accident lawyer helps ensure these challenges are properly handled.

Causes of Boat Accidents

The boating accident statistics are made even worse when you consider "Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 17% of deaths."  The over-consumption of alcohol is not the only reason why boat-based disasters occur; the other chief causes of boating accidents include:
  • Operator inexperience
  • Excessive speeding
  • Reckless operator or passenger behavior
  • Lack of concentration
  • Machinery malfunction
  • Boating under the influence (BUI)
  • Hazardous weather or water conditions

Boating Accident Damages

If you have recently been involved in a boating accident in which the injuries you or a member of your family have sustained were not your fault, you may deserve compensation. This is especially true if your injuries have negatively affected your quality of life, such as failing to be able to walk or travel to work without assistance.  Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC provides first-class legal help to those who have suffered due to the negligence of a careless, distracted, and/or drunk boat operator, or due to boating equipment failure.

Common Injuries in Boat Accident Cases 

Boating accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection on the water. Common injuries include:
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Lacerations and deep cuts
  • Drowning or near-drowning injuries
  • Propeller injuries, which can cause catastrophic or fatal harm
If you have suffered serious injuries, a boat accident lawyer can help you pursue full compensation for both immediate and long-term medical needs.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Boat Accident Claim?

Liability in a boating accident may extend beyond just the operator. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
  • The boat operator
  • The boat owner
  • Rental companies
  • Manufacturers of defective equipment or parts
  • Maintenance providers
Our Mesa boat accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to determine liability and build a strong claim on your behalf.

What is An Average Boating Accident Settlement?

There is no true “average” boating accident settlement because every case is unique. Compensation depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses and future care needs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and degree of fault. An experienced boat accident attorney in Mesa can evaluate your case and provide a realistic estimate based on your specific circumstances.

What to Do After a Boat Accident in Mesa, AZ

Taking the right steps after a boating accident can protect both your health and your legal claim:
  1. Seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Report the accident to the appropriate authorities.
  3. Document the scene with photos and videos if possible.
  4. Collect contact information from witnesses.
  5. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
  6. Contact a boat accident lawyer near you as soon as possible.

Understanding the Legal Process for Boat Accident Claims

Dealing with the aftermath of a boat accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the legal process to seek compensation for your damages. At Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, our experienced Mesa boat accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.  Here is an overview of the legal process for boat accident claims:
  1. Initial consultation: During the initial consultation, our lawyers will listen to your story, gather information about the accident, and assess the strength of your case. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.
  2. Investigation: Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene. This step is crucial in building a strong case.
  3. Negotiation: We will engage in negotiations with the responsible party's insurance company to seek a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages.
  4. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We will represent you and present your case in front of a judge and jury.
  5. Resolution: Once a settlement is reached or a court decision is made, we will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Our lawyers will handle all the necessary paperwork and communicate with the involved parties on your behalf.
At Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, we understand the challenges associated with boat accident claims and are committed to providing you with personalized legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.

How Our Boating Accident Lawyers Can Help

In the Valley of the Sun, Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC’s boat accident lawyers have the experience and skill needed to fight your case if you have been involved in a boating accident caused by another party’s negligence.  Our experienced legal team will fight for the rights of boat-lovers who live in areas including, but not limited to Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Fountain Hills. Please call our Mesa boating accident lawyers at (480) 833-8800 or contact us online for a free consultation today.

Boat Accident Lawyer FAQs

What is the first action after a boat collision? 

The first priority is safety. Check for injuries, seek immediate medical attention for anyone hurt, and ensure everyone on board is accounted for before doing anything else. You should also report the accident to authorities as required by Arizona law, and if possible, move your vessel to a safe location to prevent further danger to yourself and others on the water.

What to do if involved in a boating accident?

If you are involved in a boating accident, document the scene thoroughly by taking photos of the damage, injuries, weather conditions, and any contributing factors like debris or hazardous conditions. Exchange contact and insurance information with all other parties involved, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. 

How long after a boating accident must you report it?

In Arizona, boating accidents must be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department within 48 hours if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Even if your accident doesn't meet these thresholds, prompt reporting is strongly recommended to avoid potential penalties and preserve crucial evidence that could be lost over time. Failing to report a required accident can result in fines and may harm your ability to pursue compensation in a civil claim later.

How hard is it to win a boating injury lawsuit?

Success in a boating injury lawsuit depends on your ability to prove that another party was negligent and that this negligence directly caused your injuries and damages. You must demonstrate that the boat operator or other responsible party violated safety laws or failed to exercise reasonable care, and you need solid evidence such as witness testimony, accident reports, medical records, and expert analysis. With an experienced boating accident lawyer from Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, you can significantly improve your chances by building a strong, well-documented case that holds negligent parties accountable for your suffering.
Please call our Mesa boating accident lawyers at (480) 833-8800 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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