If you were injured in a boating accident in Charlotte, NC, due to someone else’s negligence, Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys are ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 150 years of combined experience and more than $100 million recovered for injury victims, our Charlotte boating accident lawyers have what it takes to hold reckless boaters and negligent parties accountable.
Call today at (980) 340-8620 to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte personal injury attorney. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and protect your rights. With our contingency fee structure, you pay nothing unless we win.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Charlotte Boating Accident
Charlotte, North Carolina, offers abundant opportunities for recreational boating, but any fun day on the water can quickly turn catastrophic due to carelessness, intoxication, or mechanical failure.
Our Charlotte injury attorneys are well-versed in maritime and boating laws, and Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys is committed to helping victims recover the compensation they’re owed.
When we take your case, we handle everything, including:
- Investigating your boating accident and identifying all liable parties
- Reviewing Coast Guard reports, witness statements, and medical records
- Working with accident reconstruction experts and marine safety specialists
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Handling all communications and negotiations with insurers
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial, if needed
With our Charlotte boating accident attorneys in your corner, you can focus on healing while we focus on holding the negligent party accountable.
How Much Is My Charlotte Boating Accident Case Worth?
Many factors affect the value of a boating accident case, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much yours is worth. We’ll look at the severity of your injuries, how your injuries affect your daily life, whether you share any blame for the accident, and available insurance coverage, among many other factors.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Charlotte Boating Accident?
Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to a range of damages. At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we fight to ensure your settlement accounts for every loss.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs and long-term care needs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic damages cover your more personal and intangible losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
In rare cases involving especially egregious conduct, such as drunk boating or hit-and-run accidents, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
What Causes Most Boating Accidents in Charlotte, NC?
Operator error is the most common cause of boating accidents, and it can take many forms, from impaired judgment to poor navigation.
Some of the most frequent causes of boating accidents in the Charlotte area include:
- Inattention or distraction by the operator
- Speeding or reckless maneuvering
- Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inexperienced boat operators lacking proper training
- Failure to maintain a proper lookout
- Overloaded vessels or improper weight distribution
- Defective boat equipment or mechanical failures
Boating accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that may require lifelong assistance. These cases demand serious legal representation from a firm that understands how to build a compelling claim for full compensation.
What Should You Do After a Boating Accident in Charlotte?
Your health and safety come first in the moments after a boating accident. Call for emergency help if needed.
Once you’re safe, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:
- Report the accident
- Document the scene and take photos of any vessel damage, injuries, and surroundings
- Collect names and contact info of all involved parties and any witnesses
- Avoid making statements that suggest fault or minimize your injuries
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor
- Contact a Charlotte boating accident attorney as soon as possible
Boating accident claims often hinge on early evidence collection. Recollections become unreliable, boats are repaired or moved, and key documents can disappear. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Boating Accident?
Boating accident liability in North Carolina is typically based on negligence, so anyone whose carelessness contributed to your injuries may be held accountable.
Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties might include:
- The boat operator
- The boat owner (if different from the operator)
- A passenger who interfered with safe operation
- The rental company or tour operator
- A manufacturer of defective equipment or parts
- A marina or docking facility
We’ll dig into every angle of your accident to determine liability. We’ll also protect you from counterclaims or attempts to shift blame.
How Long Do You Have To File a Boating Accident Claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident results in death, the timeline to file a wrongful death claim is just two years.
Certain factors can affect these deadlines, especially in cases involving minors, government entities, or maritime law. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to compensation entirely.
Don’t delay. Speak to a Charlotte boating accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve your claim and start the process.
Get Help From a Trusted Charlotte Boating Accident Lawyer Today
Boating accident cases can be complex. They involve unique laws, technical evidence, and a host of potential defendants. You need an attorney who understands the nuances of these cases and has a track record of success.
At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve been serving injured clients with compassion and commitment for decades. Let us use our 150+ years of combined experience for you.
Call now for a free consultation with a Charlotte boating accident lawyer. We don’t get paid unless you do.