Boating and maritime accidents injure or kill Alaskans every year. The attorneys at Power & Power Law in Anchorage understand the complexities involved in filing a personal injury claim following a boating accident. We are here to help you pursue compensation for your injuries as a result of a maritime accident, irrespective of whether it is through state courts or federal courts. We can help with injuries incurred on commercial vessels (i.e. oil tankers, fishing boats, cruise ships), charter boats (saltwater fishing and/or riverboat fishing), or on personal watercraft (ocean boats, river boats, ski boats, etc).
Boating Negligence
Similar to auto accidents, boating accidents are governed by negligence law. Proving a claim for negligence requires the injured person to establish that:
- The offender had a duty to not cause injury to the claimant;
- The offender failed to perform that duty;
- The offender is at fault; and
- The injury is real.
Intoxicated boaters are the most common cause of boating accidents. The DUI laws in Alaska render a person operating a boat with blood-alcohol concentration more than .08% liable for any damages he or she causes. Also, “rules of the road” apply to boating and add to the tortfeasor’s liability.
Dealing with the costs arising from a boating accident can be overwhelming, as they include medical bills, wage loss, emergency response costs, physical therapy, and other treatments. The attorneys at Power & Power Law will investigate your claim to determine the cause of your losses.
Common Factors Leading to Maritime Accidents
Some of the common causes of boating accidents include:
- Inexperienced operators,
- High speeds,
- Carelessness,
- Sleep deprivation,
- Lack of focus,
- Alcohol impairment,
- Congested waterways,
- Unsafe waters, and
- Bad weather.
Unseaworthy Vessels
Maritime law dictates that the vessel in operation should be seaworthy, that is, the ship must be safe to live and work on. Under this law, therefore, the following activities (not limited to these) are illegal: overworking the crew, improperly staffing the crew, violating US Coast Guard regulations, utilizing defective tools or safety equipment, failing to use safety equipment, defective railings, and failure to equip the vessel with proper anti-slip material.
Where can I Find an Alaska Boating Accident Attorney?
Our attorneys know that many of our clients have never been involved in a legal matter before and might have a lot of questions and concerns. We are happy to evaluate your legal options and will answer any questions you have about the legal process.
An initial evaluation of your case is free, and we invite you to give us a call to discuss your case with an attorney in Anchorage at 833-669-9990 or visit us online and complete our online consultation form.
If you or a loved one has a claim that you would like to discuss with an experienced personal injury attorney, please contact us. The attorneys at Power & Power Law will evaluate your case and consult you on your legal options free of charge.