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Boating in the Columbia River or one of the many area reservoirs, lakes, and streams is one of the joys of living in northern Oregon. Beautiful scenery and great fishing bring residents onto the water to enjoy the outdoors.
Sadly, irresponsible boaters can cause accidents that result in severe injuries or even death. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a watercraft crash, a Hermiston boat accident lawyer could be of assistance. Our experienced injury attorneys could pursue legal remedies that hold the wrongdoers accountable and force them to pay adequate compensation for your losses.
The same things that make being out on the water appealing also make it dangerous. Boaters are often far from others while on the water, and getting an injured person appropriate medical attention could take a long time.
Boats themselves are inherently hazardous, as they are liable to capsize and sink. Onboard motors and engines could malfunction or even explode, and the fishing gear and other equipment boats carry can also cause injuries. The outdoor environment can also make some injuries worse, as exposure to the water can increase the chances of infection. Common injuries individuals in boating accidents might suffer include:
Because boat crash injuries can cause lifelong consequences, an experienced attorney in Hermiston could help fight for damages to cover an injured party’s total losses from the event.
Bouncing back after suffering a severe injury requires grit, time, energy, and money. Appropriate medical care and rehabilitation support are expensive, even for people with good insurance. However, damages from a negligent party could provide the financial security and access to services an injured person needs to move forward with their life. A well-versed lawyer could counsel a Hermiston family about the damages they could claim in a particular watercraft accident case.
Some damages reimburse out-of-pocket costs like ambulance transport, medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and incidental expenses caused by the accident. If the injured party requires ongoing care, damages should also provide enough money to cover those future expenses. Financial recovery might also compensate for lost wages, benefits like sick days and vacation time used, and reduced opportunity to earn in the future.
Negligence is a failure to observe reasonable caution to prevent injury to someone else. The circumstances of an accident provide clues to the identity of the negligent party or parties. For instance, if the incident resulted from a mechanical failure, the vessel’s owner, the marina responsible for maintenance, or even a manufacturer might be held liable. Further, if a poorly marked waterway led to the wreck, the government agency with jurisdiction could instead be legally responsible.
Unfortunately, boat operators also often make poor decisions that lead to mishaps. Boating while intoxicated is illegal under Oregon Revised Statutes §830.305, but impaired boating remains common. However, parties who choose to operate while intoxicated are considered negligent and can be held financially responsible.
If you are trying to move past a severe injury that you suffered on the water, you need practical advice from an experienced legal professional. A Hermiston boat accident lawyer could explain your legal options and help you pursue the course that makes the most sense for you.
Do not try to handle everything alone when competent, compassionate help is just a phone call away. Reach out and schedule an appointment today.
