Charlotte Boating Accident Attorneys

Serving Injured Boaters Across Mecklenburg County & All Surrounding Areas

North Carolina is filled with coastlines, lakes, and rivers that attract locals and vacationers alike. Along with swimming and jet skiing, many people like to enjoy boating the waters. However, boating is associated with dangers that result in serious and even fatal accidents, many of them caused by inexperienced or reckless boat operators.

If you or a loved one has been recently injured in a boating accident, Jetton & Meredith, PLLC can help you recover your entitled compensation to pay for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering you endured throughout the healing process. Our Charlotte boating accident lawyers can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and negotiate a proper settlement or obtain the most favorable outcome in the courtroom.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, there were 35 fatalities involving boating accidents in 2018, which is the deadliest year for such accidents in the state in almost three decades. Not only did the number of boating-related deaths significant increase by 169 percent from 2017 to 2018, but the total number of boating accidents also rose by 64 percent – from 117 accidents in 2017 to 192 in 2018.

The most common cause of boating accidents in North Carolina is negligence, recklessness, and carelessness. Although boating laws require all boaters to always operate their vessels in a safe manner, certain behaviors create dangerous conditions for everyone in the water.

The following are the most common causes of boating accidents:

• Intoxication – Alcohol or drug use can impair a boat operator’s mental and physical faculties to either make reckless decisions or fail to properly react to dangerous conditions in the water.
• Inexperience – Operating a boat takes an ample amount of training and experience; however, operators who do not understand boating controls or follow safety regulations can be dangerous.
• Negligence – From operating a boat while talking to passengers or using a cellphone to ignoring the rules of the water or the weather conditions, knowingly boating in a reckless or careless matter can lead to serious accidents.
• Faulty equipment – Not only must boat owners be responsible for everyone on board their watercraft, but they must also make sure their vessel is in good shape. Failure to conduct regular maintenance or replace a faulty part can result in an accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Boating accidents can be complex, which is why you need to hire an experienced firm with a proven track record of success. Our Charlotte boating accident attorneys provide each client with unique and personalized legal representation, because we know every case is different and requires special attention. We are committed to maximizing your entitled compensation and making sure you are completely satisfied with the results.