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Boating Accidents

Boat Accident Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

Photo of sinking boat

Personal injury attorneys serving Glendale, Chandler, Yuma, Tempe, Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona.

Boating is one of the most popular outdoor hobbies in the United States. And though it is widely considered a fun and relaxing sport, recreational boating has a dark side. In 2008, boating accidents in the United States resulted in 3,331 injuries and 709 deaths. Shockingly, America’s waterways are second only to highways in terms of the number of accidental deaths occurring on them.

The main causes of these boating accidents are attributable to the following acts of negligence: excessive speed, no proper lookout, operator inattention, and general carelessness. Not surprisingly, excessive alcohol consumption played a role in 17 percent of boating accidents.  If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury as a result of a boat accident, contact our experienced Phoenix, AZ boating accident lawyers for a free legal consultation, today.

VARIETIES OF WATERCRAFT LINKED TO DEADLY ACCIDENTS

Boating accidents involve a multitude of different watercraft. Open motorboats were responsible for 43 percent of boating accidents, personal watercraft for 23 percent, and cabin motorboats for 15 percent. The United States Coast Guard requires operators of all watercraft defined as vessels to make an official report when a boating accident occurs.

The Coast Guard defines the term “vessel” as any watercraft or artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on the water, including airboats, auxiliary sailboats, cabin motorboats, canoes, houseboats, inflatable boats, kayaks, open motorboats, personal watercraft, pontoon boats, rafts, rowboats, and sailboats.

The Coast Guard has not determined unmodified inner tubes to be “vessels”; accidents involving them are therefore not included in Coast Guard reports.

Federal law (33 CFR Part 173; Subpart C — Casualty and Accident Reporting) requires that victims of boating accidents file a report with the nearest state boating authority. The Code of Federal Regulations requires a boating accident report to be filed within 48 hours of the occurrence of any of the following kinds of incidents:

  • A fatality that occurs within 24 hours of the accident;
  • A person’s injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid;
  • Property damage to the vessel that results in more than $2,000, or in the vessel’s total loss;
  • A person’s disappearance from a vessel under circumstances that point to death or injury.

The reporting authority can be the state where the accident occurred, the state in which the vessel was numbered, or – if the vessel does not have a number – the state where the vehicle was mostly used. If the operator is deceased or cannot make the report because of injuries, then the vessel’s owner must do so. For less serious incidents a report must be made within ten days of an occurrence if there is damage to the property or vessel.

BOAT ACCIDENT LAWYERS ARIZONA RELIES ON

If you find yourself the victim of a boating accident, consult an experienced Arizona accident attorney trained in the rules and regulations governing watercraft mishaps. At Wattel & York, Attorneys At Law, our Phoenix boat accident lawyers have extensive experience handling watercraft injury cases. Our Phoenix, AZ injury attorneys take every necessary step to investigate the possible causes of your accident so that you receive full compensation for any pain and suffering you have endured.

At Wattel & York, our services go beyond simply ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for injuries sustained in a boating accident. Our Arizona boat accident lawyers will also seek out the appropriate medical specialist for your injuries and will work with that specialist to ensure that payment for his or her services is delayed until your case is completed by settlement or trial.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a boating accident and died, contact a Phoenix, AZ wrongful death lawyer at Wattel & York, Attorneys At Law toll-free at this phone number: (877) 333-9545. You can also submit a simple case form below.

An initial free legal consultation is free of charge. If we take your case, we work on a contingent-fee basis. That means you pay us only if you receive a monetary reward or recovery of fees.

DON’T LET THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS RUN OUT!

Don’t wait any longer; a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona must be filed before the state’s statute of limitations expires. Call us now, because you may have a valid claim entitling you to compensation for the injuries, pain and suffering a boating accident has caused you. Our Phoenix, AZ boat accident lawyers–with offices in Yuma, Glendale, Tucson, Chandler and Phoenix–are ready to handle your case.

Resources:

United States Coast Guard, http://www.uscg.mil/
FDSys, Code of Federal Regulations, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

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Online Reviews

“Amazing people, they had my claim for about a week before they were able to get my truck totaled out. Otherwise I would have been stuck with a truck that had heavy front end damage if they hadn’t stepped in to help me. I tried to deal with my insurance company myself for over a month and that got me nowhere, all I got was a massive headache and a messed up truck. They are very professional and act quickly on your claim. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for help.”

Candy J.

2/9/2020

“I was in an accident and decided to call Wattel and York. After months of going to a Chiropractor, I finally felt better. When it came time for settlement, the insurance company was making an offer I wanted to accept, Mr. Wattel advised against it and felt the insurance company was shortchanging me. He recommended I file a lawsuit and that will get them to cave. Well, Dave filed suit, and sure enough, the insurance company increased their offer by $4,000! I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.”

Nardeasha S.

20/20/2020

“Wattel & York were flat out outstanding with my personal injury case. They made the process painless and kept in constant communication throughout the entire time. Any questions I might’ve had were promptly answered and detail oriented. They gave me crucial advice that I would’ve otherwise not been aware of. I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Put your trust in these guys, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Wattel & York.”

Mattew P.

13/9/2020

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on our behalf! Thinking I could handle it on my own, I was originally reluctant to take my accident claim to an attorney. But I am SO glad I called you instead. Your people were always helpful, pleasant and responsive at every step along the way. You represented us with honesty and integrity and made a traumatic experience as painless as it could be. And best of all, you helped us get a settlement that was fair and far more than I could ever have negotiated on my own! I highly recommend Wattel &York to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.”

Cathy M.

“I was the passenger in a vehicle that was 'T- Boned' at an intersection in 2014. The issues of responsibility and recovery became a difficult and convoluted confusion. I really needed help. This Team at Wattel and York walked me patiently and encouragingly through difficult months, sorting through issues and finally arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. I especially want to name two great and encouraging "warriors" of Wattel and York who directed me along the way..Brian Torba and Melissa Patterson..to them and the whole team I say "Thank You" with heart felt gratitude. Sincerely, God Bless You.”

Robert G.

“Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Partnership. Wattel & York brought all of these qualities and more to my accident case. I'd love to thank all of the team members who helped me with the process: David Guzman, who conducted the initial interview in my home, Aly Shomar-Esparza, who seamlessly guided me through paperwork and filings, Debbie Harrach, who conducted final review, paperwork revisions and scheduling, and Thomas Grisoni, who counseled me before and attended my deposition. I never felt alone during the arduous process and always knew there was a professional team looking out for my best interest. I highly recommend Wattel & York if you are unfortunately involved in an accident that was not your fault.”

Russ W.

“I was a passenger in a car that got t-boned a few years ago and got a huge gash. I didn't know a lot about lawyers, so I basically just picked one on the flip of a coin. I called Wattel and York and they explained everything, I went into the office and filled out paperwork. Got treatment on my gash over the time I worked with them, glad I did as it opened back up a couple times and bled. They did really good, got me the maximum amount of money, and made sure I was well taken care of. I was updated from time to time so that was good. The only thing I might change is I never got to thank or talk to my lawyer. I think it was because I was already used to dealing with the lady at their Glendale office so they just kept her as my point of contact. So it's okay, I'll thank them with a good review. The last thing I could say about them is months after I thought my case was over they called me and said they had another check for me for a few hundred dollars. Apparently, they negotiated with the hospital I went to after the accident. It was a nice surprise and shows they really had my interests in mind.”

Trent B.

“Wattel & York has been great for me in the past few years. I was involved in a really bad accident while I was on Active Duty in Yuma, Arizona and they have been patient with me every step of the way through a very long process. I would recommend them to anyone thank you for all your help.”

Levy G.

“Appreciate David taking the time to speak with me. He was most kind. From the front line with the receptionist, to him, the firm was a class act all the way around.”

Claire B.

“Dave Wattel represented me and my son on a Personal Injury case from a motor vehicle accident back in 2009. Jake P. handled my deposition and Dave did the Quarterbacking. The insurance company hired NFL referee Ed Hochuli's firm to try and deny our claim. But Wattel & York made it look as easy as Tom Brady on the football field. The result was more than acceptable and my son and I were compensated for our injuries and rehabilitation. Dave Wattel cares about his clients. If I ever find myself in a situation like this again, Wattel & York will be on speed dial!!”

Vince C.

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Mesa

1201 S. Alma School Road, Suite 9500 Mesa, Arizona 85210

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Glendale

4901 W. Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301

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Phoenix

2942 N. 24th Street, Suite 105 Phoenix, AZ 85016

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Tucson

2933 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719

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Yuma

1102 S. 4th Avenue Yuma AZ, 85364

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Newport Beach

260 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92660

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6314 19th Street West, Suite 15 Fircrest, WA 98466

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