West Virginia Boating Accidents

West Virginians enjoy boating throughout the summer months on a variety of rivers and lakes throughout the state. Fishing or just enjoying time out on the water is a favorite summer pastime for individuals, friends and families. Unfortunately, these recreational activities can be destroyed by another boater who is drunk, inexperienced, or fails to exercise reasonable care for the safety of others.

According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the operator of any vessel involved in a collision, accident or other casualty has a legal duty to render aid to others that were involved or affected by the accident. The operator of any vessel must also provide contact information, such as his or her name, address and vessel registration, to anyone who was injured during the incident or the owner of any property that was damaged by the incident.

Boating accidents often lead to very serious injuries or death, as the injured is usually submerged and could have lost their life by drowning. In other cases, the accident victims are rescued, but only after a long period of oxygen deprivation, leading to permanent brain damage. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact a West Virginia personal injury lawyer from our firm, Mani Ellis & Layne PLLC. We have more than three decades of combined experience, and have gained a reputation as one of the most effective injury law firms in the state.

Quality Help from a West Virginia Accident Attorney

Regardless of whether your boat accident was the result of a drunk boater, recklessness, overcrowding, speeding, or any other violation of Pennsylvania boating laws, you can find the caring help and strong support you need when you call our firm. There are specific boating safety requirements set in place by the state of West Virginia, and we are familiar with how to protect your rights under these laws. For example;

Any boating accident involving death, injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or property damage greater than $500 should be reported immediately with complete details given. An accident report in a case involving a reportable injury or property damage must be submitted to the Division within 5 days of the incident.

A failure to comply with any of these laws can result in a lawsuit or legal action, so call our firm immediately after your accident to learn about how you can seek justice and compensation.

Whitewater rafting injuries, Jet Ski accidents, canoeing, and other types of boating are all known to cause serious injuries to riders and passengers should something go wrong. Whether the accident took place on Summerville Lake, Sutton Lake, Stonewall, Jackson Lake or on one of the many rivers in the state, our firm can assist you to pursue compensation for damages. We serve the injured throughout the state of West Virginia, and are prepared to evaluate your claim on an immediate basis. Call now to learn how you can take the best legal route to recover compensation!