Augusta Boat Accident Lawyer

A reckless boat driver in Augusta, Georgia can cause an accident. Anyone injured in this accident can sue the driver for damages in a personal injury claim. To do so, it pays to partner with an experienced Augusta boat accident lawyer. 

At John Foy & Associates, we make it easy to work with a best-in-class boat accident lawyer in Augusta. To get started, reach out to us today. Our boat accident lawyer can review your case and help you request the compensation you deserve. 

Why Boat Accidents Happen in Augusta

In 2022, the Coast Guard reported 4,040 boat accidents in the United States. These accidents resulted in more than 600 deaths, 2,000 injuries, and $63 million in property damage. They occurred for many reasons, including:

Inattentive Operator

It is a boat driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. Yet, if an operator loses focus, they can strike another boat or anyone swimming nearby. This can cause a boat accident that puts the driver and anyone they come into contact with in danger. 

Inexperienced Operator

Anyone that wants to operate a boat in Georgia who was born after January 1, 1998, must pass a boater safety course. Even if someone passes this course, they may feel unconfident when they operate a boat. If an inexperienced operator panics, they risk causing an accident. 

Impaired Operator

A boat driver may choose to operate their vehicle while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so is careless and endangers the operator and others. If the operator causes an accident, they can face severe consequences. 

Malfunctioning Equipment

A boat operator must allocate time, energy, and resources to keep their vehicle running properly. If an operator fails to do so, their boat can malfunction. Meanwhile, if a boat cannot stop as expected or experiences other mechanical defects, this can lead to an accident. 

John Foy & Associates can connect you with a boat accident attorney in Augusta to help you with your legal case. For more information, get in touch with us. Our Augusta boat accident attorney can learn about your case and help you determine if now is the right time to request damages. 

What to Do After a Boat Accident in Augusta

If you are involved in a boat accident in Augusta that occurs due to someone else’s negligence, seek medical help. You should go to a doctor to undergo a medical evaluation and treat any injuries you have suffered. Keep track of any medical bills and treatments you receive, too. 

Consult with a boat accident lawyer in Augusta as well. It is important to choose an attorney that has a wealth of experience with boat accident cases. This attorney likely has helped past boat accident clients get large settlements.

If you have a strong case, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit. For those who were injured, you may file a personal injury lawsuit. Or, if a loved one died in a boat accident, you may submit a wrongful death claim.    

What to Expect with Damages in an Augusta Boat Accident Lawsuit

There are two types of damages you can incur in an Augusta boat accident: economic and non-economic. You can suffer economic damages due to lost wages, medical bills, and other quantifiable losses. Comparatively, you can deal with non-economic damages relating to suffering, pain, and other subjective losses. 

If you are injured or suffer property damage due to an Augusta boat accident, seek legal help. You may be able to sue the driver who caused your accident. In a boat accident lawsuit, you can request compensation totaling hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the damages you have incurred. 

In most cases, you have a two-year window to seek damages in an Augusta boat accident lawsuit. There is a two-year statute of limitations for the majority of personal injury claims in Georgia. If you do not file a lawsuit within two years of your boat accident, you lose the opportunity to do so at a later time. 

How to Get the Most Compensation Possible in an Augusta Boat Accident Lawsuit

An Augusta boat accident lawyer helps you figure out how much to request in damages. From here, they file your lawsuit and work with you to strengthen your case. If your case ultimately goes to trial, your lawyer will help you present a compelling argument. 

Leading up to your trial date, your attorney works with you to gather evidence. For example, you may use medical documents that show the severity of your boat accident injury as evidence. Along with these, you may provide pay stubs that indicate how much money you have lost if you were unable to work due to your boat accident and injury. 

Of course, you may be able to settle your boat accident case without a trial. Your lawyer will keep you up to date regarding any settlement offers from the defendant. If you get a settlement proposal, you have the option to approve, decline, or counter it. 

How to Respond to a Settlement Offer in an Augusta Boat Accident Case

Ideally, you want to secure the maximum amount of damages in your Augusta boat accident case and get the compensation you want as quickly as possible. However, the legal process can be lengthy, even if you are requesting a reasonable amount of damages. It may take months or years before you get any compensation, but a settlement allows you to receive money faster than you would if you go to trial. 

When you get a settlement offer, keep in mind that you are under no obligation to accept it. You and your Augusta boat accident attorney can evaluate the proposal and weigh its pros and cons. In addition, your lawyer can explain what can happen with any decision you make about a settlement offer. 

If you do not believe it is in your best interests to accept a settlement, let your attorney know. At this point, your lawyer will notify the defendant’s attorney. You and your lawyer will continue to focus on what is most important: building a strong case. 

Get Legal Help with Your Augusta Boat Accident Case

John Foy & Associates is ready to assist you with your Augusta boat accident claim. To learn more or request a free consultation, contact us today.