Do not let someone that caused your boat accident in Columbus, GA off the hook. Instead, partner with a boat accident lawyer in Columbus, GA. When you do, your boat accident lawyer will do everything they can to help you get the compensation you deserve.
John Foy & Associates is proud to be the Strong Arm of the law. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer to learn how we can help you with your Columbus boat accident case. Our Columbus, GA boat accident attorney can review your case and help you take the first step toward getting compensation.
A Closer Look at Boating Accidents in Columbus, GA
Research from the Coast Guard indicates the number of boat accidents in the United States fell 9% between 2021 and 2022. However, over 4,000 boat accidents were reported nationwide in 2022. The Coast Guard noted more than 600 deaths occurred in these accidents.
Boat accidents are problematic, but they are often preventable. In Georgia, anyone born after January 1, 1998, is required to complete a boater safety course. If someone completes this course and takes the necessary precautions when operating a boat, they can minimize their risk of accidents.
Of course, negligent boat operators wreak havoc in Columbus and other cities and towns across the United States. If a boat operator is traveling too fast or violating other rules and regulations, they can cause an accident. In this scenario, the operator can be held financially responsible for any damages they cause.
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When to File a Columbus Boat Accident Lawsuit
If you are injured or suffer property damage due to a boat accident caused by someone else, it is in your best interests to hold the at-fault party accountable. You can file a lawsuit in which you request money for any medical bills, lost wages, and other objective losses you have incurred. Also, you can seek compensation for suffering, pain, and other subjective harm you have suffered.
To file a boat accident lawsuit, you should hire an attorney. You can choose a boat accident attorney in Columbus, GA that can answer your legal questions. Plus, your attorney will make sure your lawsuit is filed properly and help you pursue the most compensation possible.
John Foy & Associates is a Columbus law firm with an outstanding reputation. Reach out to us to get started with a boat accident lawsuit. Our Columbus, GA boat accident lawyer can walk you through the legal process and explain what it takes to secure compensation.
How a Columbus Boat Accident Lawsuit Works
Every boat accident lawsuit in Columbus, GA is treated as its own entity. Your Columbus, GA boat accident attorney will file your lawsuit and work with you to build your case. Over the course of your litigation, you and your attorney may find that the defendant is willing to negotiate a settlement outside the courtroom.
Your attorney can explain the payment process for a settlement in detail. If you and the defendant agree to a settlement, there is no need to go to trial. Your boat accident case is resolved, you will receive some of the compensation you originally requested, and you can move forward from your case.
Comparatively, you may find that a defendant is unwilling to negotiate. Regardless, you and your lawyer keep working together to enhance your case. If you wind up in court for a trial, you and your attorney can present an argument that makes it clear to a judge or jury why you should be awarded damages.
What to Expect When a Columbus Boat Accident Case Goes to Trial
There are no guarantees in a Columbus boat accident trial, even if you have a strong argument. Your attorney and the defendant’s lawyer will present evidence to support their respective client’s request. A judge or jury reviews the evidence and testimony provided and makes a decision on whether you will receive compensation.
In the best-case scenario, your lawyer shows beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was 100% responsible for any damages you incurred due to the boat accident. If this happens, a judge or jury may have no trouble awarding you full damages. A judge or jury will then let you know if damages are awarded, and if so, the defendant is required to pay them.
On the other hand, a judge or jury may rule in the defendant’s favor. If this occurs, you may receive no damages. There is also the option that a judge or jury finds you partly at fault for your boat accident, which can reduce the damages you receive.
How a Judge or Jury Can Award You Partial Damages in a Columbus Boat Accident Case
There can be times when a plaintiff in a boat accident case is found partially responsible for the incident. At these times, the plaintiff may receive a fraction of the damages they initially requested. To understand how this works, consider an example.
A plaintiff may request $10,000 in damages in a boat accident lawsuit in Columbus. After reviewing the case, a judge or jury may find that the plaintiff was 20% responsible for the accident. At this point, a judge or jury awards the plaintiff $8,000 in damages.
Your Columbus boat accident lawyer wants to show a judge or jury that the defendant is completely responsible for any harm you incurred. To do so, your attorney works in lockstep with you throughout your litigation. Your attorney prepares an argument designed to leave no doubt that you deserve full damages.
How to Select a Columbus Boat Accident Attorney
If you want to hire a boat accident attorney, look at a lawyer’s client testimonials. When you read through these testimonials, you can learn what it is like to work with a lawyer. If the testimonials leave you with a positive impression of an attorney, you can set up a date and time to meet with the lawyer.
It helps to put together a list of questions to share with a boat accident lawyer. You can ask questions about how the attorney will approach your boat accident case and other legal topics. If you are confident in the attorney after you share your questions with them, you can hire this lawyer and work with them to build your case.
At John Foy & Associates, we offer instant access to an experienced Columbus boat accident lawyer. For more information or to request a free consultation, contact us today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
