Seeking Fair Compensation After Serious Boating Accidents
Focusing mainly on the hours of fun and enjoyment that can be had on the water, many people fail to appreciate the true hazards that recreational and even commercial boating can represent. Serious injury and sometimes even death occur with unfortunate frequency, and it may be the case that another party’s negligence is to blame. When this is the case, a skilled boating accident attorney can help. Dangerous incidents on the water are always a possibility that must not be ignored. The fact of the matter is that many boaters, particularly casual ones, do not act with the same level of care that they might when driving a car over the road. Lack of adherence to boating safety practices is a significant cause of the types of events that necessitate the assistance of a seasoned lawyer. Far too many injuries each and every year stem from the utterly avoidable mistake of not using life jackets or an ill-advised decision to operate a boat that does not have a kill switch installed. In the latter scenario, it is frighteningly easy for tragedy to unfold if a boat operator is temporarily unable to exercise control over the vessel for some reason. Many have the erroneous belief that making the choice to go boating is, in essence, an assumption of any risk that may originate from the activity. However, there are countless situations each year in which injuries sustained on the water are the result of negligence on the part of the boat’s driver or a third-party actor. These routinely include: Boat operation at excessive speeds Traveling in large wake zones at hazardous angles Failing to prevent contact with propellers Boating in inclement weather conditions Failure to observe navigational rules Neglect of tubers and water skiers in the area Improper and insufficient watercraft maintenance Boating while under the influence Boat design and manufacturing defects Overloaded vessels Boating accidents can be truly life-altering events, given the severity of the injuries they are known to produce. Common harm suffered in these situations includes spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, deep lacerations, burns and more. Anyone who has been involved in an accident of this nature needs to realize that an attorney with specific experience handling boating mishaps is critical if justice is to be obtained. Such a practitioner will set to work reviewing the vessel’s complete history, the boat operator’s driving history and training level, available eyewitness statements, medical records, police reports and more. If a comprehensive investigation reveals that another party’s negligence was in fact the cause of a victim’s injuries, it may indeed be possible to secure significant financial compensation. Whether in the form of a negotiated settlement or a trial verdict, injured parties often receive payment for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation and therapy costs, reductions in future earning capacity, emotional distress, physical pain and more. When it comes to obtaining justice and accountability in the aftermath of boating accidents, the sooner legal representation is sought, the better the chances of success. A zealous injury attorney is precisely the ally victims need at what is surely among the most trying times of their lives. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
What You Should Know About DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs could result in a hefty fine, a criminal record, and even a jail term – depending on the severity of the case. On the other hand, DUI accidents can cause serious injury or death to the driver, passengers, and the other individuals using the road network. A DUI charge – that results in bodily harm or death to another individual – is considered a felony in most of the states in the U.S. This article provides information on what you need to know about DUI accidents and the legal implications of the process. In case you have met with an accident, the law enforcement officials can stop and temporary detail you for the purpose of further interrogation. The officer may ask you if you have been drinking and look to see if there are any signs in plain view. In fact, the police officer can conduct field sobriety tests to ascertain if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In case the investigations lead to the conclusion that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the officer has a probable cause to make an arrest under the DUI law. Although an accident may give the officer reasonable suspicion to further investigate the incident, only solid evidence of intoxication would give the officer probable cause for a DUI arrest. In fact, some states in the U.S allow for discretionary or mandatory BAC testing of the driver involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death to another individual. Depending on your state, the officer may conduct a BAC test to see whether you are driving under the influence of liquor or drugs. In fact, the testing may occur depending on the discretion of the officer on the scene. In most states, BAC testing after a serious accident may fall under one of the following categories. Mandatory Testing – Many states in the U.S. require BAC testing of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are involved in a serious accident. In fact, more than 50% of the U.S. States have mandatory BAC laws. Discretionary Testing – Some states allow for BAC testing depending on the discretion of the law enforcement or medical officer involved in the incident. More than ten U.S. States have discretionary testing laws. In case you or someone in your family is involved in a serious accident caused by a drunk driver, you can claim damages in a civil lawsuit – but you should be able to prove it. On the other hand, you can also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in case a family member is killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. You have to establish the intoxication level of the driver and prove that this level is too high for the safe operation of the vehicle. That is where you need the services of a reliable DUI lawyer in town. Make sure that you choose the right candidate for the job. Contact Us to learn how we can help! For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
Help Finding a Wrongful Death Attorney in Oklahoma City
If you want to find an Oklahoma City wrongful death attorney, you have to be careful. There are a lot of attorneys out there, and you can’t just hire one at random. Take and use what you’re about to learn if you want your case to have the best possible outcome. An attorney is going to have to have a good reputation before you hire them to do the work for you. That’s why you want to look for reviews on their services from their past clients. You can generally type in their name, Oklahoma City, and the word reviews into a search engine site to find reviews. Just make sure that you go through a few before you decide on hiring anyone. You don’t want to find out after you hire someone that they are not that good at their job and won’t give you the right assistance. An attorney should be charging a fair price for their services. Don’t work with anyone that is trying to charge too much. If the case is easily winnable, then you may be able to find someone that will only make you pay if you win the case and get compensation. If you go that route, make sure you find out how much they plan on taking out of the money you get. If it’s going to cost you more that way than paying a lawyer to work with you on a case by case basis, you shouldn’t go that route. A lot of lawyers are really busy and hard to work with because of that. You want to make sure that they’re going to have time to work with you and that they will be there to answer your questions if you have any. One thing to remember is that if anyone involved in the case starts asking you questions, you need to tell them you have to talk with your attorney first. Don’t give people information or you may hurt your case and that’s something that a lot of companies will try to get you to do so they don’t lose money. You need to work with the right Oklahoma City wrongful death attorney if you want this to work out well for you. There are plenty to choose from, so be sure that you research each option and pick out the one that works the best in your situation. To learn how one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help you, contact us today in the Oklahoma City area call 405-253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore 580-798-0447.
