Major ferry accidents are more common in areas of the world with lax safety regulations and severe overcrowding can capsize boats easily. But accidents still occur in the United States whether on freight ferry services, passenger ferries, water taxis, or other commercial boating enterprises. When people are injured in one of these accidents, the negligent party should be held responsible.
If you or a loved one have been injured during a ferry boat accident, do not try to handle it alone. A Pennsylvania ferry accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to start your free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Ferry Accidents
Ferry accidents can be caused by a variety of elements and should be investigated thoroughly in the aftermath, especially if passengers or workers were injured. Local safety officials should work to determine the cause of a crash and whether or not it could have been prevented. If negligence was involved from the ferry boat captain or operating company, you may have the right to demand a settlement for your injuries.
Ferry accidents occur more often under circumstances that show direct negligence, such as the captain or crew being intoxicated, fatigued from long shifts, or distracted. Other factors can include fault from the company as well, such as lack of maintenance for mechanical operations, design flaws, and insufficient training. Some of the most common causes of ferry accidents include:
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical failures
- Reckless speeds or maneuvering
- Alcohol or drug use
- Ignoring ferry laws and guidelines
- Overloading of people or freight
Common Injuries Caused by Ferry Accidents
Ferries and commercial boats experience a variety of accidents on board their vessels, from bumps and bruises to fractures and fatalities. Because of the capacity for hundreds of passengers to be on board, ferries also raise the risk for injuries in the event of a collision or other major accident.
It is important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible to evaluate and treat your injuries. Not only does this ensure you get the proper care you need, but it also provides the medical records that prove you were actually injured. Medical staff will also check to see if you have any internal, hidden injuries that have not yet presented any symptoms.
Victims of ferry accidents have filed claims for simple lacerations and bruises to broken bones, fractures, and sprains. More severe injuries can also include spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even burns from toxic material exposure. Whatever your injury, your Pennsylvania ferry accident attorney will be able to assist you in filing your claim while you focus on recovery.
Pennsylvania Ferry Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Why You Should Work with a Pennsylvania Ferry Accident Attorney
A boating accident can be a traumatic experience, creating years of medical treatment and fighting insurance companies to pay out. Protect your claim by hiring a legal team with expertise in maritime law. If you were injured in a ferry accident, obtaining legal representation from a ferry accident attorney in Pennsylvania can help:
- Determine if your injuries qualify for a legal claim and who the at-fault parties are.
- Gather photo and video evidence, listen to witness testimony, and work with our accident recreation experts to give us a thorough view of your unique case.
- Calculate the potential settlement amount from medical expenses, property loss, punitive damage, loss of wages, and even wrongful death.
- File all necessary paperwork to meet relevant deadlines for taking action.
- Initiate a lawsuit if required and defend your interests in court if negotiations fail to secure your rightful settlement.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania is two years, so act fast and hire Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer. Our legal team will walk you through the process and make sure you get the settlement you deserve.
Establishing Liability
Ferry operators, companies, and even local municipalities can be held accountable depending on the exact details of the case. At Rand Spear, we are experienced in handling cases where a ferry accident has ended in personal injury. Our investigation begins with the goal of proving negligence and looks into the amount of care the ferry company was putting into their vessels.
Ferry companies and operators have a duty to maintain and keep their boats in proper operating condition. Negligence can mean that a ferry boat owner or operator failed to safely operate their vessel safely. It can also refer to when they do not give reasonable warning to passengers due to dangerous weather conditions or other various hazards.
Even if there is clear liability for a ferry accident, it can be difficult to reach a settlement. A ferry accident attorney in Pennsylvania can help you establish your claim and hold the at-fault parties responsible. To prove negligence, your ferry accident lawyer in Pennsylvania may need evidence such as law enforcement incident reports, eyewitness testimony, surveillance video or photos, and medical records.
Calculating a Fair Settlement
Each personal injury claim is unique, and your lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim based on the extent of your injuries, the specifics of the accident, and the negligence of the responsible party. Time and money wasted in recovery can be easy to calculate, but losses can also include non-economic damages. Damages in personal injury cases can include:
- Medical bills, including long-term recovery
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological and emotional trauma
To properly value your losses, we will analyze every detail of your case, working with medical and financial experts to calculate how much your injuries have cost you and how much they will continue to cost you physically, monetarily, and emotionally.
Call Today for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation with Our Ferry Accident Attorneys in Pennsylvania
If you or a loved one has been injured in a ferry accident, reach out to a ferry accident lawyer in Pennsylvania. Demand Rand! We provide personalized care and refuse to accept anything less than what you deserve. Contact us now to receive the legal guidance you need and the attention you deserve in a free consultation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
