We are all familiar with the dangers car, truck, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents pose and the complex nature of the insurance claims, negotiations, and trials that can potentially follow. Yet, accidents can also happen on the water.
In 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute, marine accidents killed 1,163 people and caused $197 million in insured losses in the U.S. Though these figures include disasters on drilling platforms and tankers, the majority of maritime accidents that year occurred on or involved passenger ships. However, common maritime accidents involve many types of recreational and vocational activities, from hopping on an Alaskan cruise to commercial fishing.
Maritime accidents may involve, but are not limited to, any of the following vehicles or objects:
- Barges
- Boats
- Canoes
- Cruise ships
- Fishing boats
- Jet skis
- Kayaks
- Water skis
Like any common car accident case, you can file a personal injury claim if you or a loved one has been injured in a maritime accident at no fault of your own. An attorney can help you investigate the accident scene and interrogate the parties involved as well as witnesses to determine who was liable for the accident. If an individual or entity—like a cruise ship company, for instance—is found responsible for your injury, you can file a lawsuit against them and receive compensation for your medical and other accident-related expenses.
Common causes of maritime accidents include the following:
- Alcohol or drug impairment
- Careless or reckless behavior
- Congested waterways
- Inexperience
- Lack of focus
- Poor weather conditions
- Sleep deprivation
- Speeding
- Unsafe waters
As a state with thriving and abundant maritime-related activities and industries, we understand how important it is to provide representation to those who have been injured on the water throughout Alaska. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a maritime accident, The Law Offices of David Henderson will fight for you.
Have you been injured in a cruise ship, fishing, or other marine accident? At The Law Offices of David Henderson, our Anchorage maritime accident attorney provides representation to clients who have been injured on the water. Contact us online or at (888) 295-6566 to schedule your free consultation.