TESTIMONIALS
I called Matt after several people recommended him. He was very kind and did a very good job on my son’s case. We are very thankful for the work he did. Most importantly, he was never hard to reach and answered every question we had while going through the process. Matt is the only attorney I will ever call in the future.
- Emily
My husband is a cyclist that did not fair well against an SUV recently. Matt and his team took phenomenal care of us, allowing us not to stress out (too much) about the little things. Matt and his team handled everything with professionalism. We know we made the right call.
- Jane
So glad I hired this firm after my rearend car accident. Matt embodies the skill set and values I was looking for. He treats every case like a mini war, and was a zealous advocate on my behalf. And he did so in the most competent and skillful manner. He listened, was empathetic and understood my legal and nonlegal problems.
- Jared
It was important to me to get the maximum money I could for my broken neck and arm. After getting jerked around for months by State Farm, I interviewed several firms and chose Mr. Wetherington. I’m glad I did. He forced the insurance company to pay twenty times their last offer to me.
- Veronica
It is an honor to share my experience with Mr. Wetherington. He was able to get answers about what happened in my son’s wreck that other attorney’s were not able to do. I am so thankful for the work that he did and he was very thorough in his explanation of why the vehicle had a “defect.”
- Anonymous
My case did not settle. The person that hit me only had minimal policy limits. Fortunately, I had my own insurance, which should have provided more money. My insurance company, Allstate, treated me like garbage. We had to sue them and go all the way to trial, which we won.
- Jane Doe
Matt Wetherington is the attorney who is suing the booting companies. We need to do everything we can as a community to help him succeed. God bless you, Mr. Wetherington!
- Michael
With 110 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, 30 lakes, 14 major river basins, and countless inland waterways, it is no wonder that boating is a popular pastime in Georgia. The temperate climate even allows boating enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite activity most months of the year. However, it is important to keep in mind the risk of boating accidents. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR), there are around 115 boat collisions in the state every year, leading to 150 fatalities and injured victims. Plus, authorities issue almost 250 boating under the influence (BUIs) annually, so impairment is a major factor in these incidents.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a boating accident, you do have legal remedies under Georgia law. These incidents are usually preventable, so you may seek compensation from the at-fault party. The process can be complicated, so count on Wetherington Law Firm, P.C. to assist with important tasks. We have decades of combined experience representing accident victims, backed by in-depth knowledge of the laws. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta boating accident attorney, and read on for a legal summary.
Liability for Boating Accidents
There are many different specific causes behind boat crashes, but negligence is the theory of liability for purposes of the legal process. To recover monetary damages, you must prove that the other boater caused the collisions through a failure to exercise reasonable care while operating the craft. One form of negligence was mentioned above: Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can have a significant effect on the operator’s ability to safely operate the vessel.
Some additional examples of boater negligence include:
- Traveling at speeds too fast for conditions;
- Not knowing how aids to navigation work;
- Operating a boat that is not seaworthy;
- Failing to carry proper safety equipment, including lighting, personal flotation devices (PFDs), whistles, and other gear required by law;
- Lack of experience operating watercraft; and,
- Many others.
In addition, keep in mind that there may be other potential parties besides the operator in a boating accident. A rental company that did not properly maintain the vessel and the manufacturer of defective boat parts are examples.
Types of Compensation in Boat Accident Cases
The purpose of damages in any personal injury case is to make the victim whole and as if the accident never happened, at least as much as practically possible. The point is to provide reimbursement for losses and the many ways boating accident injuries impact the victim’s quality of life. There are two types of compensation available in boat collision claims.
1. Economic Damages: This category includes your ascertainable losses, which can be measured by dollar value. Medical costs for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and other treatment are examples. Lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses may also be covered.
2. Noneconomic Damages: Some losses cannot be assigned a dollar value, but the consequences are significant for the quality of life. This category includes pain and suffering, emotional anguish, scarring and disfigurement, and others.
How an Attorney Assists With the Legal Process
Seeking compensation after a boat crash is similar to how you would approach an auto accident: You file a claim with the at-fault boater’s insurance company. These cases often settle out of court, but there can be challenges in dealing with an insurer. These companies protect their own bottom line, and your claim represents a financial loss. You may receive a denial or lowball counteroffer, at which point you will need to sue in court.
Our Atlanta boating accident lawyers at Wetherington Law Firm, P.C. will tackle all tasks throughout the process, including:
- Conducting an investigation and gathering evidence of fault;
- Reviewing your medical records;
- Completing all insurance claims forms and submitting them with supporting documentation;
- Consulting with medical experts to prove losses for noneconomic damages;
- Discussing settlement options with the insurance company to resolve your claim out of court;
- Filing a lawsuit in court to recover the compensation you deserve; and,
- Supporting your needs during litigation, including attending court appearances, filing and defending motions, handling discovery, taking depositions, and preparing for trial.
An Atlanta Boating Accident Attorney Will Advise You on Remedies
To learn more about your legal options after a boat collision, please contact Wetherington Law Firm, P.C. to set up a no-cost case evaluation. Go online to speak to a member of our team. After reviewing your situation, a Georgia boat crash lawyer can provide personalized advice.