The nearby lakes and reservoirs of Albuquerque are great places for boating and other water activities. However, collisions and other accidents can cause serious injury to those in the water or on a nearby boat. Our Albuquerque boat accident lawyers help people recover compensation against those whose negligence or misconduct caused them harm. A personal injury attorney is ready to guide you through the legal process.
Liability for injuries and other losses from a boating accident will depend on the events and circumstances that led to its cause. In most cases, fault lies with the owner or operator of the boat because of their direct involvement in the accident. Their liability may occur due to operating the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and other violations of New Mexico Boating Regulations. Owners of commercial boats may also share in the liability when their employees are responsible for causing an accident while operating a boat in the course of their employment. In addition to a boat’s owners or operators, a boat’s manufacturer or seller may be liable for injuries that result from a defective watercraft.
Our experienced lawyers in Albuquerque can identify parties with potential liability after reviewing the facts of the boat crash case. Some boating accidents may have several parties who share in the liability, including those injured and seeking compensation. New Mexico’s rule of comparative fault applies in these cases and may limit financial recovery by their percentage of responsibility for the boat accident.
A personal injury lawsuit is the common method for holding liable parties accountable for their wrongful acts. Civil remedies for injuries from a boating accident will generally include compensation for the following types of losses:
The amount of compensation recoverable in a case will depend on the seriousness of the injuries and their impact on a person’s life. The complexity of a boat accident’s cause and additional circumstances may make financial recovery at trial less certain. In some cases, an opportunity to settle the case outside of court may be available. Our Albuquerque attorneys help an injured person understand the potential value of their boat accident case by determining all applicable damages and advising on issues that could decrease compensation from a jury at trial. With this information, a person can make an informed decision about accepting a settlement offer or seeking a judgment from a jury.
The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit after a boat accident is three years under New Mexico’s statute of limitations. Victims of a boating accident will need to file their claim before this limitation period lapses to preserve their right to pursue compensation in court. An injured person may not be able to recover their rightful claim to compensation by missing the filing deadline.
Meet with an Albuquerque boat accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to determine the case’s filing deadline and begin the recovery process. Our years of local experience provide a unique ability to effectively manage your goals in pursuing a legal claim for your injuries. Schedule a consultation with our team today.
