Summer is an amazing time in Virginia. Every year, throngs of tourists flock to areas of the state to enjoy Virginia’s pristine outdoor spaces, green rolling hills, Appalachian Mountains, quiet streams and wide ponds and lakes, and yes, its whitewater too.
Whitewater businesses operate throughout Virginia and often in rural outposts. They rent equipment such as rafts and canoes and get people out on the water. But individuals must look closely at how these businesses are run and how people use the equipment, as well as what happens on the water. It’s not always enough to just set up and offer whitewater equipment — business leaders have to look at the consequences of facilitating this type of recreation in wild areas where there is some measure of unpredictability.
Use at Your Own Risk
Many of these businesses will have posted signs or ask customers to sign waivers about “boating at your own risk” but these only go so far. For example, boating equipment has to be in serviceable condition and certain safety standards have to be in place. A poorly-run company can be liable for certain kinds of negligence if someone is harmed in a boat accident.
Aggressive Boating
In some cases, collisions between boats or the reckless use of a boat will trigger personal injury claims after an accident. Here, it’s important to look at different aspects of driver error and what actually happened. Was anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and if so, to what extent? Was the operator’s (or passenger’s) behavior aggressive enough to have caused harm to someone else? If someone acted violently to cut someone off or capsized their boat, raft, kayak or canoe, the answer might be “yes.” Individuals have their own responsibility to not only enjoy the outdoors safely, but to do so with an eye toward the safety of others as well.
Looking Out for Boat Injury Victims
As with any other kind of injury case, local personal injury lawyers start with a working knowledge of federal, state and local law, as well as case precedent that shows what’s “normal” or “standard” in local Virginia courts. The injury attorney has to know how to look at various aspects of a case and determine what types of compensation could be reasonable based on the facts and circumstances. This includes looking at medical bills and the costs of ongoing care, as well as lost wages and more.
An injury attorney helps victims avoid giving in to lowball settlements from insurance companies or losing a case because of a technicality. When it’s time to go to court, having a qualified injury attorney on hand is crucial.
Get Legal Assistance From Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers
Injured in a Charlottesville, Virginia boating accident or some other summertime nature activity? Call the injury attorneys at MartinWren, P.C. We have experience helping clients get compensation for their injuries and we will keep you informed throughout your case, explaining the applicable legal terms and processes and keeping you up to speed about hearings and other court events. Let us help you make sure you get what you deserve in central VA courts.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
