The Dunbar Law Office has experience in boating accident cases.  

As in automobile accidents, operator negligence is the main cause of boating accidents. When a boat operator is inattentive, inexperienced, driving too fast, or under the influence of drugs, it is a recipe for disaster. Yet the sad truth is that the majority of injuries or deaths would have been prevented if only a little caution was used. The first boating safety rule , whether U. S. Coast Guard or State regulation, is to “maintain control of your boat” which includes the duty to anticipate events.  Boating can be more dangerous than driving a car because boats do not have brakes.

The duties of a boat operator in Mississippi waters are summarized in Mississippi’s Boating Safety Course article entitled “Three Major Responsibilities of Every Boater”:

1. Practice Good Seamanship --- It is the responsibility of every boat or personal watercraft (PWC) operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and limits of other vessels. Such action should be taken in ample time to avoid a collision and at a safe distance from other vessels.
2. Keep a Proper Lookout --- Failing to keep a sharp lookout is the most common cause of collisions. Every Operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigation hazards, and others involved in water activities.
3. Maintain a Safe Speed --- Safe speed is the speed that ensures you will have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an appropriate distance. Safe speed will vary depending on conditions such as wind, water conditions, navigation hazards, visibility, surrounding vessel traffic density, and the maneuverability of your boat or PWC. Always reduce speed and navigate with extreme caution at night and when visibility is restricted.

Dunbar Law Office, P.C. helps victims of boating accidents recover damages for accident injuries and any liability-related medical expenses , pain and suffering, lost wages, and any damage to property.

We understand complex maritime laws (Federal law) and also inland river navigation laws under State law.

We can explain the applicable law of the accident you were involved in so that you can move forward with your case.

We also have relationships with the most experienced expert accident reconstructionists who can analyze the causes of an accident even if the only remaining live witness to the accident is the potential Defendant boat operator.

It often is important to investigate the scene of a boat accident as soon as possible before the conditions change or evidence is lost or altered. Please try to photograph and preserve the evidence as best as you can before calling Dunbar Law Office.

Thomas Dunbar, Esq. has litigated and tried vehicular accidents since 1987. Contact him for a free, initial consultation about your legal problem.