Boating, fishing and riding jet skis are popular activities throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. There is nothing like spending time on the water with friends and family. Unfortunately, however, many innocent victims are injured each year during recreational water activities. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were approximately 5,200 boating accidents in 2007. Nearly 4,000 people were injured and 685 were killed as a result of these boat accidents. The majority of the accidents resulted from operator inattention, careless or reckless operation, passenger or skier behavior, excessive speed and alcohol use. The Coast Guard also noted that most deaths occurred on vessels where the driver had not received boating safety instruction.

Most boating mishaps occurred on open motorboats, followed by personal watercraft such as jet skis and cabin motorboats. Many fatalities and injuries also occurred as a result of canoeing and kayaking wrecks. Of course tragedy can and does strike on commercial boats like cruise ships, tour boats and deep sea fishing crafts as well. It is crucial for anyone injured in a boating accident to contact an experienced boating accident lawyer who is familiar with areas of law ranging from maritime to personal injury to insurance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a watercraft accident, we can help you obtain all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills and lost wages or other financial damages. In some cases, we may also pursue punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Only an injury lawyer who has handled many boating accident matters can decide the best strategy for handling your case.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to obtaining the best possible recovery for our clients as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Related News and Media Coverage:

	Alan Feldman Provides Commentary on the Philadelphia Duck Boat Accident (KYW Newsradio 1060) July 9, 2010
	Bobbie Pichini Comments on the Duck Boat Accident Press Conference (CW Philly 57) July 8, 2010