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Originally Posted On: https://www.boettcherlawoffice.com/7-tips-for-choosing-boat-accident-attorneys/

7 Tips for Choosing Boat Accident Attorneys

Are you searching for boat accident attorneys? Here are some essential qualities to consider when choosing the right legal assistance for your case.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 564 fatalities in 2023. Although the fatality rate had dropped from 636 in the prior year, alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in these incidents. 79 of those fatalities were related to alcohol consumption.

If you have found yourself involved in a boat crash, then you’ll need to hire an appropriate attorney. You need someone who understands personal injury maritime law and can win your case.

Here are seven tips on how to find the best boat accident attorneys in your area.

1. Look for Specialized Maritime Law Experience

Not all personal injury attorneys are experienced in maritime law. Experience in car crash cases does not carry over to boating accidents. Maritime law involves specific rules and jurisdictions that take into account various acts.

For example, Oklahoma has unique regulations for its lakes, rivers, and public waterways. Some fall under different jurisdictions, which means different rulings and punishments. You may find that your accident occurred on the border of the state, which can also complicate matters. 

Boat crash lawyers can navigate the complexities of these cases and understand how they differ from typical personal injury cases.

2. Examine Their Track Record With Boat Accident Cases

At your initial consultation with a potential attorney, ask them to demonstrate their history of successful outcomes in cases like yours. You want to hire a watercraft accident attorney who has a proven record.

Ask for specific examples where they helped clients secure favorable settlements or court wards. Look for cases that reflect the severity of your specific case. Have them explain how they approached the case and what they might do differently for yours.

3. Evaluate Knowledge of Local and Federal Regulations

Boating accidents can fall under a wide variety of regulations based on where the accident occurred and the type of vessel involved. You may find that your incident is subject to federal maritime law as opposed to state law. Someone who only deals with local personal injury cases may not know the necessary information to handle your case. 

In Oklahoma, it is illegal to operate a boat in public waters while under the influence of alcohol. However, state laws regarding boating under the influence and negligence standards may vary from federal guidelines. This can happen if your accident occurs on waters governed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

More specifically, the U.S. Coast Guard governs the Arkansas and Verdigris Rivers. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division and Lake Patrol Section enforce the other waters.

Do not accept boating accident legal help from an attorney who does not understand these concepts.

4. Assess Their Communication Skills and Accessibility

Boat accident cases can become drawn out for several reasons. They become more complicated if they involve severe injuries or disputes with insurance companies.

Find a lawyer who finds the time to stay in touch with their clients and can provide clear communication. Accessible communication will help you stay informed about your case’s progress and if you need to do anything on your end. 

As part of the legal process, your lawyer may hire an investigator to locate and interview witnesses, among other pieces of evidence. You’ll want them to let you know if they find any promising leads or need to corroborate evidence with you.

Some lawyers will delegate significant portions of their cases to paralegals. This could make it difficult to get in touch with them if you have any questions or concerns.

5. Consider the Lawyer’s Resources

Hiring an attorney who recently opened up a law office is a great way to cut costs on your legal fees. However, that also means they won’t have access to the same kind of resources and local connections as someone with more experience.

Boat accidents may require specialized knowledge such as accident reconstruction or expert medical testimony. Your attorney may need to talk with professionals familiar with Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers. 

A well-resourced maritime injury lawyer has access to these local networks and can use them to strengthen your case. They can also use this information to weaken an opponent’s case or prove their guilt.

6. Ask About Fee Structures

Most personal injury and boat crash lawyers in Oklahoma work on a contingency fee basis. What this means for you is that they only get paid if they win your case. If your lawyer decides to take on your case and fails, they get nothing.

How much compensation you earn will depend on various factors, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Medical expenses include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. A person might lose wages because they had to take time off work due to the accident.

Pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, are more difficult to measure. You’ll need the help of a skilled psychiatrist to diagnose and provide evidence for the case.

7. Read Client Reviews and Testimonials

Look online for any reviews from an attorney’s previous clients. What are some positive experiences they had with the law office? What were some of the problems they faced?

You can ask a potential attorney for testimonials, as well. These can provide insight into the type of cases they’ve handled in the past and how long they took. If none of the testimonials match up with your current case, then that could point to a lack of experience. 

Keep in mind that people tend to leave online reviews when they either love or hate a product or service. Try to find reviews that go more in-depth about the attorney.

Find the Right Boat Accident Attorneys

If you look online, you’re sure to find many boat accident attorneys available to hire. However, they don’t all share the same experience, skillset, or connections. It’s important to hire a law office that can help you win your case and keep you in the loop the whole way through.

BDIW Law can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Our trial attorneys serve Ponca City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Stillwater. Set up your free case consultation to learn how we can help you.