TOP RATED
We Do More Than Win
Get Started With a Free Case Review
✓ No upfront costs - we front all of the legal fees and get paid on performance. In fact, we don't get paid unless you win.
✓ We are local and we KNOW Pennsylvania's system - Just because a firm gets a license to practice law here and buy up a bunch of bill boards around town doesn't mean that they have real experience fighting cases in PA's legal system every day. We are a Levittown based firm with attorneys that focus on Pennsylvania injury cases. We eat, drink and breath this every day.
✓ We are not intimidated by litigation - We do not allow insurance carriers to strong arm, intimidate or stagnate claims. We will not hesitate to take them to court to fight for you when needed.
✓ No shortcuts - we go the extra mile to make sure that you get the highest compensation possible rather than settling right away as many injury firms do.
✓ We focus on you, not on getting the most cases in town like the guys on the billboards.
✓ Proprietary methods of case management for your very best client experience and ensure greater odds of success compared to high volume, low-touch firms.
✓ Talk directly to your attorney instead of getting passed off on case managers (if you've ever been through a car accident case, you'll know how valuable this is).
✓ We're consistently rated 5 stars by clients and have over 450 5-star reviews for a reason.
✓ No cost consultations - we'll help you find out if you have a case. If you don't, we'll help point you in the right direction. Win-win.
✓ We get results without compromising service - It's not easy to find a firm that provides our brand of one-on-one service but which has the resources to get results that smaller practices may not be able to.
Spending time with family and friends at your favorite lake or river sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer day. However, if others on the water fail to follow boating laws and safety requirements, you or your loved ones are at risk of being tragically injured.
Fortunately, a Levittown boat accident lawyer could help if you or a loved one were hurt due to another boater’s irresponsible behavior. Well-practiced injury attorneys could review your case and determine if you have grounds for civil litigation.
While most boaters wish to enjoy themselves when out on the water, lakes, and rivers can be dangerous places if people behave recklessly. The best way to maintain everyone’s safety is to observe state boating laws, such as earning a boating safety education certificate, as required by 30 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5103. If a boater fails to follow these safety regulations, local attorneys familiar with watercraft accidents could help injured parties hold irresponsible boaters accountable.
PA Statutes, Title 30 §§ 5503(a) & 5507(a) – (d) detail the steps a boater must take after being involved in a collision:
If a boater fails to fulfill these requirements, they may face additional first-degree misdemeanor charges under 30 PA Statutes § 5507(e).
Unfortunately, many boat operators violate these safety standards, and this lack of judgment often results in catastrophic accidents. Watercraft collisions often are caused by:
In addition to facing civil litigation, a negligent boater could also face misdemeanor and felony charges under PA Statutes, Title 30 §§ 5501-07. For example, a boater who recklessly causes bodily harm to another may face third-degree felony charges, which subjects the accused to a maximum sentence of seven years in jail and $2,500 – $15,000 in fines. It could be beneficial to speak with an experienced lawyer in Levittown about how criminal charges could impact a separate boat wreck case.
In Levittown, there are two types of compensatory damages someone injured in a watercraft accident could seek with help from a local lawyer: economic and non-economic. Economic damages reimburse harmed individuals for out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, therapy costs, and the inability to work (lost wages). Non-economic damages address intangible harm such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, inconvenience, and decreased quality of life.
Limitations on Recovery
Although Pennsylvania does not cap compensatory damages, the amount a claimant may recover is subject to modified comparative negligence. Under this legal theory, as codified in 42 P.S. § 7102(a), the claimant’s percentage of fault will reduce the number of damages they could collect, so long as they are not responsible for 51 percent or more of the injury. Those who are 51 percent or more at fault will be barred from recovery.
To receive any award, claimants must also act promptly and file a claim before the statute of limitations expires. Under 42 P.S. § 5524(2), injured parties have two years from the time of the accident to file a claim for restitution. If a party fails to file within this window, they risk having their claim dismissed.
Following a watercraft collision, you need experienced and knowledgeable counsel to investigate the incident, devise a successful game plan, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you at trial, if needed. A Levittown boat accident lawyer could provide you with the guidance you need during this difficult time. Call today to schedule a case consultation for free.
Get Started With a Free Case Review
Call Us Today
Copyright © KaplunMarx Accident & Injury Lawyers 2023
