Boating Accidents
During the summer, there always seems to be a rise in boating accidents on our lakes and coastal areas. If someone is hurt on the water by the negligence of another boater, it is important to discuss the legal issues with an attorney who is familiar with the law that would apply. In North Carolina, if your hurt in a car, the defense of contributory negligence would apply in that if the other side defending the action can prove that you contributed to the accident even 1%, there would not be any recovery. In a boating accident, because federal law would apply, comparative fault would apply. Comparative fault means that if you contributed at all to the accident your award would be reduced by the percentage you were found at fault. The main difference in a boating accident is that the federal maritime laws would most likely apply in the case.