Why a Boating Accident Lawyer Is Necessary in a Case Like This
Charlotte FC defender Anton Walkes was killed on Thursday, January 19 in a collision between two boats off the coast of Miami. Walkes was a passenger on a small personal watercraft that collided with a larger boat. Details about the exact cause of the collision are still unclear; however, what is clear already is that any legal action stemming from this incident will be complex and require a maritime lawyer to successfully resolve it.
The reality is that these accidents happen all too often, especially in a coastal destination city like Miami. In some cases, the cause is something beyond the pilot’s control, like an engine malfunction or a mechanical defect, but in many cases, the individual operating the boat may be at fault for the accident.
In instances where someone causes an accident, whether due to negligence, recklessness, or even malice, a victim or their surviving family members will typically work with the personal injury attorney. In the case of a boating accident, a maritime lawyer is absolutely essential.
Maritime Law Is Complicated
Maritime law is a highly specialized area of US law with its own set of rules, regulations, and protocols. As with any personal injury case, it may involve multiple parties, including insurance companies, the owners of each boat involved in the collision, the pilot, and possibly even individuals who were on board either vessel but not manning the helm. If the collision was caused by a malfunction, mechanical error, or defect in either boat, then manufacturers and designers could be brought into the case as well.
The number of parties that may be involved in a maritime accident can already complicate things, but the real complexity comes from maritime law itself. This area of law requires an attorney who is dedicated to this unique type of liability law, and who deeply understands the specifics of maritime injury cases.
Why a Specialized Lawyer Is Necessary
A maritime lawyer can bring the experience and expertise to unravel the complexities of this tragedy with proper legal representation and help obtain appropriate justice for the victim’s family.
They will handle all aspects of the case — from gathering evidence to providing a thorough investigation into what caused the collision — to bring the case to a successful resolution. While handling these important steps, they will be ensuring that their approach is specific to the intricate and complicated rules of maritime law.
Without a maritime lawyer to represent a victim’s interests, the injured parties may find themselves at a great disadvantage when attempting to seek compensation for damages or wrongful death. In a high-profile case such as the death of Anton Walkes, hiring a maritime lawyer is even more important.
By utilizing the services of a lawyer who specializes in maritime law, those affected by Anton Walkes’ death will have a much better chance of obtaining justice for the loss of their loved one and may be able to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
How Is Fault Proved in a Boating Collision?
Proving fault in a boating collision such as Anton Walke’s is complex, and requires the expertise of a boating accident lawyer. In some cases the matter of fault may be obvious, but oftentimes there are a number of factors (and parties) involved. Unraveling this evidence and investigating all contributing factors may require in-depth knowledge and expertise — and dedication to piecing together the whole truth.
Once fault is established, the attorney must follow the rigid protocols of maritime personal injury law to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In accidents such as this, it’s essential to remember that a maritime lawyer is a key asset as surviving loved ones fight to establish fault, hold negligent or careless individuals responsible for this tragedy, and seek justice and closure.
Our Award-Winning Law Firm Has Over 50 Years’ Experience Handling Maritime Wrongful Death Claims
The maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A have over 200 years of combined experience successfully navigating the complexities of maritime law, and our firm has been responsible for landmark decisions as well as over $450 million recovered for our clients in a wide range of maritime cases.
As a preeminent maritime and admiralty law firm, we have a long history of handling high-profile cases similar to Anton Walkes’ death, and are proud to provide justice for families who have suffered a loss due to someone’s negligence or carelessness.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident on the water, don’t hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation. Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has been named to “Best Law Firms” ® US News & World Report every year since 2016. In addition, Charles R. Lipcon was named “Lawyer of the Year” for 2020 in Admiralty and Maritime (Miami) by US News & World Report. Lastly, he and three of our partners – Jason R. Margulies, Michael A. Winkleman, and Jacqueline Garcell – are named to Best Lawyers® in America for 2024.
The loss of Anton Walkes was tragic and heartbreaking for the Charlotte FC family, fans, and those who knew him personally. We have helped countless passengers and crew in cases such as this. Give us a call today at (877) 233-1238 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer. You do not need to do this alone, and we are here to help.
Published on January 24, 2023
Categories: Boating Accidents
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