Virginia offers a number of exciting water-based activities, from lakes to rivers to the ocean - and many of us enjoy weekends of fishing, swimming, and boating. However, recreational boating activities can turn tragic in light of irresponsible behavior, negligence, or broken laws. Boat accidents can lead to serious injury and even death - do you know the cause of most boat accident injuries?

• Boat driver error. Many boat accidents don't have to do with the weather or rough seas - they simply have to do with a serious error by the driver of the boat. Were you injured in a boat accident because the driver was irresponsible?
• Boating under the influence. Using a boat while drunk or on drugs is no different than driving a car while intoxicated: it can cause serious and perhaps fatal accidents and have serious consequences. Were you involved and injured in a boat accident in which a drunk driver collided with your boat?
• Boat malfunctions. In some cases, the boat you are using does not function properly, causing the boat to capsize, sink, or crash. In some cases, the manufacturer of the boat may be responsible for your boat accident injuries.
• Reckless Boating. Speeding in a boat, disobeying the rules of the water, and other reckless boating can very quickly lead to boat accidents. Boating may be fun and recreational, but it should also be treated as seriously as operating any other vehicle.
• Lack of knowledge or experience. About half of all boating accidents occur when someone rents or borrows a boat. Being unfamiliar with a boat can lead to driver mistakes with terrible consequences. Were you involved in a boating accident where the driver of the boat lacked experience, or when the renter of the boat failed to properly instruct you on operating the boat?

If you have been seriously injured in a boat accident in Virginia, and believe that someone owes you compensation for your injuries, contact an experienced accident lawyer today.