Duck Boat Accident Lawyers
Duck Boat Tragedy
Duck boats have become a popular tourist attraction because of their unique appeal and being a relatively inexpensive way to sightsee various desirable locations throughout the United States. These vessels are modeled after the infamous World War II DUKW amphibious design for its convenience as transportation on land as a vehicle and in the water as a boat. However, the safety of duck boats are now in question due to a tragic Philadelphia duck boat accident that took place on July 7, 2010 that killed two young Hungarian students who were a part of a church youth exchange group. The Delaware River boating accident occurred after a 250-foot city-owned barge collided with the duck boat, which had come to a halt and was awaiting rescue due to mechanical trouble and a small fire. As a consequence of the collision with the barge, the duck boat sank and all 37 passengers were thrown overboard.
Although duck tour boats are United States Coast Guard certified, these vessels may not receive the thorough or updated testing that they require in order to ensure passenger and operator safety. Duck boat accidents can lead to the vessel capsizing (overturning in the water) and sinking, leading to serious injury or even death for boat occupants. Even when life vests and other floating devices are present on a duck boat, these items may not be as easily accessible as they should be and the circumstances of an accident may still cause a passenger to suffer injury or drown.
The excitement and appeal of duck boats should not overshadow the potentially life-threatening risks posed by defective duck boat components, boat driver/crew member error or inattention, improper duck boat maintenance, duck boat fires, and the failure of duck boat parts. Duck tour boat companies as well as owners of duck tour boat vessels may be held legally responsible for injuries or fatalities that result from accidents.
Boating accidents can be devastating, taking a physical, emotional, and financial toll on injury victims and their families. If another person’s negligence has caused you or a loved one to endure harm from a duck boat accident or another type of boat crash, a skilled personal injury attorney with experience handling boating accidents can help you obtain compensation for pain and suffering, loss of wages, medical bills, and other damages.
Families who lose loved ones in duck boat accidents and other boating collisions not only face tremendous grief in their sudden and unexpected loss, but the loss of companionship and even financial consequences due to losing a primary wage earner which can be extremely challenging.
The attorneys at Ronai and Ronai, LLP are currently representing the two families of the two individuals who were killed in the duck boat tragedy in Philadelphia. Each victim was the only child of their family. Our law firm is dedicated to helping injury victims and family members of wrongful death victims through one of the most challenging times in their lives. To learn more about how our lawyers can assist you in your boating accident case, please call 1-800-664-7111 today for a free consultation.