When people think of duck boats, they usually think of a fun tourist activity to explore a new city. But if you’re searching for a Philadelphia duck boat accident lawyer, you know they can lead to a horrible boating accident, road collision, or pedestrian accident. If you or your loved one has suffered duck boating-related injuries or death, you need a lawyer well-versed in this unique area of law to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Duck Boat Accidents in Philadelphia Waters
Unfortunately, deadly incidents involving duck boats are a part of Philadelphia history. Perhaps the most notorious of these accidents occurred in 2015 when two tourists were killed when a tugboat-guided barge crashed into a Ride the Ducks boat in the Delaware River. The tugboat driver was charged with manslaughter after it was found that the deadly boat accident was caused because he was playing around on his phone and laptop. The accident killed two Hungarian students aboard the duck boat.
Another duck boat accident happened in 2010 when a sludge barge collided with a Ride the Ducks company boat in the Delaware River.
Duck boats, a type of amphibious vehicle, have many unique issues. In World War II, the military created amphibious vehicles to solve logistics issues in getting supplies onshore. While no longer in military use, they have since been retrofitted as sightseeing vessels popular in cities nationwide.
While numerous agencies regulate duck boats with varying safety requirements, there are a few well-known safety issues with this specific type of tour boat, including:
- They are prone to capsizing because of their low freeboard design, which makes them less stable in choppy waters or high winds (the Delaware River is known for its particularly choppy waters, making duck boats particularly unsafe in this waterway)
- Duck boats lack buoyancy, which makes them quick to sink when flooded
- The fixed roof design makes escaping nearly impossible in an emergency, resulting in victims drowning
- They have significant blind spots and limited maneuverability, making operators more vulnerable to causing collisions
Because of these issues, safety advocates and critics have argued for a ban for years.
If you have been injured in a duck boat accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact Munley Law’s Philadelphia personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.
Legal Rights for Duck Boat Accident Victims in Philadelphia
Where the event took place matters. If the accident occurred on land, you are entitled to file a standard personal injury or wrongful death claim under Pennsylvania law. Both these types of lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you need to file your personal injury case within two years of the injury. Or in a wrongful death case, two years from the date of your loved one’s passing.
If the boat were in the water at the time of the accident or collision, then federal maritime law would apply. Under maritime law, your Munley Law attorney will make a case either arguing:
- The vessel was not seaworthy
- An owner or operator did not do their due diligence
- The owner or operator was negligent in maintaining the safety of the vessel
A few types of compensation may be available to you or your loved one. Our Philadelphia law firm will walk you through the options in your case, but they may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost companionship
- Funeral expenses
Protect your legal rights – schedule a free case evaluation with our Philadelphia duck boat accident attorneys today.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Duck Boat Accidents?
There are a number of parties who can be held liable in a duck boat accident when passengers or other victims are injured or killed. Typical parties in boating accident cases include:
- Tour companies
- Vessel manufacturers
- Maintenance contractors
- Boat operators and other onboard personnel
Our experienced Philadelphia injury attorneys will identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation. Contact us today.
Common Causes of Duck Boat Accidents
Several things can cause duck boat accidents. As mentioned above, the poor construction of these vessels doesn’t set them up for success on the road or in the water. Common causes of duck boat accidents include:
- Stormy weather
- Mechanical failures
- Operator negligence
- Inadequate safety equipment, such as life jackets
If you’ve been injured in a duck boat accident, our investigators can help determine the cause. Contact us now.
Types of Duck Boat Accident Injuries
Duck boating collision-related injuries can range from minor to deadly. The most common incidents include:
- Drowning
- Impact injuries
- Hypothermia
- Long-term medical complications
No matter the type of injury, our duck boat accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us for immediate assistance.
Choose Munley Law for Duck Boat Accident Cases
When your family emergency is related to a duck boat, you need a Philadelphia boating accident lawyer from Munley Law. Our attorneys are well-versed in boating accidents and recovering for those injured or the families of those killed in these tragic accidents.
Our team always begins by conducting a thorough investigation into the accident. We pride ourselves in our close relationship with our clients and the record-breaking settlements we obtain on their behalf.
Join the many satisfied clients who trusted Munley Law with their duck boat accident cases. Reach out now for your free consultation.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
