US Representative’s Husband Suffers Head Injury in Maine Boating Accident
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree’s husband suffered significant brain trauma during a boating accident in Portland Harbor. The couple and four others were riding a water taxi back from a wedding earlier this month when the taxi collided with a powerboat near Fort Gorges. Pingree’s husband was rushed to the Maine Medical Center and two others in the crash were also injured.
The U.S Coast Guard and Maine Marine Patrol are investigating the accident, attempting to discover if the boat was speeding or whether property safety equipment and navigation lights were used.
When water taxis or recreational boats do not use proper lighting and safety equipment, serious injury or death can occur. Excessive speeds, defective equipment and overcrowding can also cause boating accidents and catastrophic injuries. When other boaters on the water are being reckless or negligent, they can be the fault of many accidents and injuries.
In this case, a proper investigation needs to be done into the cause of the collision. Both the USCG and the Marine Patrol will need to investigate the course of each vessel prior to the collision, its speed and its course. Additionally, depending on the time of day of the collision, it will be determine whether the proper lighting was on the vessels. Examination of equipment, like GPS and course recording equipment on the vessel and examination of damage to each vessel will be important in determining the cause of the collision.
The maritime trial lawyers at Latti & Anderson LLP understand the trauma that can come from injuries at sea- including fractured vertebrae, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries- that require lifelong care and treatment.
Proving negligence and establishing the cause of recreational boating accidents can be difficult, but the experts at Latti & Anderson are here to help. If you have been injured in a boating accident due to another party’s recklessness, contact our Boston maritime trial lawyers today.
Latti & Anderson LLP– Boston maritime attorneys