Two Injured in North Carolina Barge Collision

by | Nov 5, 2020 | Maritime Law, Personal Injury

Two people were hospitalized following a barge collision in North Carolina on Tuesday.  The barge struck a fishing boat near the high-rise bridge between Emerald Isle and the western Carteret County mainland.  The two injured were transported to Carteret Health Care.  The cause of the collision will likely be investigated.

A vessel collision can be the result of many factors, including: human error, weather conditions, equipment failure, poor maintenance practices or a lack of equipment.  Often collisions are a result of a combination of the above factors.  The unfortunate reality is that many maritime companies cut corners, which puts the lives of their workers and the general public at risk on a daily basis.  Safe boat owners and operators must have adequate procedures in place to govern the work performed by the crew to ensure the safety of everyone on board.  Owners must equip their vessels with adequate equipment, such as radar and GPS.  When ship companies attempt to save money at all costs, dangerous collisions can result.

There are numerous causes of barge accidents, including:

  • Poor training.
  • Poorly maintained equipment.
  • Unsafe speeds for the condition.
  • Lack of knowledge regarding the area
  • Poor weather
  • Failure to conduct adequate pre-job planning
  • Operator error.

Our experienced lawyers handle maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation of all kinds and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of the negligence of another party. The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.  Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime injury and death cases involving vessel collisions.

The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of this tragic accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to vessel accidents, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your rights.