Boating accidents often result in some of the worst injuries because of the very nature of the situation. Boats very rarely have tops or protective measures to keep themselves safe. It’s easy for someone in a boating accident to eject from the watercraft and suffer severe harm.
If this situation occurs and you sustain injuries, it’s vital to recognize the potential cause of the boating accident. Our team at Lowe Law Group wants you to be aware of your options so that you can seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Common causes of boating accidents include the following:
- Operator distractions
- Operator inexperience
- Speeding
- Boating under the influence
- Lack of help from others
- Falling overboard
- Night driving without proper maintenance
If you suffer an injury in a boating accident, contact our team at (800)-319-5196.
Operator Distractions
Just like any driver, the operator of a watercraft must pay close attention to what they’re doing. This means paying close attention to others on the water. Unfortunately, when a boat operator has others on the watercraft with them, cell phones, and loud music, they can quickly become distracted.
A distracted boat operator can miss crucial things on the water, including buoys, anchored watercraft, people in the water, and more. They can cause some of the most severe injuries to others on the water and those within their own boat.
Operator Inexperience
Boat operators learn as they do it more often. Someone who is driving a boat for the first time may not recognize the rules on the water and the potential dangers they may encounter. Even more, they may not know the most effective ways to get out of the situation and prevent a severe crash.
Even someone on a jet ski can cause significant harm if they are not experienced enough to avoid problems.
No matter what, it’s vital for those operating a boat to build experience and take the time to understand the laws that they must follow. Preventing a crash should be the top priority, but it’s not always possible with someone who doesn’t have the experience to be safe.
Speeding
While boats are designed to go at a specific speed, there are few spots on the water where there are speed limits (e.g., no-wake zones). Speed is a common problem when boat operators don’t know when to slow down. For instance, if the boat is approaching people swimming in a lake or river, they should slow down to avoid a severe accident.
Speeding is dangerous in any capacity. It reduces reaction time and makes it difficult to stop and avoid a collision. A boat operator speeding can be a severe danger on the water.
Boating Under the Influence
Intoxication is dangerous whenever someone is expected to stay safe and protect others from harm. Unfortunately, boating is a recreational activity and is often accompanied by people drinking and trying to enjoy themselves. When the boat operator drinks, however, they may not have the same capabilities and can cause a severe collision.
Lack of Help from Others
In many situations when boating, boat operators look to others for help identifying potential hazards. Others in the boat can be just as dangerous. They should be helping look for dangers in specific situations or avoiding causing a distraction. If passengers on the boat help lookout for rocks, anchored ships, people, and others, it can prevent severe damage.
Falling Overboard
Many of the most severe injuries occur when people on the boat fall overboard for one reason or another. Here are some of the reasons falling overboard may occur:
- When the boater is reckless and speeds over waves
- When the boater crashes into another ship or fixed object
- When passengers are roughhousing or intoxicated
In any case, it’s vital for all individuals on a boat to stay safe and protect one another. Falling overboard leaves people susceptible to drowning accidents or being hit by another boat, both of which can be fatal or catastrophic.
Night Boating Without Proper Maintenance
Many people decide to operate their boats on lakes and rivers later in the night when it’s more difficult to see. Fortunately, countless people maintain their boats to ensure their lights are working in this situation. Not everyone does, though, and the lack of maintenance can lead to some of the worst accidents.
If a boat operator hasn’t maintained their watercraft so that they are visible at night, they may find themselves involved in a severe crash. Because all of those on the water should prioritize safety, someone that doesn’t can be held fully accountable for the damages resulting from a crash.
Just like a car accident, there are legal proceedings that often follow a boating accident. People who suffer injuries can seek compensation for their damages, but it’s often more complicated than they may think. Getting a lawyer involved can help throughout the process as the injured party navigates a claim. A lawyer is the most effective way to safeguard your rights when it matters most.
At Lowe Law Group, we take boat accident cases seriously. We want to provide peace of mind to individuals throughout the process. Our goal is to ensure you know your options to move forward while working on your behalf to protect you from insurance companies. Trust that our team has the knowledge and experience to help you.
If you need a boat accident attorney to help with your case, trust in us. We’re ready to stand in your corner through it all.
For a free case evaluation and to get the answers you need, we encourage you to call our firm at (800)-319-5196 today.