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Boating Accident
Georgia is fortunate to have some of the best lakes and rivers in the Southeast, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for boating, swimming, tubing, fishing, and more. Lake Lanier, just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, is well-known and busy. It’s common to see speed boats, pontoons, and jet skis all sharing the water on a warm weekend afternoon. In addition, the Chattahoochee River draws people all year long for rafting, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking.
While boats and wave runners are fun, boat operators often times take risks they probably would never consider behind the wheel of a car, from driving too fast to drinking alcohol, to simply not paying attention to the dangers on the waterway. The legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers represents victims of boating accidents, working to help them obtain fair compensation for their injuries and property damage.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
According to the most recent data from the United States Coast Guard, more than 4,000 recreational boating accidents occurred in 2013, resulting in 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and approximately $39 million in property damage. Drowning is the most frequent cause of death in fatal boating accidents, while collisions with other boats, watercraft, or people can also cause catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis. The top five contributing factors in boating accidents are:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
While most people recognize the dangers associated with drinking and driving a car, boating is a recreational activity, and many people engage in behaviors they shouldn’t—like drinking and operating a boat—simply because they’re out to have a good time. Alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
Boating Accidents & Injuries Caused by Defective Equipment
In some boating accidents, the boat operator’s behavior is not to blame, but rather defective watercraft design, manufacture or maintenance caused the accident. For example, there have been cases in which a poorly designed and defective fuel system caused a boat to catch on fire. When a manufacturer’s failure to produce equipment meeting recognized safety standards causes or contributes to an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for victims’ injuries and damages.
Contact Us If You’ve Been Injured in a Georgia Boating Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat or jet ski accident, please contact the Atlanta lawyers at KWF today to schedule a free initial consultation. We represent injury victims and the families hurt on Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier, Lake Acworth, the Chattahoochee River, and waterways across the State of Georgia. We want to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Please call (404) 460-0101 today.