The four most common causes of boating accidents in Georgia include improper operation of the vessel, hazardous waters, mechanical failures, and improper loading of passengers and gear, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Most of these causes, save hazardous waters, can result from boater negligence or the negligence of another party, such as a manufacturer.
If you suffered injuries in a boating accident in Georgia, a boating and watercraft accident lawyer can seek compensation from the responsible parties. They can handle your case while you rest and recover from your injuries.
Improper Operation of a Vessel Can Lead to a Boating Accident
By far, the most common cause of boating accidents is the improper operation of a vessel. This specifically refers to preventable human errors, which resulted in a total of 4,040 boating accidents in 2022, including 636 fatalities and 2,222 injuries. For example, some forms of negligence on the part of the boater include:
- Operating the vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which resulted in 215 boating accidents and 88 fatalities in 2022
- Speeding, which resulted in 320 boating accidents and 35 fatalities in 2022
- Failure to vent the engine, which resulted in 19 boating accidents in 2022
- Failure to look out for oncoming vessels or structures, which resulted in 387 boating accidents and 22 fatalities in 2022
- Insufficient onboard navigation lights, which resulted in 22 boating accidents and three fatalities in 2022
- Violation of navigation rules, which resulted in 205 boating accidents and 26 fatalities in 2022
- Operator distraction, which resulted in 602 boating accidents and 45 fatalities in 2022
- Operator inexperience, which resulted in 464 boating accidents and 69 fatalities in 2022
- Restricted vision, which resulted in 44 boating accidents and two fatalities in 2022
- Sharp turns, which resulted in 65 boating accidents and nine fatalities in 2022
- Starting in gear, which can cause mechanical problems and resulted in three boating accidents and one fatality in 2022
Boat operators must register their vessels and follow certain laws and regulations established by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. When they fail to keep themselves, their passengers, and others on the water reasonably safe, they are liable for the injuries they cause in an accident.
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Hazardous Waters Can Lead to a Boating Accident
Whether you are dealing with congested waters or forceful waves, the environment can cause boating accidents. There is little anyone can do when hazardous weather strikes, but boat operators must exercise caution when things get bad on the water. This may involve:
- Refraining from boating
- Checking the weather forecast
- Wearing appropriate safety gear
- Understanding the watercraft’s limits
- Planning an alternative route
- Keeping a lookout
If another boater failed to properly operate their vessel in hazardous conditions and this led to your accident, we can seek compensation from them.
Mechanical Failures Can Lead to Boating Accidents
Just like vehicles, boats and other watercraft are subject to regular wear and tear and require properly functioning mechanical parts to run safely. Some examples of mechanical issues that can cause boating accidents include:
- Electrical system failure
- Ventilation system failure
- Throttle failure
- Shift failure
- Steering system failure
- Fuel system failure
- Exhaust system failure
- Auxiliary equipment failure
- Sail dismasting
- Onboard navigation aid failure
- Broken seats
When mechanical issues cause a boating accident, a manufacturer may be liable. The boat operator themselves could also share liability if they failed to conduct regular inspections and maintenance.
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Improper Loading of Gear and Passengers Can Lead to Boating Accidents
All vessels have a maximum capacity, and when operators overload them, they put all passengers’ lives at risk. Other examples of improper loading of passengers and equipment include improper anchoring and allowing passengers on the gunwale, bow, or transom.
Vessel operators should conduct safety checks and inform their passengers about safety protocols.
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Our Lawyers Can Help After a Boating and Watercraft Accident in Georgia
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boating accident in Georgia, we can investigate the cause and work to hold the liable party or parties accountable. We can help build a case and establish the negligence of another boater, manufacturer, or third party.
We can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to seek fair compensation for your losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
- Wrongful death
- In-home aid
- Anything out-of-pocket expense
You could recover additional damages to those listed here. We can negotiate a fair settlement with insurers or argue your case before a judge or jury to seek a verdict.
You Have a Deadline to File a Boating Accident Lawsuit in Georgia
You should know that you have a filing deadline when taking legal action. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the boating accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to hold the liable party accountable. The court could dismiss your case, leaving you with few options for seeking fair financial recovery.
You can protect your right to seek compensation in court by starting your case as soon as possible. Our legal team can help streamline the legal process and meet applicable deadlines.
We Can Explain More About the Five Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Georgia
At Kaine Law, we pride ourselves on offering personalized legal care. We can explain the legal process and explore what may have caused or contributed to your boating accident. We offer free consultations so you can learn more about your legal options.
Call us today, and we can start working on your case immediately. We also work on contingency, so you don’t pay anything upfront or out of pocket to retain our help.
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