Imagine being in your happy place, basking in the warmth of sunlight with your family or friends out in nature, and in a blink of an eye, everything has changed for the worse. No one can predict how your day will turn out, but we can continually educate ourselves on the possible risks of a nature sport.
Boating can be a great way to unwind, relax and socialize with the people around you. It can be an incredible bonding experience for a person with nature and the peace it embodies. But as great as it sounds, given the nature of boating, it has proven to be fatal and dangerous in cases with negligence to the protocols, and you may need a boat accident lawyer by your side in one of those cases.
As we delve deeper and discuss the prime causes of boating accidents, we will also glance at the signs you must look for to avoid a possible accident and be safe.
Table of Contents
Result of Negligence
While there can be multiple factors at play, there’s always a possibility that the accident is caused due to more than one component. If we refer to statistics, alcohol was the leading factor in fatal boating accidents in 2021, accounting for 86 deaths—16% of the total fatalities. On average, 5,000 boating accidents happen annually in the US, costing around $70 million in damages. You may need to seek legal assistance to navigate these situations.
Probable Defendants In Case Of An Accident
Boat drivers’ negligence is one of the most prominent causes of watercraft accidents. The boat’s operator must look out for potential dangers and remain alert to the surroundings. Some laws state that the boat operator should be at least 12 years of age, and they should have a valid boating education certificate. If an accident occurs due to the driver’s negligence or inexperience, the passengers can contact lawyers for fair compensation. Ensure that your boat operator is of the required age as stated in the guidelines and has the necessary education.
The boat owner’s responsible for properly maintaining the boat and carrying out regular checks to ensure the safety of its passenger’s maritime laws. Failure or negligent maintenance can cause fires, leading to burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. Equipment failure can be life-threatening. The boat manufacturer is blamed for selling a defective product in such cases. Boats should have a backup or life raft in an emergency; it’s the owner’s responsibility.
Crew members need training before being allowed to operate the boat. Any negligence on their part can cause fatal accidents. Life jackets should be mandatory for all passengers. The boat crew has to ensure this. According to a survey, 86% of all drowning accident victims were not wearing a life jacket.
Listen To Your Instincts
Good weather conditions are essential when you venture out for a boating activity. This is an obvious one. Poor weather conditions, low air pressure, and heavy wind indicate that you shouldn’t indulge in your water adventure. A large wave in these conditions should be enough to cause some fatal damage to the boat and its passengers. Unlike the other factors, this one lies completely in your court, wait for the weather to clear up, or you can always reschedule a fun time.
To Sum It Up
A boating accident can lead to several serious injuries, including neck and spinal cord injuries due to an impact between multiple boats or a boat and a wave. A victim can also suffer from serious brain injuries due to lack of oxygen if they start drowning. Like the neck and spinal cord, our bones and ligaments aren’t immune to injury. Any kind of collision may result in serious damage to bones and ligaments. Even if an accident doesn’t turn out to be fatal, it can still cause financial damage, and you may need professional help. Cancel or postpone the trip if something seems out of place, the weather, or your boat driver; no adventure is worth risking your life.
