Georgia Injury Law Blog
Summer is here, and in Georgia, that means boating, rafting, fishing, and kayaking on our many lakes and rivers. While enjoying our state’s natural beauty, it’s important to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Unfortunately, many people take risks on the water that they would never take behind the wheel of a car.
This past Memorial Day weekend, the son of a former senator was killed on the Savannah River in a boat crash near Stokes Bluff Landing, and three others were injured. The incident was the result of two boats crashing, each with an operator and passenger on board. An investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the reason for the crash.
Accidents such as this are often caused by one of several factors. According to 2023 statistics from the Coast Guard, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. In cases where the leading cause is known, alcohol use led to 17% of boating fatalities. While everyone knows not to drink and drive, many do not realize the importance of staying sober while operating a water craft. In addition to alcohol use, the Coast Guard identified five major contributing factors to boating accidents: operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and mechanical failure. These causes put the onus on the boat operator to ensure a safe trip.
What can boat operators do to minimize risk? Statistics show that life jackets save lives. Where cause of death during a boating accident was known, 75% of accident victims drowned. Of those, 87% were not wearing a life jacket. Simply by wearing a life jacket, and ensuring that your passengers wear them, you greatly reduce the risk of fatalities should an accident occur. Another important step is to take a boating safety class. Of measured fatalities in 2023, only 15% occurred on boats where the operator had received a nationally-approved boating safety
education certificate. In addition, make sure your boat is safe before you get onto the water. Mechanical failure is one of the top reasons for boating accidents. By ensuring your water craft is functioning correctly, you greatly reduce the risk of an accident. In particular, make sure the battery is in working order, and that the battery terminals are clear of corrosion.
While on the water, avoid alcohol while operating a water craft. Make sure you’re paying close attention to your surroundings, and that visibility is clear. Resist the impulse to use high speeds, as excessive speed is a top cause of accidents. In case of an accident, make sure you have a working phone to contact 911. If you are injured in a boating accident, do not try to handle the outcome without an experienced attorney.
The lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in boating or other water craft accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a boating accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.