Selecting
a boating accidents attorney for your legal case is a very important decision. Please enter a zip code to find an attorney that serves your area:
Facts About Boating Accidents
Boating Accidents - Set Sail With Safety
Due to the increased activity on the waters and the people’s misperception that boats are easier to operate than cars, boating accidents occur on a frequent basis. Boating accidents can happen to anybody operating the boat and anybody onboard, as well as people involved in water activities, fishermen or maritime workers. If the accident occurred on navigable waters the admiralty and maritime law applies. Whereas the accident happened on non-navigable waters, such as a small lake, the laws of the state would apply. Anybody operating the boat that has been involved in an accident leading to injuries that require medical treatment or even death must file a written report.
Hypothermia or sudden immersion into cold water is a main factor of all boating fatalities
Most boating accidents occur on a Saturday or Sunday between noon and 7 pm
Open motorboats are most frequently involved in boating accidents
Victims generally do not wear PFDs (personal floating device)
The operator of the boat is mostly male, between the ages 26-50
Many people do not have a safety education
Safeguards
Keep a sharp lookout
Over 50 percent of all reported accidents are two-boat collisions
Wear your life jacket! The majority of lives lost are from capsizing and falls overboard
Always sniff for gasoline fumes
Have oars or paddles on head. They are helpful if the engine fails
All boaters on rivers should carry an anchor and a 75 feet long nylon lin.
Always keep a bailing device on your boat in order to remove water from the boat
Marine radios are crucial in an emergency. If you operate a smaller boat, get a portable radio unit
Other useful items to have onboard include a cell phone, maps, flashlight, sunscreen, visual distress signals, compass, extra gas, first aid kit, tool kit, spare propeller, extra light bulbs and fuses
Hazards
Dams – Hazards exist both above and below the dam
Strainers – A tree is a typical strainer, trapping and flooding boats
Current – Never underestimate the power of moving water
Cold Water – Hypothermia is the main cause of death in boating accidents
Alcohol – 50 percent of all boating accidents involve alcohol
Causes and Hot Topics of Boating Accidents
Careless/reckless operation
Operator inexperience
Operator inattention
Excessive speed
No proper lookout
Hazardous weather
Alcohol
Machinery failure
Over 80 percent of boating accidents are caused by human behavior. Human behavior is controllable and there is no reason why the number of accidents cause by human error is that high. According to national accident studies for every fatality there are 10 accidents and for every 10 accidents, there are 600 near misses. Safety is a process that evolves through knowledge and skill and should always be the number one priority. Boating accidents are especially tragic when a day of recreation turns into a day of devastation.
You can die from hypothermia in as little as 3 hours
If a person is exposed to water temperatures of less than 92 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia can already occur. The body core temperature drops and the blood circulation continuously decreases. At first, arms and legs will start to feel cold, while the body conserves the heat for the inner organs and the brain. The decreased blood flow causes the person to lose muscular control of the arms and legs, making swimming impossible. At that point, drowning will most likely occur. Even a person with a PFD (personal flotation device) may have difficulties keeping from floating face down, especially in rough waters. As the brain cools down, confusion sets in and the chances of making rational decisions, such as grabbing a rescue rope, are very slim.
Legal Disclaimers All attorney listings are a paid attorney advertisement, and do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by an approved or authorized lawyer referral service. The information provided on Boating Accident Law Firms.com is not intended to be legal advice, but
merely conveys general information related to legal issues commonly encountered. Please contact a local attorney in your area for official legal and law information.
Your access to and use of this website is subject to additional
Terms and Conditions.
Local Professional? Generate new business today
Call 866-227-9356 or contact a sales rep
Facts About Boating Accidents
