Pooler Boat Accident Lawyer

Many Georgia residents and visitors enjoy recreational boating on the beautiful lakes and rivers throughout the state. While a day out on the water is often a fun and memorable experience, negligence can turn an enjoyable experience into a tragedy in a moment’s time.

An experienced Chattahoochee Injury Law attorney can help you in the aftermath of a boating accident. You could be eligible for compensation if someone else’s recklessness caused an avoidable accident and you suffered harm. Contact our qualified Pooler boat accident lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights.

Common Causes of Recreational Boating Accidents

Some typical causes of recreational boating accidents include the following:

  • Boat operator inattention, such as being distracted by passengers
  • Improper lookout and failure to recognize potential hazards
  • Boater intoxication that impairs coordination and judgment
  • Colliding with other vessels or fixed objects on the waterways
  • Falling overboard, particularly without wearing a life jacket, which is a primary cause of boating accident fatalities
  • Equipment failure from a lack of maintenance
  • Hazardous weather conditions
  • Operator inexperience that can lead to poor judgment

Our Pooler boat crash attorney can thoroughly investigate the event to determine who was at fault and help gather the evidence needed to win an award for damages.

Possible Damages From a Boat Crash Case

After the court finds that the case meets each of the requirements, which are called the elements of negligence, it may award compensation for economic and non-economic damages. The first category is for your monetary losses from the accident, including hospital bills, lost pay, and ongoing medical care.

The second category covers non-monetary damages, such as emotional distress, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life. The amount of compensation can range substantially and depends on the unique facts of the accident. A skilled boat accident attorney in Pooler can help evaluate your case and the damages that may be awarded.

Safety Tips To Avoid Boating Accidents

Hundreds of fatalities happen yearly, and countless more people sustain severe injuries because of preventable recreational boating accidents. According to the safety tips and guidance of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division, boaters can prevent accidents and increase waterway safety by doing certain things.

Life Jackets

Ensuring enough life jackets for each person on board meets the legal requirements for adults. However, operators and passengers can keep themselves safe by wearing them. They prevent accidental drowning and increase the chance of survival when emergencies occur. Even excellent swimmers can quickly become overwhelmed in emergencies.

Float Plans

Float plans outline the details of the boating trip and are left with someone you trust. Float plans are vital for safety if something goes wrong and your boat does not return, so someone will know how to send help promptly.

Impaired Boating

Operating water vessels of any type while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is highly dangerous. The impaired operation of a boat, or BUI, is also unlawful. The action carries similarly severe consequences as driving a vehicle while drunk. Drunk boating substantially increases the risk of avoidable accidents, severe injuries, and death.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk for recreational boaters. Unlike smoke, odorless and colorless gas can spread throughout the vessel, causing severe injuries and fatalities without warning. Some examples of the typical sources on boats include:

  • Gasoline-powered engines
  • Large generators that power onboard appliances
  • Gas cooking ranges, water heaters, and space heaters
  • Exhaust from the engines or generators of other vessels nearby on the waterway

During your initial consultation, our knowledgeable boating accident attorneys in Pooler can answer specific questions concerning safety and obtaining a settlement.

Talk to a Pooler Boat Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options

Any boating accident can be severe or fatal, and operators and passengers must understand the safety rules and regulations and follow them every time. Sadly, almost every life-threatening or fatal event happening on Georgia waterways is entirely avoidable.

If you suffered severe bodily injuries and damages caused by someone else’s carelessness on the water, you can hold them responsible. Call a Pooler boat accident lawyer at Chattahoochee Injury Law to schedule your free consultation.