Boating is a great way to spend time outside, but it can come with significant dangers. Understanding the common causes of boating accidents in Richmond Hill can reduce your risk of injury.
If an accident does happen, knowing the cause will help you determine whether you can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for your expenses. Our seasoned boat crash attorneys can help you determine whether this is a good option. Call Chattahoochee Injury Law today for more information.
Boating accidents in Richmond Hill can happen for a number of reasons. The first is operator error, which is especially common among inexperienced boat captains. Not paying attention or not having enough experience to operate the boat safely can lead to collisions with objects or other boats. It can also lead to individuals deciding to take their boat out in bad weather.
Inexperience and inattention also make boaters more likely to miss hazards in the water. Like driving a car, speeding makes boats more challenging to control and increases the risk of an accident. These operator errors can cause injuries for those in the boat and others in the area.
Boats can also stall or crash because of mechanical defects. Mechanical failures can make steering difficult or prevent the captain from stopping quickly, which can cause a collision. If the motor fails completely, passengers in a boat on a larger body of water can be stranded for a long time, creating health risks. Finally, boating while intoxicated can cause crashes and other accidents.
The cause of a boating accident will determine who an injured person can sue and which laws apply. To sue someone, the injured person must prove that the other party caused the accident by being negligent.
To be negligent, a person needs to have a duty to behave a certain way, fail to uphold that duty, and cause an injury to someone else. For example, boat operators need to take reasonable safety precautions that take their skills, experience, and weather conditions into account. Knowingly taking a group out on a boat in bad weather and getting into an accident could be considered negligent.
The Georgia Boat Safety Act makes boating while intoxicated a misdemeanor. If the person responsible for an accident were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they would automatically be considered negligent. They could face legal penalties, such as fines and jail time.
If a mechanical issue causes an accident in Richmond Hill, the boat manufacturer could be liable if there was an error in the design or production. In this type of lawsuit, an injured person needs to prove that they were using the boat as intended, but they do not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent.
Understanding the common causes of boating accidents in Richmond Hill is not always enough to prevent serious injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, the experienced Chattahoochee Injury Law attorneys are here to support you.
Our hardworking and determined lawyers can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney to discuss your case today.
