Boating Accidents & Injuries
Combine a fast-moving vehicle, inadequate life vest usage, water and often a reckless or negligent "skipper," and you have a recipe for disaster. Boating accidents are on common in the United States, prompting many areas to enforce tougher speed laws and alcohol restrictions on the water. Despite these precautions, it is likely that the rate of personal injuries resulting from boating accidents will continue to soar.
Boating Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Cost Guard, there were 4,730 reported boating accidents in 2009, resulting in 736 fatalities, 3,358 injuries, and $36,000,000 in property damage. A collision with another vessel is the most frequently reported boating accident scenario. Excessive speeding, boat operator inexperience, and alcohol consumption were some of the leading factors for the accidents. Almost seventy-five percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and nearly 84 percent of those victims who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.
Types of Boating Accident Injuries
The injuries that can result from boating accidents are all too familiar: brain and spinal cord injuries, sprains, fractures, abrasions, concussions, internal and soft tissue injuries, paralysis, burn injuries; and just about every other injury associated with the operation of other motorized vehicles. There are a number of factors that can cause boating related injuries or fatalities, including many of the same factors that lead to injuries and fatalities for drivers of other motorized vehicles: speeding; reckless driving; ignoring posted signs and warnings; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; operating damaged or defective boats; operating in unsafe weather conditions; and operator ignorance and inexperience.
Injury Lawyers
Injury lawyers can help you pursue your rights if you were injured in a boating accident. Call toll-free at 877-288-7564 or fill out the form on this page to be connected with a personal injury attorney in your area for a free consultation.