Here are the causes of common boating accidents and how to avoid them. The majority of boating fatalities in Arizona and across the country have little to do with hazardous sea conditions or bad weather. In fact, boating accidents are more likely to occur on open boats of a smaller size in inland waters during daylight hours when visibility and weather are relatively good, when the water is calm and when winds are light. Regardless of these seemingly ideal conditions, passengers may sustain serious injuries.

Common Accident Causes

  • Not paying attention
  • Operating a craft in dangerous weather
  • Driving a boat under the influence of alcohol
  • Behaving recklessly

Boating Injuries Can Be Serious and Deadly

More than half of all boating fatalities are directly attached to situations in which a boat capsizes and passengers fall overboard. If you have been injured in a boating accident because the driver of your boat or another boat was engaged in reckless or distracted behavior, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

Take Notes After an Accident to Protect Yourself

Make sure you write down the facts of the accident as soon as it happens so that you can share your concerns with an attorney. You should never count on your memory days or weeks after the accident, so your notes can be extremely important for your own record and especially as your attorney crafts a case against any responsible individuals.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Consulting with a knowledgeable Arizona personal injury lawyer may be the first thing you need to do after you receive medical attention for your injuries. Small boat crafters can do a lot to prevent individuals from falling overboard and to avoid general accidents with other boats. Some of the best ways to prevent boating accidents include:

  • Always maintaining a safe speed
  • Always following general rules of the water and navigational guidelines
  • Never operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Calling it quits when the weather appears to be gearing up for a storm or other dangerous event
  • Keeping rowdy passengers at bay and taking them back to shore

If another person’s reckless behavior has contributed to your boating injuries, you may need to consult with an attorney sooner rather than later. The injuries sustained in a boating accident can continue to impact you for many years and it is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney to see whether or not you have grounds for a legal claim.

 

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Common Boating Accidents and How to Avoid Them, or any other personal injury, please feel free to contact Brian T. Allen at  480.461.5335,  log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.