Many things can go badly when a boat is involved. In the last five-years there has been a surge in boat purchases, boating accidents and boating fatalities. Although licensing requirements do exist, they are not widely followed or enforced. Many boat operators include operators who’ve had their driver’s license revoked for their driving behavior.
Since licensing and training requirements are rarely followed or enforced, many boat drivers lack the training or experience to safely operate a boat. When this lack of experience is accompanied by consumption of alcohol it can lead to disastrous consequences. This is when responsible and well-trained boaters are injured by the carelessness of those who are not.
Once on the water, many boat drivers are more consumed with what is happening on the boat and may become less aware of their surroundings. This can lead to the boat driver crossing into the path of another boater or not seeing a swimmer or downed wakeboarder in the water. Since boats don’t respond as rapidly as cars, it is often hard for the driver to stop the boat or turn it in time to avoid a collision with another boat or swimmer.
Once on the water the issues are just starting. Some operators are more worried about the boat than the passengers on their boat or other boats. Infrequent use of life vests is common because the danger doesn’t appear as immediate to some. Children can easily drown in one inch of water and over 25% of all drownings happen in less than 3 feet of water. A slow-moving boat has minimal steering and it’s often easy for even operator to fall victim to this reality. Boats are actually steered from the rear and as a result the steering is far less predictable than the steering in a car.
Safety and sobriety may matter more on a boat than anywhere else and the liability and driving under the influence laws are virtually identical. Always wear an approved safety vest and require every passenger wear an approved vest as well no matter the objection or how strong a swimmer they say they are. As the captain, you are responsible for your passengers and may be held accountable if something goes wrong. If you are injured as a result of someone else’s actions call the police to request assistance and gather as much information as possible. Enjoy your time on the water!
We represent people injured as a result of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. Insurance companies have paid our clients hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation because we uncover the facts. When insurance companies fail to offer full compensation, we are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com
