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Georgia Boat Injury Attorneys

Injured on a Georgia Lake? Our Boat Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help

If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident on a Georgia lake – whether on Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Lake Hartwell, or another popular destination – our boat accident attorneys at Montlick are here to help. With decades of experience handling boating injury claims across Georgia, our legal team fights for victims of negligent boaters, jet ski crashes, and other watercraft accidents. Whether you’re seeking a boat injury lawyer after a serious crash or pursuing a wrongful death claim, we’re committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-LAW-NEED today for a free consultation.

 

Common Causes of Injuries on Georgia’s Lakes

Lakes don’t have signage or lanes, so amateur boaters often assume they are easier to navigate than rush hour on I-285. Nothing could be further from the truth. People don’t take boats to work every day. Lakes present a variety of hazards including underwater debris, inexperienced boaters, excessive wakes from other boats, and crowded lake conditions with many types of watercraft competing for space. That’s why, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, approximately 100 visitors to Georgia lakes are victims of recreational boating accidents each year.

There are a number of key factors that can contribute to injuries on Georgia lakes:

Operator inexperience plays a major role. Although boaters born after January 1, 1998 will need to have passed a Georgia DNR-approved boating education course and maintain proof of this on board, anybody 16 years or older with a valid drivers license may operate a boat in Georgia waters.
Substance use, particularly Boating Under the Influence (BUI), often leading to impaired judgment, speeding, and loss of vessel control, is another cause of accidents.
High-risk activities like night boating, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing further elevate these dangers.
Environmental conditions compound risks: murky water and sudden lakebed drop-offs can confuse even seasoned boaters, while crowded lakes filled with a mix of watercraft types often create chaotic navigation scenarios.
Distracted boating, whether due to electronic devices, socializing, or failure to monitor weather changes, is a significant cause of accidents.
Machinery failure, caused by factors like poor maintenance or faulty equipment, can turn routine outings into emergencies.

In boating accident cases, Montlick’s attorneys work to determine if these or other factors are responsible for injuries, and if the injured party has a claim for compensation. Talk to us today.

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Winning Is What We Do. Caring Is Who We Are.

Decades of experience 

For nearly 40 years, our firm has recovered billions for our clients. We are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional service, and fighting to maximize their compensation.

Caring representation

We understand the devastation you and your family face after a death or serious injury. That’s why compassion is our guiding principle at Montlick. When you’ve been through the unimaginable, you need support from an experienced team to help you recover.

Montlick Advocates for Clients Who are Victims of:
  • Drownings and other boat overboard deaths
  • Head injuries and other serious accidents
  • Jetski accidents on Georgia lakes
  • Accidents on docks and marinas

Types of Accidents on Georgia’s Lakes

Unfortunately, drowning is the leading cause of injury involving watercraft incidents, whether due to someone falling off the vessel, collisions with other boats, or capsizing and swamping. Other serious accidents that can happen aboard boats include explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide exposure.

Slips and falls aboard a boat are also common, as are injuries from propellers and head trauma caused by striking another watercraft or submerged debris. Importantly, injuries can occur off the water as well – such as electric shocks from marina electrical systems or dockside slip and fall accidents.

What to Do After a Boating Accident

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You’ll speak to an attorney to learn if you have a claim.

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If you’re involved in a boating crash, a fall overboard situation, or a serious injury while on a Georgia lake, follow these steps to stay safe and protect your legal rights:

Take Immediate Safety Actions

  • Provide life-saving aid: If someone goes overboard, throw a life jacket or flotation device immediately.
  • Take a headcount: Confirm all passengers are safely on board.
  • Check for injuries: See if anyone is hurt and render assistance.
  • Call for help: Dial 911 from a cell phone or use VHF marine radio channel 16 to reach emergency responders. You can also reach the Georgia DNR’s Ranger Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-241-4113.
  • Secure your boat: Turn off the engine, anchor if necessary, and take steps to avoid further collisions or drifting.

Collect Relevant Information

  • Document accident details: Photograph vessel damage and injuries, note the crash time and location, and weather/water conditions.
  • Exchange information: Get names, addresses, vessel registration numbers, and insurance information from involved parties.
  • Collect witness Statements: Ask nearby boaters or bystanders for their version of events and their contact information.

Safeguard Your Legal Rights

Contact Montlick as soon as possible. You will be put in touch with an attorney who can get the facts to determine if you have a case for compensation for medical costs, lost income, or wrongful death.

  • Report the accident to the GA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by filing a Georgia Boating Accident Report (BAR) within 48 hours if anyone dies or is seriously injured, disappears from the vessel, or property damage exceeds $2,000. Contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.
  • Report the facts, but don’t admit fault. Your statements, however well intentioned, can be used against you later.
  • Report the incident to your insurance company if you have insurance on your vessel. Avoid recorded statements until you speak with a lawyer.

 

What Kind of Legal Options Do You Have After a Georgia Boating Accident?

There are a variety of ways to pursue a claim after a boating accident. You may have grounds for a personal injury claim if your injury was caused because someone:

  • Was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Was not properly licensed or trained to operate a boat
  • Did not maintain control of the vehicle
  • Did not maintain the equipment required by the Georgia Dept of Natural Resources on their boat

At Montlick, our experienced boating accident attorneys leave no stone unturned when it comes to securing full compensation for our clients. Depending on the facts of your case, we may pursue multiple legal claims on your behalf – including, but not limited to, the following avenues for recovery:

Negligence Claim: If another boat or watercraft operator or a passenger fails to act with reasonable care there may be grounds for a negligence claim. Examples: Speeding, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI), distracted operation, or failing to yield.

Premises Liability: If the accident occurs at a dock, marina, or boat rental facility due to unsafe conditions such as unsafe walkways or poor lighting, electrical hazards, or fire.

Product Liability Claim: Should the accident be attributed to a design or manufacturing flaw in the boat, its engine, safety equipment, or other parts, a product liability claim might be pursued against the boat’s manufacturer or associated entities.

Wrongful Death Claim: If a victim dies due to the negligent or reckless actions of another, there may be grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Experienced Montlick attorneys will explore every legal strategy to obtain maximum compensation for your claim.

Wrongful Death Attorneys for Families of Boating Accident Victims

Losing a loved one in a wrongful death accident is an unimaginable tragedy that can leave a family profoundly impacted. While no amount of money can ever truly fill the void, seeking compensation can help ease the immense financial burdens and provide some measure of stability during a difficult time. The types of damages that may be available to help families recover can include:

  • Full economic and non-economic value of the life of the victim
  • Loss of companionship
  • Value of support and services
  • Punitive damages
  • Burial and funeral expenses
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering of the deceased

Because of their enormous value, lawsuits associated with wrongful death require thorough investigation. At Montlick we have extensive experience pursuing wrongful death cases from start to finish, and we know what it takes to secure compensation for grieving families.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly in Wrongful Death Cases

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Generally speaking, in Georgia, the family of the victim in a wrongful death case has two years from the date of the incident that caused their death, but the amount of time to file the claim can vary significantly if the victim is a minor or if government entities were involved.

In boating injury cases especially, evidence or witnesses necessary for a case may disappear quickly. Additionally, insurance policies owned by the victim or the victim’s family often also have timely notification requirements. This means if a claim is not filed in the time given in the insurance policy, the family of the deceased may lose valuable compensation. That’s why we advise victims to take action by contacting an attorney as soon as possible.

What is My Boating Accident Claim Worth?

Montlick lawyers may be able to seek a broad spectrum of damages for the victim of an accident on a Georgia lake, including: economic damages to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and even funeral costs; non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life; and in cases involving gross negligence or misconduct, punitive damages.

Our attorneys understand the physical pain and emotional trauma victims experience from injuries caused by negligent or reckless actions on Georgia lakes. For over 40 years we’ve fought fiercely to obtain the best possible compensation for our clients. If you or someone you love has been involved in a boating accident on a Georgia lake, call 1-800-LAW-NEED or contact Montlick to protect your rights with a free consultation.

Your Questions Answered

Boat Injury FAQs

What equipment is required on a Georgia boat ?

At a minimum, boats on Georgia lakes require a registration certificate, a validation decal, personal floatation devices for all passengers under 13, a Type B-I fire extinguisher, a ventilation system, a muffler, nighttime visual distress signals, and navigation lights. Note: other conditions may apply based on the type of craft or the body of water. See the GA DNR Law Enforcement site for complete, up to date information.

What is the statute of limitations for a boating accident in Georgia?

Generally, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the injured party is a minor, the clock typically doesn’t start until they turn 18. For a wrongful death claim, the statute is two years from the date of death. There are some exceptions; for example, if a government entity is involved, it might change the deadline. It’s always best to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you are able to file a claim in time.

What happens if I am injured by an uninsured boater?

If you are injured by an uninsured boater, you may still be able to file a personal injury claim for damages. However, even if you win in court, if the boater has no insurance and few assets, recovering compensation can be difficult. An experienced personal injury attorney will investigate all possible options for compensation, asking questions like:

  • Was the boat rented from a marina that failed to check licensing or safety compliance?
  • Was alcohol sold to an impaired boater at a dockside bar? This might constitute a potential dram shop liability.
  • Did a manufacturer defect on the craft contribute to the incident?

Because we can’t stop accidents from happening, we do what we can to help minimize their long-term impact. We put more money in your pocket, where it belongs.