Boating and Water Sport Accidents in Georgia
During warmer months, adults and children alike take to the waterways to enjoy boating and water sports, such as jet skiing, tubing and more. Georgia is home to a number of bodies of water that offer a refreshing respite to the heat. Unfortunately, summer time is also the most common time for boating and other water sport accidents. Each year, many individuals will tragically perish or become injured while boating, tubing, waterskiing or engaging in other water activities.
Recently, a boat struck a tree while traveling on the Savannah River, injuring four aboard. Months prior, several serious accidents occurred on Lake Lanier and two were killed in Lake Oliver Marina. These deaths and serious injuries often stemmed from either drowning or injury by blunt force trauma inflicted during the fall from the watercraft. Those injured in boating and water sport activities span all ages and include even people with considerable water and boating experience.
The following is a look at the most common causes of boating and other water sport activities, intended to ensure you and your family enjoy the water in a safe manner this summer:
- Alcohol use: Drunk boaters are responsible for a large number of boating accidents each year. While alcohol use is common among boaters, it is not legal to operate a boat while intoxicated. Driving excessively while operating a boat is a crime and a serious hazard for you, your passengers and those around you. Drinking can also be dangerous when engaging in any water sport as it increases the risk of drowning or reckless behavior.
- Crowded waterways: Over the summer months, the number of boaters increases significantly. Along with this increase in the number of boaters comes a rise in the sheer number of inexperienced boaters. Summer months tend to bring out boaters that only occasionally take their boats out and lack the experience that comes with regular use. They are also often drinking and out with family or friends. This makes for dangerous conditions for fellow boaters and anyone out in the water.
- Equipment failure: Proper maintenance of your boat is essential to its safe operation. You need to regularly inspect your boat, including the engine, steering system, navigation lights, communication systems, rescue tools and all other important parts. Sometimes, however, even the best maintenance cannot prevent equipment failure when the equipment is faulty. If you are injured due to a faulty piece of boat or water sports equipment, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you have been injured in a boating or water sport related activity, the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm offers over 39 years of experience representing individuals who have been injured in a variety of accidents, including boating accidents. We strive to provide exceptional representation to each client and we accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. Prompt action is vital to the success of your personal injury case. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance as your time to file a personal injury claim after your accident is limited. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/06/bodies_of_2_killed_in_georgia.html