Fatal Lake Lanier Drowning Deadly Reminder of Boating Accident Risks
A Gwinnett man drowned in Lake Lanier last week, providing a deadly reminder that while Lake Lanier and waterways throughout Georgia can be a source of fun and recreation they can also be the cause of tragedy.
While the circumstances of the drowning are still unclear, these drowning accidents often involve alcohol and boating, which when combined form a lethal combination. Due to the lack of protection and restraint devices in a boat, almost all high-speed collisions result in serious injuries or death to the drivers and passengers. Many drowning victims are ejected from the boat following the impact or are struck when swimming in the water. It is unlawful to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol, so if you suffer serious injury or a loved one suffers wrongful death in a boating accident with someone who is boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries.
In 2009, the Coast Guard reported almost 5,000 boating accidents resulting in over 3,300 injuries and over 700 fatalities. Three-fourths of all boating fatalities were drowning deaths, which is made ever more tragic because 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. This means that simply wearing a life vest can prevent the majority of boating fatalities.
At Montlick and Associates, we have been representing accident victims throughout Georgia for over 39 years, and we help people injured in serious boating accidents. The Atlanta boating accident lawyers of Montlick and Associates will look beyond the accident report prepared by law enforcement. We may conduct an independent investigation and interview witnesses so that we have a thorough understanding of the cause of your boating accident. We review the evidence, accident reports, witnesses statement, photos and other evidence so that we can develop the most effective case designed to obtain the best result in your boating accident claim or lawsuit.
There are many causes of drowning and boating accidents in Georgia but the most prominent factor is the presence of alcohol. Alcohol can lead to impaired judgment, decreased reflexes and lack of coordination. This is extremely dangerous if you are driving a boat or in the water. As noted above, it is against the law to operate a boat in Georgia under the influence of alcohol. A driver who is involved in a boating accident that results in serious injuries or wrongful death while operating a boat under the influence of alcohol may be liable for any injury or death. A court may award a wide array of damages for such an accident including lost wages, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, disability, loss of consortium and even punitive damages.
Our law firm handles all types of boating and drowning accidents throughout all of the waterways and lakes of Georgia including Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, Lake Sinclair and Lake Tobesofkee. Our Georgia boating accident attorneys handle accidents involving speedboats, pontoon boats, personal watercrafts, express cruisers, cabin cruisers and every other type of boat. If you have been seriously injured in a Georgia boating accident, Montlick and Associates can help you seek the compensation that you deserve. We work hard for our clients and are committed to our goal of being known as the best Atlanta personal injury lawyers in Georgia.
Our Atlanta Georgia Boat Accident Injury lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 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.