As summer quickly approaches, many people plan spending time on the water. Whether you are a passenger relaxing in a boat or someone who enjoys water skiing, you may be surprised to know that boating accidents are more common than you might think.
In 2018, the United States Coast Guard reported over 4,000 recreational boating related accidents and over 500 fatalities. The most common types of boating accidents during the summer include a boat hitting another boat, hitting another boat’s wake, slip and fall injuries while on a boat, and drowning.
Like the leading causes of car accidents, both inattentiveness by the boat operator and alcohol consumption are common causes of boating accidents. Other causes of boating accidents include a boating operator that is inexperienced navigating wakes and waves or is reckless on the water. People may even fail to carry the proper safety equipment onboard a boat. For example, a boat must have enough life jackets on board for every person on the boat. Some boats are even required to carry a fire extinguisher and sound producing device.
Boat owners should carry insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident. Boat insurance could pay for both property damage and compensate individuals injured in a boating accident. This includes compensation for physical pain, disfigurement, lost wages, and mental anguish.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating accident, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-231-9360 or toll free at 1‑800-594-4884.