During the summer, there can be an expected increase in the number of people going boating and fishing to enjoy the outdoors. With the increased traffic on the water, there is an increased chance for crashes due to people boating while intoxicated, distracted, or inexperienced. There is also the risk that boats, whether owned or rented, are in poor shape or not properly equipped with safety equipment.
Owners of boats have a responsibility to maintain their boat and ensure it is not simply just operational, but also safe for passengers while in operation. This includes having appropriate life-saving equipment and plans for those aboard to follow in the event of an emergency. Not all boat owners regularly maintain or inspect their vessels.
The top five factors contributing to boating accidents are operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure. Statistics show that a very high rate of boating injuries and fatalities are linked to the lack of life vests and intoxicated boating. A large majority of boating accidents involve vessels that are less than 21 feet long and are open motorboats. This includes speed boats, fishing boats, and other smaller recreational vessels.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a boating accident, please contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.