Boating Accidents

In 2004, almost 5000 reported boating accidents resulted in approximately 3,365 injuries and 675 deaths in the United States. Property damage exceeded $35 million. California, with over 1 million registered recreational boats and vessels, has the second highest water sport accident rate in the country. Recreational activities such as power boating, sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, teak surfing, kayaking, and canoeing, present special dangers for serious injury, death, and property damage.

Water sport injuries also present complex legal issues that demand specialized knowledge of the laws that apply to sports activities and accidents on the water. The personal injury attorneys of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have the special knowledge and experience to help injured victims of boating accidents and water sports injuries.

Causes of Boating Accidents and Water Sports Injuries

The most common causes of boating accidents and water sports injuries are:

  • Negligent (careless) or reckless operation of the boat, jet ski, or other vessel
  • Operator distraction or inattention
  • Operator/sailor inexperience
  • Speeding
  • Operating/sailing the boat in dangerous waters
  • Alcohol use
  • Misbehavior of passenger or skier
  • Equipment failure
  • Failing to follow safe boating rules and regulations
  • Failing to protect skiers with a proper observer

Alcohol use is a factor in over one-third of boating accidents, despite the fact that every state prohibits operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Approximately 70% of all boating accident drowning victims were not wearing life jackets (personal flotation device or PFD). In 2004, alone, it is estimated that more than 430 lives could have been saved if boaters had been wearing life jackets.

Carbon Monoxide Kills Boaters and Water Skiers!

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can cause serious brain injury or death. It is very toxic, or poisonous, even when breathed in very small quantities. Carbon monoxide is produced as "exhaust” when gasoline or diesel engines are running, such as when a power boat is being operated.

Carbon monoxide can be dangerous to passengers when it enters the enclosed areas of the boat, such as cabins or wind-protected seating areas.

Carbon monoxide can kill or injure water skiers, teak surfers, or any other person being towed within 20 feet of the moving boat, and swimmers in areas where the gas can accumulate. Stay away from exhaust vents because carbon monoxide builds up in areas near the vents.

A boat owner or operator may be responsible for personal injury or wrongful death damages if he or she fails to guard against exposure to carbon monoxide, or fails to warn passengers or water skiers of the danger. If the carbon monoxide poisoning occurs because of a defect in the engine or boat design, the manufacturers may be held accountable for damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident or water sports accident, fill out and submit the contact form on this page for a free and confidential case evaluation or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.

 
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