Georgia Boating Accident Lawyer

Exploring Common Boating Accidents in Georgia

The spectrum of watercraft varies widely, encompassing everything from compact personal watercraft like jet skis to expansive houseboats and grandiose cruise ships. Regardless of a vessel’s size or purpose, the inherent risks of aquatic travel persist. Boating excursions offer a thrilling escape, but with that adventure comes the responsibility of ensuring safety for all onboard. From propeller incidents to drowning accidents, being aware of potential risks can help prevent tragic outcomes. In the event of an accident, operators and passengers alike face the looming threat of severe, and in tragic cases, fatal injuries.

Whether leisurely cruising Georgia’s picturesque lakes or engaging in deep-sea fishing off the state’s barrier islands, the following types of boating accidents frequently occur:

Collisions

Encounters between vessels or between a vessel and immobile objects such as rocks or marinas can result in substantial damage. Collisions may lead to the capsizing of the boat, passengers being ejected, and structural harm to the vessel. Factors like crowded waterways or the operation of a boat by an inexperienced or impaired individual often contribute to collision incidents.

Propeller and Run-Over Accidents: A Hidden Danger

Boating adventures often involve moments for passengers to enjoy a refreshing swim near the vessel. However, the presence of individuals in the water poses a risk of propeller accidents, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. The propeller’s sharp blades can cause catastrophic lacerations, internal trauma, and dismemberment when a boat is in operation near swimmers.

Drowning Accidents: A Silent Threat

Drowning accidents can occur when an unexpected fall overboard leaves a passenger struggling to stay afloat. Without a personal flotation device, the individual may be unable to keep their head above water, especially in challenging conditions. Tragically, fellow passengers may not realize someone has fallen overboard until it is too late to intervene.

Recreational Accidents: High-Speed Hazards

Georgia’s water bodies become playgrounds for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing enthusiasts during sunny days. While these activities offer exhilarating fun, they also come with risks. High-speed falls into the water can result in traumatic brain injuries, and the return of the boat to retrieve the individual poses further dangers of propeller-related accidents.

Onboard Accidents: Minimizing Safety Risks

Even passengers who remain on the boat face potential hazards. Slips, trips, and falls are common incidents, particularly for inexperienced individuals navigating the boat’s movement. Wet decks and the pitching motion of boats increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when compounded by alcohol consumption and reckless behavior.

Commercial Boating Accidents: Legal Protections for Workers

Under federal law, maritime employees in the commercial fishing and shipping industries are limited in their ability to claim workers’ compensation for injuries. Instead, these individuals must pursue compensation through maritime accident lawsuits, such as those filed under the Jones Act, to seek financial redress after an accident.

In the event of a boating accident caused by another party’s negligence, the support of legal professionals is crucial. Individuals can count on The Jewkes Firm’s Georgia boating accident lawyers to help them pursue the compensation they deserve.