When a day on the water goes wrong due to others’ negligence, do not hesitate to take legal action with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney. Schedule a meeting with a Roswell boat accident lawyer to discuss the incident, your resulting injuries, and what legal choices are available to you. Even though no amount of money could make up for your injuries and trauma, you may be able to recover compensation that covers some of your damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and lost wages.
The State of Georgia has many recreational lakes and rivers for residents and tourists to enjoy, with 151 boat ramps. However, there are many boating regulations in place to keep watercraft users safe, including those stating who can operate a boat. Individuals under age 12 cannot operate vessels longer than 16 feet; those between ages 12 and 16 can operate 16-foot or longer watercraft if they are accompanied by adults and passed boat education courses approved by the Department of Natural Resources.
Individuals over age 16 may operate boats on waters throughout the state if they have the correct identification on board and have passed a Department of Natural Resources boater education course. The latter requirement applies to individuals born after January 1, 1998. For those under age 12, the adult accompanying them must be “competent” and therefore not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those who do not adhere to these regulations and cause accidents on the water could face legal repercussions. A skilled Roswell attorney could determine if your boating accident occurred as a result of another’s negligence and pursue potential financial compensation.
Boats cannot exceed their maximum weight, and they must feature wearable personal flotation devices (PFD) for each passenger. PFDs must be in serviceable, good condition, marked with legible US Coast Guard approved numbers, and fit the wearer.
Those who operate a watercraft while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs could face losing their boating licenses in addition to legal actions if they harm anyone onboard, on other boats, or individuals swimming or tubing. Boaters are also named in legal claims by attorneys if they engage in reckless operation that causes injuries. “Reckless operation” includes speeding, not maintaining the proper distance from water skiers and other individuals in the water, or jumping the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of said watercraft. Boaters cannot tailgate other vessels, speed, or obstruct a boat ramp, pier, or wharf.
Being involved in a boating accident could lead to a wide variety of injuries, including:
In the case you or a family member are injured in a boating collision due to a negligent operator, you could file a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced Roswell lawyer. However, if your family member died as the result of a watercraft crash, you could file a wrongful death claim. Damages for these claims typically include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, loss of future income, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering among others.
A watercraft incident can happen at any time. If your injuries from the collision were not your fault, contact a Roswell boat accident lawyer as soon as possible. One of the team members will handle your claim with the same dedication that has made our firm a standout for years. Call us today to get started.
