How a Negligent Party May Have Caused Your Boating Accident

Boating is a fun pastime enjoyed by individuals of all ages that gets you out on the water in a natural social setting. Despite the positive attributes of boating, there are unfortunately certain dangers associated with boating, such as serious and even deadly injuries from boating collisions. Many such accidents are caused by the recklessness and negligence of other parties. There are a number of ways reckless parties can contribute to boating accidents, a few of which are listed below.

1. Drinking and Boating: Driver intoxication is one of the leading causes of boat collisions. For the same reasons that road drivers should not drink and drive, boaters should not drink and boat. Alcohol usage impairs judgement and motor function and doubles the likelihood of getting into an accident with another boat or nearby swimmer. Drinking and boating can have serious and even deadly consequences that boaters should take care to avoid at all costs.
2. Faulty parts and mechanical failure: Boats are often made with faulty parts that can contribute to mechanical failure. This malfunction can result in boating collisions, engine fires, and a number of other dangers that cause serious injury. In the event of product failure, the manufacturers may be legally accountable. If you are unsure about the functioning of your boat, the U.S. Coast Guard offers free vessel safety tests that take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. These tests can ensure that your vessel is working properly and meeting federal safety standards that can keep you and your family safe.
3. Excessive speed of other vessels: Far too often, other boating vessels drive with excessive speed, which can cause them to lose control of their boat and collide with other boats or injure nearby swimmers. Increased speed also increases the amount of damage sustained in the event of a collision and is associated with more severe injuries.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured as the result of a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation, and the qualified Michigan boating accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. are here to help. Our experienced legal team has years of practice in these cases and are passionate about fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve. If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment with one of our qualified boating accident lawyers, please do not hesitate to contact us at (248) 948-9696 today.