Here are some of the most common causes of boating fatalities near Buffalo, New York. If you have been injured in a boating accident in or around the waters of Lake Erie, please contact our experienced boat accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Boating Fatalities | Speeding, Alcohol, Inexperienced, etc.
There are several factors that go into the cause of these incidents. Very few of them are accidents. People choose to speed or consume alcohol or operate their vehicle outside of their own comfort level or experience level. The accidents we see often involve somebody who is driving recklessly or has been out drinking either on the boat or at a local bar or restaurant and then boating. Unfortunately, all these factors together tend to create hazard out there.
The most common types of boat accidents are collisions with other vessels, collisions with fixed objects such as a pier, and passengers falling overboard. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the most common causes of boat accidents include:
- Alcohol use
- Careless or reckless operation
- Excessive speed
- Hazardous waters
- Operator Inexperience
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Common Causes of Boating Fatalities | Injuries
Boats do not provide the same level of protection as land vehicles do, so whereas whiplash and cervical deceleration are typical of car accidents because of the use of seat belts, watercraft accidents tend to result in impact injuries.
If you are injured in a boating accident, you must seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries, take photos of all your bruises and wounds, compile a short journal entry of details about the incident, and write down the names of all witnesses. Your attorney will assess the information that you provide to determine the party at fault and identify the injuries that resulted from the accident. General negligence may be subject to a three-year statute of limitations, but the most important elements in personal injury cases are often established through early investigation while the evidence is still fresh and accessible.
Frequent injuries resulting from watercraft accidents are:
- Contusions
- Bumps
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
If you have been injured in a boating accident, please contact our personal injury law office today to arrange a free consultation.