Boating Accidents

There are many boating accidents that occur each year. The U.S. Coast Guard tabulated the following information regarding boating accidents in the U.S. in 2012:

• 4515 boating accidents occurred
• 651 deaths
• 3000 injuries
• $38 million property damage – from recreational boating
• Almost 71% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned
• Almost 85% of the drowned victims did not wear a life jacket
• Almost 14% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had boating safety instruction
• 7 out of every ten boaters who drowned had vessels shorter than 21 ft.

Number of Boats

• There were more than 12 million recreational vessels in 2012

The Five Primary Contributing Factors in Boating Accidents

• Operator inattention
• Operator inexperience
• Improper lookout
• Machinery failure
• Excessive speed

The Leading Contributing Factor in Fatal Boating Accidents

• Alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents
• Alcohol was the leading factor in 17% of deaths

Life Jackets

• Life jackets are required by federal and state law

The Top Five Primary Boating Accident Types

1. Collision with recreational vessel
2. Flooding/swamping
3. Collision with fixed object
4. Grounding
5. Skier mishap

Types of Boating Accidents

• Grounding
• Capsizing
• Sinking
• Flooding
• Falls in or overboard a vessel
• Water skiing mishap involving a towable device
• Collision with another vessel or object
• Striking a submerged object
• Person struck by vessel, propeller, propulsion unit or steering machinery
• Carbon monoxide explosion
• Electrocution due to stray current related to a vessel
• Casualties while swimming from a vessel that is not anchored
• Others

Primary Contributing Factor of Accidents and Casualties in 2012

• Alcohol use
• Drug use
• Excessive speed
• Failure to ventilate
• Improper lookout
• Inadequate onboard navigation lights

If You Were Injured in a Boating Accident

Boating accident injuries and deaths in many instances are caused by negligent conduct. If the owner or captain lacks experience and training and an accident occurs, they may be the negligent party and thus, liable for damages. If the boat was rented, the boat rental company and insurance company might liable for damages. If you were injured in a boating accident, it is advisable to obtain a consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to protect and preserve your rights to compensation. You may file a personal injury lawsuit, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, lost future income, pain and suffering, property damage and more. Your attorney can properly advise you. Attorney Paul VanDerwerken represents injured parties and the families of deceased individuals. Through aggressive data collection, interviewing, accident reconstruction efforts and other means, a case will be carefully crafted that will be designed to obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible. For a complimentary consultation with Attorney Paul VanDerwerken in Las Vegas, call 702-385-5050. There are no costs involved unless your case is won or settled.