Boat accidents in Georgia have been on the rise recently. The state is growing by leaps and bounds, and as the lakes get more crowded, there have been more Georgia boat accidents in recent years. If you’ve been in a boat accident in Georgia, then finding a Georgia boat accident lawyer should be your first step. The boat accident lawyers in Georgia from the McArthur Law Firm will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Georgia’s popular lakes, rivers, and coastline provide residents and visitors with opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and more. Georgia lakes have speed boats, pontoons, and jet skis all sharing the water during the warm summer months. Rivers draw people throughout the year for rafting, canoeing, fishing and kayaking.
Information Center
- Holding Negligent Boaters Responsible
- Boating Accident Lawyers with Years of Georgia Boat Accident Law Experience
- What are the Common Causes of Boating Accidents?
- Does a Boat Operator Face Criminal Charges After a Boating Accident?
- Boating Accident Attorneys in Central Georgia for Nationwide and Statewide Representation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Boating Accident Resources
Holding Negligent Boaters Responsible
Boating is a fun pastime for many Georgians. However, it’s not without its dangers. Boat operators will often take risks they probably would never consider taking behind the wheel of a car. This may include speeding, drinking alcohol or not paying attention to the dangers on the waterway. The Georgia boating accident lawyers at the McArthur Law Firm fight for victims of boating accidents to ensure accountability for the negligent boat operator. We have the resources to assist those hurt on the water from across the state, including working with those living in Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus as well as individuals and their families from Augusta, Albany, and in or around Macon.
Boating Accident Lawyers with Years of Georgia Boat Accident Law Experience
A few years ago, we represented one of the families of two young boys on a banana boat pulled by a motorboat. An inexperienced teenage boat operator was speeding on a lake and hit the banana boat. This seriously injured one young boy and killed the other. One result of the lawsuit was the passage of the “New Boater Education Requirement”. This requires new boat drivers to pass an education course to obtain a boating license. Similar boating accidents on Lake Lanier (not handled by our firm) involving the death of children also resulted in new laws lowering the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for drunk boating to .08. They also require young children to wear life vests.
Wrongful death lawsuits from tragic boating accidents will never change the past. However, it is our hope that these cases result in better safety regulations, boating accident laws and awareness to keep everyone safe on the water.
What are the Common Causes of Boating Accidents?
According to the United States Coast Guard, more than 4,000 recreational boating accidents occurred in 2015. These resulted in 626 deaths and 2,613 injuries. Drowning is the most common cause of death in fatal boating accidents. However, collisions with other boats or people can also cause serious catastrophic injuries. These may include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
The contributing factors in boating accidents are:
- Operator inattention or inexperience handling a motor boat or jet ski
- Drunk boating
- Speeding
- Defective machinery
Does a Boat Operator Face Criminal Charges After a Boating Accident?
Often, when a boat operator injures or kills another person due to drunk boating, speeding or inattentive boating, he or she may face criminal charges. It is important to understand that a criminal charge or conviction is not necessary to hold boating operators accountable in civil court.
For example, if a boat operator who hit another boat and injured people had a BAC of .06, he or she might not be criminally charged with boating while intoxicated or other crimes, as .06 was within the legal limit. However, a person injured due to the boat operator’s actions can still file a personal injury lawsuit against the boat operator.
If you or your relative was a victim of a negligent boat operator, a criminal case will not pay for medical bills, lost wages and other civil damages. Always contact a personal injury attorney with experience in boating accidents as soon as you can.
Boating Accident Attorneys in Central Georgia for Nationwide and Statewide Representation
If you or a loved one suffered an injury on the water, contact the boating accident attorneys at the McArthur Law Firm. We want to hold negligent boat operators accountable. But, we also hope that civil lawsuits bring awareness and better safety standards for the public.
We have earned a solid reputation as aggressive attorneys for people who might otherwise lack a voice. Reach out to our office today. We offer a free consultation at 404-565-1621 or fill out an online form about a boating accident. We serve injury victims throughout Georgia and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do after a boating accident in Georgia?
After a boating accident, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to local authorities or the U.S. Coast Guard if necessary. Document the scene and gather contact information from witnesses if possible. Speaking with an experienced boating accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.
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Who can be held responsible for a boating accident?
Liability for a boating accident may fall on the boat operator, the owner of the vessel, equipment manufacturers, or other negligent parties. If the operator was speeding, intoxicated, or inattentive, they may be held responsible for injuries or damages. Determining liability often requires a detailed investigation.
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What compensation can victims recover after a boating accident?
Victims of boating accidents may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses. They may also recover damages for pain and suffering or long-term disability. In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
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What are common causes of boating accidents?
Common causes include operator inattention, inexperienced boat operators, drunk boating, and excessive speed. Mechanical defects or equipment failures may also contribute to accidents on the water. Many incidents occur when operators fail to follow safe boating practices.
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Can a boat operator face criminal charges after an accident?
Yes. If a boating accident involves drunk boating, reckless operation, or other violations of the law, the operator may face criminal charges. However, even if no criminal charges are filed, injured victims may still pursue a civil lawsuit for damages.
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What types of injuries occur in boating accidents?
Boating accidents can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and drowning. Collisions with other boats or passengers being thrown from a vessel can lead to catastrophic injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
More Boating Accident Resources
If you’d like to learn more about how McArthur Law Firm handles boating accident cases, call 404-565-1621 to speak to a boat accident attorney in Georgia at our office for immediate help. You pay no fee until we win your case. You can also use our online contact form to send us your case details and schedule a free consultation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain; reach out today!
