What To Do After A Boating Accident in Georgia

More More than 150 boat ramps statewide provide easy access to lakes and waterways – and a day of fun in the sun. Boating, however, can also be dangerous. In fact, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there were 135 boating accidents in 2017, resulting in 63 drownings and 15 deaths. Boats are […]

Published: July 17, 2022

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More than 150 boat ramps statewide provide easy access to lakes and waterways – and a day of fun in the sun. Boating, however, can also be dangerous. In fact, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there were 135 boating accidents in 2017, resulting in 63 drownings and 15 deaths.

Boats are not the only watercraft that may be involved in an accident. People in kayaks, jet skis, canoes, and sailboats are also at risk, making it crucial that anyone on the water take proper precautions.

If you have been injured on the water, the Mike Hostilo Law Firm can help! Our Georgia boat accident lawyers are equipped to provide high-quality legal representation and handle every aspect of your accident claim. Schedule your free consultation today!

Common Types of Boating Accidents

These most common scenarios may result in a boating accident:

Your boat collides with another boat or vessel.
Your boat hits an object, such as a submerged rock or land.
Your boat crashes into another boat’s wake.
Your boat hits a wave.

4 Steps to Take After a Boating Accident

STEP 1: Call 911.

If you have been involved in a boating accident, call for help immediately. Be sure to request medical personnel if emergency care is necessary.

STEP 2: Seek medical attention.

Even if you do not require emergency medical attention, make it a priority to visit your doctor as soon as possible. This step is crucial if you decide to pursue legal action, especially if injury symptoms appear in the weeks to come. A failure to get checked out right away gives the insurance company the opportunity to claim that the boating accident did not cause your injury.

STEP 3: Gather evidence.

Take photos or video of the accident scene and any injuries. It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the incident while it is fresh in your mind. If there are any witnesses, record their contact information as well. Your Georgia boat accident lawyer can help gather evidence to strengthen your accident claim and hold the at-fault party accountable.

STEP 4: Hire a qualified Georgia boat accident lawyer.

It is important to find a personal injury attorney near you with experience handling cases like yours. Whether your boating accident was caused by negligence or a manufacturer defect, you need trusted legal representation on your side. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Mike Hostilo Law Firm, so contact us today.

Common Injuries in Boating Accidents

Amputations
Broken or fractured bones
Burns
Cuts and lacerations
Head, neck, or back injury
Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injury

Who Can Be Held Accountable in a Boating Accident?

Depending on the cause of your boating accident, any of the following parties could be held liable:

The boat operator: If the driver of the boat made a mistake that resulted in your accident injury, they may be held accountable for negligence. Common examples include boating while intoxicated or driving recklessly.
The boat owner: If the boat owner did not provide the appropriate safety equipment, like life jackets or emergency flares, they may be deemed responsible for any accident that results.
The boat manufacturer: If a defect caused the boat to sink or catch on fire and accident injuries resulted, the manufacturer must be held accountable for their poor craftsmanship.

What is the Georgia Statute of Limitations for Boating Accidents?

2 YEARS

Under Georgia law, you have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action. Your personal injury attorney can help file your accident claim and if an acceptable settlement agreement cannot be reached, they can file a boating accident lawsuit on your behalf. It is best to take action as soon as possible, however, to preserve evidence. Contact the Mike Hostilo Law Firm today to get started.

How Much Compensation Can I Get If My Boat Was Hit By Someone Else’s?

If your boat was hit by another boat in Georgia, comparative fault laws apply. This means that the compensation you receive depends on how much of the accident was your fault. The more at fault you are, the less compensation you will likely receive. For instance, if you were deemed 20% responsible for the boating accident, the damages you recover will be reduced by 20%. To learn more about comparative fault or to find out how much your case is worth, schedule a free consultation at the Mike Hostilo Law Firm today!

More Questions? Discover A Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Near Me

Want to learn more about personal injuries? Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today! As always, Attorney Mike Hostilo and our skilled legal team is here to help.

You can find us serving accident injury victims in the following areas:

GEORGIA LAWYERS

(Park of Commerce) Savannah, GA

(Abercorn) Savannah, GA

Statesboro, GA

SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS

Beaufort, SC

ALABAMA LAWYERS