Georgia Boat Accident Laws

Boating is a popular pastime on rivers and lakes throughout the State of Georgia. Unfortunately, people are injured every year in boating accidents that are caused by the negligent or reckless use of boats or other personal watercrafts. Inexperienced recreational boaters and jet skiers can cause accidents that result in serious injuries to themselves and other people, such as wrongful death, severe tissue damage, and brain damage from lack of oxygen.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a boating accident, contact The Law Office of J. Lee Webb. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about Georgia boat accident laws and will aggressively fight to get you the recovery funds you need.

Despite warning recreational boaters to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing a personal flotation device, there are a high number of boat accident fatalities that occur each year. In fact, an average of 714 boating fatalities occur every year, with 508 of those deaths caused by drowning. More than 70 percent of boat accident deaths are due to drowning after the accident.

The Coast Guard estimates that 84 percent of drowning victims would have survived if they had been wearing their personal flotation device. Georgia law requires children to wear a personal flotation device while on a boat or other watercraft. And, although boating safety courses are available to recreational operators, 80 percent of boat operators have never taken such a course.

Boating under the influence (BUI) also contributes to boating-related accidents. Combining lack of experience with alcohol can lead to serious, or even fatal, injuries. Our boating accident attorneys will investigate your case to determine if alcohol was a factor in your waterway accident.

Similar to car accident cases, victims of boat accidents have the right to hold the negligent party legally responsible for injuries or wrongful death. The injured party may make an insurance claim to be compensated for their medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, boat insurance companies, just like auto insurance companies, try to minimize the amount they will pay. Our attorneys will deal with the insurance company to get you the maximum recovery you deserve.

Contact The Law Office of J. Lee Webb to discuss Georgia boat accident laws. You’ll be glad you did.