Causes and Types of Boating Accidents

DON'T DRINK AND BOAT

Each year, almost 700 people are killed and at least 5,000 people are injured in the United States as the result of recreational boating accidents. The reasons are very similar to those which cause auto accidents. While boating and drinking alcoholic beverages to many seem to go hand in hand, operating a boat while intoxicated is not only against the law, but it can often lead to tragic results. Over 20 percent of boating fatalities involve alcohol. Unfortunately in Texas, there is no license required to operate a boat, therefore inexperienced operators unfortunately make avoidable mistakes. Also, we see driver inattention as a cause for accidents as there are many distractions available to a boat operator.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the top five factors which cause boating accidents are:

1. Operator inattention
2. Careless/reckless operation
3. Passenger/skier behavior
4. Excessive speed
5. Alcohol

ALL TYPES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS

Whatever the reason for negligent conduct, we constantly see boat to boat collisions, boats hitting people in the water and boats running into immovable objects like docks, rocks or the shoreline. While cigarette boats, or speed boats are often in collisions due to the sheer speed of their drivers, boating accidents are not limited to these types of boats. We have seen accidents involving fishing boats, sail boats, pontoon/party boats, ski boats and personal watercrafts such as jetskis.

Boating accidents often lead to serious personal injuries or even death. A fun day at the lake can easily become tragic. Boating claims are pursued just as any other personal injury claim, for instance, a car accident or a truck wreck.

FREE CONSULTATION

If you or a relative has been injured as the result of someone else's negligent conduct in the operation of a boat, you may have the right to make a legal claim for your injuries. To discuss your matter with Fort Worth Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, please call 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

The U.S. Coast Guard Web site

Federal law applicable to recreational boat operators

2007 Boating Statistics (pdf)

Boating Safety Circular 2007 (pdf)

Boating Safety Circular 2008 (pdf)

Texas Boating Guide (pdf)

7 Rules for Playing it Safe in the Water (pdf)

Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site

Texas Boating Laws Summary