When people think of personal injury claims, the first thing that comes to mind is usually auto accidents, however boating accident claims are also frequently filed in Georgia. If you have been injured in a boating accident and someone else is at fault, it is important to have a qualified and experienced boating accident attorney represent you. The attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, have developed a deep knowledge of boating accident claims in Georgia.
Kennesaw, GA Personal Injury Attorney Joel Williams and his team have recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, offers free case evaluations. If you have been injured in a boating accident because someone else made a mistake, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, to schedule your free consultation online or by calling 833-LEGALGA.
COMMON CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS IN GEORGIA
• Alcohol. Boating and alcohol do not go well together. Unfortunately, accidents involving alcohol pop up in the news all too often. Under the Georgia Boat Safety Act, “operating any boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis, sailboard or similar device while intoxicated” at over the legal limit of .08 BAC is a crime. If you have been injured because someone else irresponsibly consumed too much alcoholbefore boating, you are entitled to compensation for your harm.
• Negligent or reckless operation of a watercraft. Many accidents occur because the boat operator was going too fast, too close to other watercraft, or wasn’t paying attention to where they were going. In some of these cases, the boat operator simply didn’t know what he or she was doing. While it is understandable to make reasonable mistakes, it is unacceptable for a person to attempt to operate a boat or other watercraft when they lack the knowledge to do so safely.
• Overloading or improper loading. Some accidents occur because a boat was overloaded or improperly loaded. A boat that is overloaded is at risk of capsizing. Overloading or improperly loading a boat constitutes negligent operation in Georgia.
• Watercraft defects. Manufacturing or design defects sometimes cause watercraft to be dangerous to use. If you have been injured because of a defective product, you have a right to bring a products liability claim to attain compensation for your harm.
• Life vests were not worn. Failing to wear a life vest may not cause a boating accident, but it can make the consequences much worse. A government study recently found that operators wearing a life jacket were 80 percent less likely to die in the event of a boating accident.
For More Information, Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter
If you have been in a boating accident and would like to discuss your case, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, to schedule a free consultation at 833-LEGALGA today.
