Injured on the Water? Call a Michigan Boat Accident Attorney

The Dangers of Boating and Watersports on Michigan’s Lakes and Rivers

With summer in full swing more people are out on their boats, jet skiing, tubing, paddleboarding, or taking leisure rides on a pontoon boat. But this fun can come with a risk. Each year injuries and sometimes even fatalities occur due to preventable boating and water sports accidents. Whether you’re the one driving, the one being the passenger, or the one being pulled behind the boat, understanding how to stay safe can make all the difference. This blog will outline the essential steps in staying safe and what to do if something does happen.

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Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Some of the most common ways that accidents occur while boating are:

• Operator inattention– if you are driving the boat, it is important to always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Excessive speed– similarly to in a car, the faster you drive the boat the easier it is to get in an accident and the harder it is to control.
• Alcohol use- do not drink and drive a boat. It impairs judgment and reaction time, thus putting you and others at risk.
• Inadequate lookout– it is important to always have someone else on the boat looking out for potential hazards, like other boaters.
• Equipment failure– make sure to maintain your boat and fix problems when they occur.

Make sure to take the necessary precautions in order to keep yourself and others safe.

Common Types of Injuries From Boating Accidents

Most people who have ever participated in a water sport know that it can take quite the toll on your body. You may have gone tubing and come back with some scrapes and bruises. But more serious injuries can also occur. It’s good to know what these are and then figure out how to best protect against them. Some of the most common types of injuries from water sports and boating accidents include:

• Concussions
• Shoulder dislocations
• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Lacerations or deep cuts
• Whiplash
• Amputation Injuries
• Internal Injuries

In order to prevent these types of injuries, you should comply with all boating rules and try to avoid the common causes of boating accidents listed above. It’s also important to remember to wear the proper safety equipment when participating in water sports, like life jackets or helmets.

Required Boating Safety Equipment

To stay safe on the water, it’s good to know not only which safety equipment is required, but what other laws are regulating your time out on the water.

• You must register your boat before heading out on the water.
• If you are born after July 1, 1996 and intend to operate a boat with a motor totaling more than 6 horsepower, then you must be issued a boating safety certificate.
  • If you are born before this date you can drive a boat legally without restriction.
  • If you are less than 12 years of age you can operate a boat less than 6 hp, more than 6 hp but less than 35 hp with a guardian and a boating safety certificate, and may not operate a boat more than 35 hp.
• You cannot drink and drive a boat at the same time as if you are driving a car.

Some of the required safety equipment in Michigan is as follows:

• Personal flotation devices: You must have one for each person on board and if someone under 6 is on board they must have their lifejacket on at all times.
• Navigation Lights: If you are driving during sunset, sunrise, or reduced visibility you need to have lights.
• Fire extinguishers: It should be placed in an accessible area and used in case of an onboard fire.
• Sound producing device: This is something like an airhorn, whistle, or the horn on the boat. 
• Visual Distress Signals: You need signals for both day and night.

Injured on the Water

Even if you are following all of the safety rules and requirements, you still might find yourself injured while on a boat or participating in watersports. If you do get injured on the water it’s important to first assess your injuries and get yourself to safety.

• You should immediately get medical attention even for injuries that may seem minor in order to ensure you’re ok.
• Document the incident with photos or contact information of any witnesses.
• File a report by calling the police or the marine enforcement agency.

Depending on how your injury happened, it may be possible for you to sue to get money for any medical bills or damages that may have occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence. It’s important to do the above things not only to take care of yourself, but also to ensure you have evidence to start building your case.

Who Might be Liable?

As discussed, there are rules and laws around boating that help people stay safe. If one of these is violated and this violation results in harm to you or a loved one, you may be able to sue the person or people who violated these rules.

1. Negligent operator: This would be someone who was breaking one of the rules/laws outlined above. For example, if someone was drinking while driving, going the incorrect way on a lake, or knowingly didn’t have enough life jackets for everyone and these actions resulted in injury, then they might be liable for those injuries.
2. Boat Owner: If the boat owner is not taking care of their boat or doesn’t have the correct safety equipment on board they could be liable. Also, if they entrust the boat to an operator they know should not be driving the boat and an accident happens they can be liable. 
3. Rental Company: Similar to a boat owner, if the rental company is not properly maintaining the boat or fails to provide the proper safety equipment and someone gets hurt because of this negligence then they can be found liable.
4. Other Passengers: If another passenger on the boat acted recklessly and others were injured, they could be held liable.

Stay Safe This Summer

If you do find yourself participating in any water sports or boating activities, remember to stay safe and follow the laws on the water. If you do happen to get hurt remember to first take care of yourself, but if you suspect your injuries came from someone’s negligence, don’t hesitate to call an experienced boating accident attorney. 

Call Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys Today!

Our experienced boat accident attorneys at Giroux Pappas understand all the complexities of boating accident lawsuits. We’ll collect the evidence, figure out liability, and fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.

Call today for your free consultation. 248-531-8665