Ohio is home to over 2,500 lakes and 44,000 miles of rivers and streams, so it is no surprise that boating is a favorite recreational activity among locals. Many Ohio waterways are also busy with commercial vessels of all sizes, transporting freight and carrying passengers. Unfortunately, boating accidents do happen, and a relaxing day on the water can quickly turn into a tragic event. A Columbus boating accident lawyer from The Fitch Law Firm can help you seek compensation for injuries and damages.
Boating accidents present unique challenges that are not typically shared by accidents that occur on land. Since boats may be difficult to locate and may be far from shore, emergency personnel may need more time to assist. Victims, too, may have to face difficult choices, such as whether to remain in the damaged vessel or to dive into dangerous waters. A Columbus personal injury attorney with experience in these types of injury accidents can compile a winning case.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Watercraft, more than 132 boating accidents occurred throughout Ohio in 2015, resulting in 14 fatalities and 57 injuries.
Common Accidents our Columbus Boating Accident Lawyers Work With
People tend to underestimate the dangers of boats compared to motor vehicles. Boating accidents are typically caused by carelessness or negligence, thus resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. Among the most common causes of boating accidents are:
- Operator inexperience
- Operating inattention
- Operating the vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Operating the vessel at a high speed
- Overloading or overcrowding
- Boating in restricted areas
- Negligent actions of passengers of water skiers
- Unfavorable water or weather conditions
- Congested waters
- Colliding with other vessels
- Faulty safety equipment
- Defective boat repair or construction
Types of Boating Accidents
Among the most common types of boating accidents reported are:
- Collisions with another boat
- Collisions with the dock or an underwater obstacle
- Falls overboard
- Capsizing
- Sinking
- Flooding
- Fire
- Explosion
- Disappearance
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
(614) 545-3930
Common Injuries
Sadly, boating accidents can result in death by drowning, as well as other serious injuries. These include:
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Concussion
- Sprains and strains
- Loss of limb
- Shock
- Hypothermia
- Death
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Columbus
As the weather warms, boating becomes a favored recreational activity for many people all across the state. Unfortunately, failure to properly conform to safety standards while on the water can create serious harm in a matter of moments.
According to the United States Coast Guard, more than 3,000 boat accidents and over 500 fatalities take place annually. Common causes of injuries and damages include:
- Operator Inexperience: When boaters take to the water without adequate knowledge of navigation rules, admiralty law, and other basics of boating, it can be much more difficult to handle emergency situations when they arise.
- Operator Inattention: You should always be aware of your surroundings, environment, and other boaters or obstacles on the water.
- Excessive Speed: Higher speeds can diminish steering control and make it more difficult to react in time to unexpected obstacles and situations.
- Alcohol Use: Just like on land, where driving under the influence negatively affects your ability to navigate the roads, steering a boat while inebriated can prove dangerous and even deadly.
- Machinery Failure: Improper maintenance can prevent a boat from operating as it should, increasing the risk of losing control or encountering unexpected issues.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: In some cases, carbon monoxide can build up due to the boat’s venting or the boat idling and traveling at slow speeds.
Although Ohio boating laws are intended to protect against reckless operation and prevent accidents, many dangerous violations often take place. Any law enforcement entity, such as an officer from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Columbus Division of Police or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office can help enforce these boat operating laws, but the distance from land can pose challenges for authorities and take them longer to reach you in the case of an emergency.
If you get into a boat accident that results in more than $500 of property damage, injury, or fatality, then you are legally obligated to file a report with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This documentation may prove helpful later on while investigating your accident and helping discern who was at fault.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Legal Requirements of Boating
There are a number of laws, rules and parameters that regulate the Ohio boating industry, and are enforceable on all state waters—including private waterways. These include age restrictions and safety education requirements.
Only individuals 16 years old and above are allowed to operate a personal watercraft without supervision, provided that they have an education certificate. Children ages 12 to 15 may operate a personal watercraft if they have an education certificate and if they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Boaters born on or after January 1, 1982 must complete a proficiency exam or approved boating course before operating a vessel powered by more than 10 horsepower.
Compassionate boating accident lawyer ready to help
If you or a loved have been injured in a boat or any type of personal watercraft accident, call The Fitch Law Firm as soon as possible. Such life-altering injuries can lead victims and their families to suffer serious financial difficulties. We can comprehensively examine your case and help you seek compensation for the injuries you have sustained. You may also be entitled to collect a recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, property damage, and other losses and damages.
We are here to fight for you and help you get the justice you deserve. Call The Fitch Law Firm at 855-LAW-OHIO or fill out our online consultation form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Ohio boating accident attorney.
How The Fitch Law Firm Can Help
If you were severely injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligent conduct, a Columbus boating accident attorney can help you build your case and make strides towards justice and compensation,
At The Fitch Law Firm, our legal team can:
- Discuss your legal options with you
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident and the cause of any watercraft-related injuries
- Identify all liable parties
- Collect evidence
- Calculate the damages you suffered
- Manage communications with the at-fault boater or other responsible parties
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company
Boating accidents can produce serious, even life-altering injuries that may require extensive treatment. Fortunately, in Columbus, there are numerous medical centers whose high-quality care can help community members like you achieve recovery, including:
- OhioHealth Grant Medical Center
- Mount Carmel Health System
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
But we understand that long term treatment can be costly for the average person, and facing growing medical bills on top of lost income can feel daunting. At The Fitch Law Firm, our legal team can help injured victims pursue their claims and alleviate the financial burden that comes with getting adequate medical care by obtaining a fair and reasonable settlement on your claim. Our Columbus boating accident lawyers are ready to help you assert your rights.