Champaign County Boating Accidents Lawyer
A day on the lake in your boat might sound like a ton of fun in the summer. However, it’s not always safe. You might think that boats don’t crash often because of the expanse of water; it’s not like driving a vehicle on the freeway, where you have to stay in your own lane. While boating accidents don’t happen as often as car crashes, they do occur from time and time and can cause catastrophic injuries and even death.
In these situations, you might wonder what to do. You have medical bills and have missed work. Who can you call? A Champaign County boating accidents lawyer from Patel Law, PC can help you obtain compensation for the damages you suffered in a boat crash.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Just like auto accidents, boating crashes can happen in a number of ways, including the following:
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Inexperienced boat operators. When a person does not know how to drive a boat properly, they can crash or cause the boat to break down.
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Intoxication. Drinking and driving can be an issue even on a lake or river. Many people like to party when on a boat, and this often means drinking alcohol. Too much alcohol can affect judgment and reaction times. More than one-third of boating accidents involve alcohol.
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Falling overboard. A drunk boater or reckless driving can cause a person to go overboard. If the person is not wearing a life jacket, they can easily drown.
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Not wearing proper safety gear. The most important thing you can do while boating is wear a life jacket. Even if you can swim, a river or ocean may have a current and easily sweep you away, making it hard to gain control in the water. Always have a life jacket handy, especially when conditions get rough.
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Distracted or reckless boating. Just like the driver of a car, a boater can get distracted and not pay attention to where they are going, causing the boat to get stuck or crash. Reckless behavior, such as speeding and racing, can also lead to serious accidents, especially at night when other boats can be difficult to see.
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Equipment malfunction or failure. A mechanical failure can cause your boat to get stuck in the middle of a lake. Battery issues are common. An issue with your boat’s lighting can make you virtually invisible at night, making accidents more likely to occur.
Contact Patel Law, PC Today
Boating can be a fun activity on the water, but it can also be dangerous if the operator lacks experience or is acting recklessly. An accident could lead to serious injuries and even death.
If you have been a victim of a boat crash, you need to understand your legal rights. Who is liable? A Champaign County boating accidents lawyer from Patel Law, PC can help you with your case. Get the aggressive representation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with our office, call (217) 384-1111 or fill out the online form.
