Michigan's proximity to the Great Lakes creates many opportunities for both work and play on the water.
Whatever takes you out on the water, the risk of being involved in a boating accident is always present.
In 2019, there were
4,168
RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCIDENTS NATIONWIDE
STATISTICS
The owner and/or operator of the craft might be liable for damages if it can be shown that they acted negligently.
WHO IS LIABLE IN A BOATING ACCIDENT?
Owed the injured person a duty of care.Breached that duty of care by acting in a way that another reasonable boat operator would not have acted.Caused injuries to the person as a direct result of that breach of care.
A person is responsible for damages in a boating accident if it is found that they:
i
Operator inattention
CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS
1
2
Operator inexperience
3
Alcohol or drug use
Excessive speed
CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS
4
5
Improper lookout
6
Overloading
Equipment failure
CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS
4
5
Weather and water conditions
Alcohol is also a major contributor to accidents on the water and the top cause of fatal boating accidents.
i
A recreational boating accident must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard if:
RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCIDENTS
A person dies or is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid
1
RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCIDENTS
If damage to the boat or other property exceeds $2,000.
2
Or if the vessel is lost or a person disappears from the boat.
3
CONTACT ANATTORNEY
You will need an attorney who understands the unique laws that govern boating accident cases.
Rest assured that the attorneys at Sommers Schwartz are familiar with all of them.Contact Sommers Schwartz for a free consultation today.