Attorney Mark Cantor was featured on News 11 to talk about boating safety tips individuals can do to prevent accidents when out on a lake. Boating accidents, regardless of the cause, can result in serious injury or even death.
Mark Cantor described common factors that lead to boating accidents, and measures people can take to avoid putting the health and lives of others at risk.
The Most Common Ways People Can Be Injured On A Boat Include:
Alcohol Impairment
People having fun during the weekend might partake in a few drinks. However, they need to be aware of the risks associated with boating while drinking. If the operator is intoxicated, they might not be able to safely control the vessel. This type of behavior is also illegal. Passengers must also be cautious if they have a few alcoholic beverages. If someone is impaired and a wave crashes into the boat while they are standing up, they could fall and hurt themselves.
Poor Visibility
When the waves get rough, it becomes difficult for the operator to see what’s going on around them, which could result in collisions with hazards on the lake. Additionally, the waves themselves could slam into the boat and knock a passenger into the water, which could lead to drowning.
Lack Of Proper Equipment
The captain of the boat is responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers, which means having necessary lifesaving gear, such as life jackets, onboard. Because of potential boating dangers, the operator must exercise a high degree of care. Breaching this duty is called negligence, and the captain could be liable for injuries others suffer on the boat.
Improper Lookout
One of the biggest boating safety tips is awareness. It’s important for people to be aware of their surroundings and potential hazards while on a boat. This is especially important during holiday weekends when water traffic is high. Also, if boating at night, people need to have their lights on and know what the different color lights mean: White lights are on the back of the vessel; red and green lights are on the front. Knowing this allows the operator to see which direction other boats are traveling and determine how to yield the right-of-way.
Contact Cantor Injury Law for a Free Case Evaluation
If a boat operator failed to adhere to their duty of care, and their negligence caused an accident that you or a loved one was injured in, contact our attorneys today. We will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options with you. Our team will be dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing justice, and we will fight to recover fair compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain/suffering, and/or other damages resulting from the accident. We have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for past clients, and we are ready to seek a favorable result on your behalf.