6 Common Reasons For Boating Accidents During The Summer

Boating Accidents
|

Summer is the perfect time to hit the water and enjoy a day of boating with friends and family. However, knowing the common reasons for boating accidents during this season is essential. By understanding these risks, you can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe while on the water.

1. Operator Inexperience

Operant inexperience is one of the most common reasons for boating accidents during the summer. Many people take advantage of the warm weather to try their hand at boating but lack the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a boat safely. This can lead to collisions, running aground, or capsizing with other vessels. To avoid accidents caused by operator inexperience, ensure that whoever is operating the boat has received proper training and certification.

2. Speeding

Another common reason for boating accidents in the summer is speeding. Like on roads, speeding on waterways can lead to collisions and injuries. It's important to obey speed limits and be mindful of your surroundings while operating a boat. Always be aware of other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water to avoid potential accidents caused by excessive speed.

3. Alcohol Use

Alcohol use is a leading cause of boating accidents during the summer months. Drinking alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time – all essential skills for safe boating. If you plan on drinking while out on the water, designate a sober driver or consider hiring a professional captain to ensure everyone's safety.

4. Weather Conditions

Summer storms can quickly roll in and catch boaters off guard. Strong winds, lightning strikes, and rough waters pose serious risks for boaters. Before heading out on the water, always check weather forecasts and be prepared for changing conditions. If bad weather does roll in unexpectedly, seek shelter immediately or return to shore as quickly as possible.

5. Overloading

Overloading a boat with too many passengers or too much gear can affect its stability and increase the risk of capsizing or sinking. Know your boat's weight capacity and adhere to it at all times. Distribute weight evenly throughout the vessel and avoid overcrowding to maintain balance and stability while on the water.

Traverse City Boating Accidents

The experienced attorneys at Miller Embury PLLC are ready to discuss your options if you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident in Northern Michigan. Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in handling personal injury cases related to boating accidents and can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Don't let negligence or recklessness ruin your summer fun on the water – trust us to fight for your rights and hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us at (888) 224-1239 to get started. 

Share To:

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 888-224-1239 today!

  • If a dog bites me, do I have a claim against the dog's owner?
    Yes. Under Michigan law, a dog owner must pay the damages caused by their dog biting someone. This is true even if the dog never exhibited any vicious or violent tendencies prior to the biting incident. Normally, the dog owner's homeowner's insurance carrier will pay the injured person's damages.
  • If I am involved in a boating accident, can I bring a lawsuit against the negligent boat operator?
    Yes. Boating accidents are more common than one might think, especially in Northern Michigan. Much like car accidents, an injured party is entitled to bring a lawsuit against a negligent boat operator. The same is also true if you are a passenger in a boat. You can bring a lawsuit against the boat operator if you are injured as a passenger. Like all personal injury actions, there are specific time limitations that could bar your claim. If you are involved in a boating accident and have sustained an injury, you should contact our firm immediately.
  • If I'm injured at work, what insurance benefits are provided by workers' compensation?
    If you are injured at work, the law requires your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier to provide you with the following insurance benefits: 
    -The insurance company must pay all of your medical bills.
    -The insurance company must pay your wage loss if you cannot return to work. 
    -The insurance company must reimburse you for the miles you drive to and from your doctors' appointment.
    -The insurance company must pay to retrain you for a different job in the event you are injured so severely that you can never return to your job.
  • If I slip and fall on someone's property or within a store, can I recover damages for injuries I suffered?
    Yes, but only if the landowner was somehow negligent. Unlike auto cases where insurance benefits are provided regardless of fault, in premises liability cases, you must prove negligence to recover damages suffered in a slip-and-fall accident.
  • If I'm in a car accident, can I sue the at-fault driver for my vehicle damage?
    No, except for recovering up to $3000. Generally you cannot recover more than $3000 from the at-fault driver for your vehicle damage. This $3000 recovery is called a "mini-tort." In other words, even if the other driver is negligent and is 100% at fault for causing the crash, you can usually only recover $3000 for vehicle damage. This is why it is so important to purchase collision coverage for your vehicle through your own auto insurance company. If you have purchased collision coverage, your own auto insurance company will pay to repair the vehicle damage.
  • How long after an auto accident do I have to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver?
    Generally, you must file a claim against the at-fault driver within three years after the accident. However, there are exceptions and variations to this rule. You should contact our attorneys as soon as possible after an accident to discuss the issue.
  • If I am injured in a car accident, may I file a claim against the driver who caused the collision even though I have "no-fault"
    Yes. Michigan law permits an injured party to file a claim against a negligent driver. This type of claim is often referred to as a "third-party lawsuit." Under Michigan law, an injured party is entitled to bring a third-party lawsuit for non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering) if the injured person has suffered either: a serious injury, a serious and permanent disfigurement, or death. Additionally, in a third-party case you must prove that someone other than yourself was at-fault for causing the accident.
  • If I am injured in a car accident, and I am at fault for causing the accident, am I still entitled to receive insurance benefits
    Yes. Michigan is a "no-fault" auto insurance state. This means you receive insurance benefits even if you were at fault for causing the accident.
  • If I am injured in a car accident and don't have health insurance, will my car insurance company pay my medical bills?

    What about other things such as lost wages if I am unable to work?

    Most likely, yes.  Most auto insurance policies sold in Michigan provide “personal protection insurance” (PIP) benefits.  Under this PIP coverage, your car insurer must pay all of your accident-related medical bills up to the coverage limit amount.  Your auto insurer must also pay your wage loss if you cannot return to work.  It must pay up to $20 a day for someone to do your household chores if you are injured and cannot do them.  It must also pay “attendant care” benefits if you need supervision or nursing-type care because of your injuries.  After the 2019 amendments to the no-fault law, some drivers are allowed to opt out of purchasing PIP coverage.  However, most policies sold in the state still provide at least some PIP coverage.

  • If I am involved in a car accident, do I need to speak with an attorney?
    Yes. To begin, most attorneys will provide you with a free consultation, so it won't cost you anything to discuss your case. There are three reasons why you should speak to an attorney after an auto accident.