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Boating Accident

Georgia is fortunate to have some of the best lakes and rivers in the Southeast, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for boating, swimming, tubing, fishing, and more. Lake Lanier, just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, is well-known and busy. It’s common to see speed boats, pontoons, and jet skis all sharing the water on a warm weekend afternoon. In addition, the Chattahoochee River draws people all year long for rafting, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking.

While boats and wave runners are fun, boat operators often times take risks they probably would never consider behind the wheel of a car, from driving too fast to drinking alcohol, to simply not paying attention to the dangers on the waterway. The legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers represents victims of boating accidents, working to help them obtain fair compensation for their injuries and property damage.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

According to the most recent data from the United States Coast Guard, more than 4,000 recreational boating accidents occurred in 2013, resulting in 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and approximately $39 million in property damage. Drowning is the most frequent cause of death in fatal boating accidents, while collisions with other boats, watercraft, or people can also cause catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis. The top five contributing factors in boating accidents are:

  1. Operator inattention
  2. Improper lookout
  3. Operator inexperience
  4. Excessive speed
  5. Machinery failure

While most people recognize the dangers associated with drinking and driving a car, boating is a recreational activity, and many people engage in behaviors they shouldn’t—like drinking and operating a boat—simply because they’re out to have a good time. Alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Boating Accidents & Injuries Caused by Defective Equipment

In some boating accidents, the boat operator’s behavior is not to blame, but rather defective watercraft design, manufacture or maintenance caused the accident. For example, there have been cases in which a poorly designed and defective fuel system caused a boat to catch on fire. When a manufacturer’s failure to produce equipment meeting recognized safety standards causes or contributes to an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for victims’ injuries and damages.

Contact Us If You’ve Been Injured in a Georgia Boating Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat or jet ski accident, please contact the Atlanta lawyers at KWF today to schedule a free initial consultation. We represent injury victims and the families hurt on Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier, Lake Acworth, the Chattahoochee River, and waterways across the State of Georgia. We want to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Please call (404) 460-0101 today.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was in a head-on collision last year that put me in a wheelchair with a fractured femur. I needed an attorney and my cousin recommended this firm because he had used Briant Mildenhall for his accident. I was glad I called Briant because he always did what he said he would do and kept me informed. We settled with the insurance company and I'm happy with the result. If someone I know needs an attorney, I will tell them to call Briant because he will get the job done. Michael G.
★★★★★
After a head–on collision I had extremely serious injuries to my back and neck, and some internal injuries. I was airlifted to the hospital and started a huge amount of medical expenses accumulating. I hired a lawyer recommended by a friend but I was not satisfied. My cousin told me about this firm so I talked to Briant Mildenhall about handling the case. I was at ease from the get–go. Briant kept me informed all the way through, was always reassuring and did everything he said he would do. He helped us get the money we needed to get the treatment we needed. Briant was fantastic! Ronda W. (Car Accident)
★★★★★
After my car accident, I was looking for an attorney and came across the name Katz Personal Injury Lawyers. My intuition told me to call. I called in and Briant Mildenhall talked to me. He was very clear and honest about my options. As the case went forward, Briant and the staff at the law office always answered my questions right away. I was very confident in Briant's legal ability. He kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommend Mr. Mildenhall and the firm to anyone who needs an attorney. Antonio J. (Car Accident)
★★★★★
I am 100% satisfied. I called Rob the day after the accident. Everything he said that would happen did, every step of the way. He went beyond what we needed him to do. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. Steve H.
★★★★★
Robert Katz isn't your average personal injury lawyer. He has specialized knowledge and experience that the others don't. Timothy W. (Trucking Accident)
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