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Boating and water sports are popular activities in Georgia, with thousands of residents and visitors taking advantage of picturesque lakes, rambling rivers, and enchanting coastlines throughout the year. Unfortunately, boat accidents happen far too often on our scenic waterways.
An accident on the water can turn dangerous quickly. When you or a loved one suffers serious personal injuries in a boat accident, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit and get the financial compensation you deserve.
Boating accidents are often the result of someone else’s negligence. From watercraft defects to inattentive boat operators, boating accidents can be caused by a number of different factors. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, contact the team at Cobb Personal Injury today. We know Georgia boating laws, and we fight to ensure the very best outcome for your case.
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Boating Laws in Georgia
Boating laws are in place to help reduce injury risks and protect individuals on public waterways.
In Georgia, “boats and watercraft” refers to all types of vessels propelled by water. This includes speedboats, canoes, kayaks, catamarans, seaplanes, sailboats, duck boats, fishing boats, and houseboats.
Important Georgia Boating Laws
- Boats must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and display a Georgia Certificate of Boat Registration and Validation. The only exceptions to this rule are canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and other vessels that use paddles, poles, oars, or wind power, sailboats under 12 feet in length, and personal watercraft exclusively used on private waterways.
- Owners are required to properly inspect and maintain their boats, as well as store the correct safety equipment. This includes personal flotation devices appropriately sized for all passengers.
- Anyone who rents a boat or personal watercraft is required to watch a brief safety training video. To obtain a boating license, boaters must complete a DNR safety education course.
- It's illegal for boat operators over the age of 21 to operate a boat with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.08%. Boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol can lead to jail time, accidental injuries, and death.
Getting Results for Our Clients for Over 5 Years!
"Cobb Personal Injury Got Me $200,000 for My Boat Accident Claim!"
I've got nothing but the best to say of the attorneys at Cobb Personal Injury. I contacted Cobb Personal Injury after a car accident I was involved in, and the attorneys at his firm have made the process 100% painless. They scheduled for me to see a chiropractor close to him, and even had a rental car waiting for me after dropping my car off at the body shop. I couldn't recommend them strongly enough!
Carlos Perez
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Common Boating Accidents
When boating accidents occur due to an owner or operator’s negligence, you can file a legal claim against those at fault and pursue monetary compensation for any damages and injuries you incur.
Slips and Falls
Due to the wet nature of boating activities, slips and falls are common boat accidents. Falls caused by slippery floors and surfaces can result in serious physical injuries, and even small cuts or scrapes can become infected depending on the cleanliness of the water and surroundings. If your fall could have been prevented with safety equipment like handrails, grip tape, or clearly marked warnings, you may have a personal injury case.
Jet Ski and Tubing Accidents
Jet ski and tubing injuries commonly occur when riders are exposed to passing boaters and unsafe wake conditions. Other common personal watercraft accidents are caused by negligent rental companies who fail to properly maintain equipment or educate renters.
Party Boat Accidents
Party boats and cruise boats are subject to regulatory inspections and yearly certifications to operate safely on Georgia waterways. Accidents may be caused by unsafe operating conditions, improper crew training, excessive speeds, or an intoxicated boat operator. In case of accident or injury, owners, operators, or crew members may be proven negligent and liable for your injuries.
Wrongful Death
Near-drowning accidents and drowning deaths happen all too easily on Georgia waters. If your loved one passed away due to boat accident injuries or drowning, it may be possible to establish liability and recover damages for lost income, loss of affection, and emotional distress. Our compassionate lawyers are available to discuss your case and help determine the best option for your case.
Liability for Boating Accidents in Georgia
Boat owners, operators, and renters are subject to a variety of laws. Our attorneys work around the clock to determine who is most liable for your injuries. Let us negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and get a bigger settlement.
Boat Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one been injured in a boat accident on Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Lake Sinclair, or one of the many waterways in our state?
Filing a Georgia boating accident lawsuit allows you to sue for financial and non-financial damages in court. You can recover medical experiences you have incurred or will incur, as well as lost wages from past and future employment, plus any loss of potential earning capacity. You can also request payment for pain and suffering, nursing care, and property damage caused by the accident.
Compensation for Boat Accident Injuries
Boating-related accidents are all too common, and even experienced boaters may find themselves involved in a serious waterway accident. That’s why the Cobb Personal Injury team fights aggressively to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal injury lawyers determine if your right to bring a claim or suit has not yet lapsed; they evaluate circumstances such as your age, income and how the injury has impaired your capacity to earn or work; they gather medical evidence and arrange for medical or other experts to testify when necessary; they formulate a theory of the case for when you bring a lawsuit; and they can represent you in settlement negotiations.
An offer of settlement is usually made to avoid litigation because the cost of litigation will always be higher if a case proceeds to trial. When deciding to accept an offer, note that you will have to pay your lawyer’s fees from the settlement. Remember also that an offer may be sufficient to cover your past and present medical treatment but may not be sufficient for future treatment and for future lost income.
Generally, you can claim damages to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses arising from litigation or treatment, and loss arising from pain and suffering. However, a court may award special damages in cases where the injury caused will require present and future medical treatment or care. A specific amount must be calculated and proved for special damages to be awarded.
