Boating can be fun and exciting, but there is always a chance that an accident could occur, and sometimes these collisions result in death. If you’re asking yourself, “What is the cause of most fatal boating accidents?” the answer is typically operator negligence.
If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of a boating accident caused by negligence, you understand the immense pain of loss caused by another’s wrongful actions. Let The Joel Bieber Firm provide support during a trying time.
What Is the Cause of Most Fatal Boating Accidents?
Several causes of boating accidents result in fatalities. Many of these causes are specific types of negligence, including:
Operator Inattention or Distraction
All in all, if you’re asking, “What is the cause of most fatal boating accidents?” it’s typically distraction and inattention on the part of the operator.
Like driving, boating requires paying close attention. On the water, things can happen in a split second. A boat’s operator who is driving while distracted visually, manually, or cognitively can easily make a mistake that results in injuries and fatalities.
Operating the Boat While Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs are a big issue on the roads and the water. Being impaired by substances can negatively impact the operator’s ability to make sound decisions, and it can slow their reaction times. States typically have laws regarding alcohol use and boating.
Excessive Speed
Speeding might seem like fun on the water, but it can easily lead to fatal collisions. This is especially true because when a boat collides with another boat or fixed object while speeding, the force of the impact is much greater, increasing the chances of the operator or passenger fatalities occurring.
Improper Lookout
It’s always a good idea to designate another person on the boat to be a lookout because the boat operator may not be able to see everything. If the lookout fails to take their task seriously, it could mean a severe accident.
Lack of Operator Training and Experience
Boating requires special training and licensure. Even after obtaining a license, new boaters need to practice and gain experience before taking to the open water.
If a boat operator has too little experience or doesn’t even have a proper boating license, this could easily increase the likelihood of a fatal boat crash.
Mechanical Failure
Many people wonder, “What is the cause of most fatal boating accidents?” and only ever consider blaming whoever was operating the boat at the time. Sometimes, it’s the boat itself that’s the problem.
When a boat part or the boat itself is defective or malfunctioning, accidents are to be expected. The owner may be at fault for failing to maintain the boat properly, or the manufacturer could be responsible for producing defective parts.
Boating Accident Injuries that Contribute to Fatalities
If you’re wondering, “What is the cause of most fatal boating accidents?” and how victims pass away, it usually happens either one of two ways: on impact or after sustaining life-threatening injuries.
When a boat accident is severe enough, victims can pass away immediately after the accident if they are suffering substantial injury and trauma to one or more vital organs, like the brain or heart.
In many cases, victims sustain severe injuries but remain alive for some time after the accident. Either the injury itself is the cause of their death or a complication of their injuries.
Some of the common kinds of injuries that result from boating accidents include:
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
Additionally, because victims are out on the water, drowning or near drowning is a common cause of fatalities. A boat crash victim may drown right away, or if they are near drowning and saved, they could suffer brain damage that eventually results in death. Understand the differences between non-fatal and fatal drowning accident injuries. A drowning accident lawyer can help you in this case.
Claims for Boating Accident Fatalities
When a loved one passes away as a result of another party’s wrongdoing, the family of the victim may have a valid claim for wrongful death. A wrongful death claim allows a victim’s family to pursue justice and compensation for the loss of their loved one.
Every state has laws regarding wrongful death claims, who can bring forth the case, and who is allowed to benefit from the proceeds of the claim.
Generally, a victim’s immediate family members or those who were dependent on the victim may benefit from the lawsuit. Either the victim’s personal representative or a family member, like a spouse, parent, or child, may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death lawsuits can be challenging to handle alone. A wrongful death attorney can provide the guidance and assistance you need during a difficult time.
Damages for Fatal Boating Accidents
Damages in a wrongful death claim compensate the victim’s family for the monetary and non-monetary losses experienced as a result of the death. The type of damages and the total amount owed to you depend on the circumstances of your case.
Some of the wrongful death damages you may be able to pursue include the following:
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before the victim died
- Lost financial support and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
It’s difficult to imagine placing a monetary value on the life of a loved one. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about taking on that task. A wrongful death lawyer can determine how much your case is worth and fight diligently for compensation on your behalf.
After Losing a Loved One in a Boating Accident, Rely on a Wrongful Death Attorney
When you’re suffering from grief and feelings of loss, the last thing you want to do is engage in a legal battle. The Joel Bieber Firm is ready to handle your case so that you have one fewer detail to worry about. Meet our Baltimore personal injury lawyer and understand when is a written boating accident report required.
I hope you get the answer to your question what is the cause of most fatal boating accidents and how do they happen?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a qualified wrongful death lawyer.
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What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?