Boating Accidents

Boat Accident Statistics

Every year, the U.S. Coast Guard compiles statistics on boating accidents. In 2021 the top five primary boating accident types were:

1. Collision with recreational vessel
2. Collision with a fixed object
3. Flooding/swamping
4. Grounding
5. Falls overboard

uscgboating.org

Each of these five types of accidents can cause serious injury or death. Because boating occurs on the water, it is obvious the leading cause of death in boating accidents is drowning. The remaining four most common causes of death are: trauma, cardiac arrest, hypothermia, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

These statistics can be scary, but the truth is, most boat accidents are preventable and the top three contributing factors to these accidents are operator inattention, operator inexperience, and improper lookout.
The most important consideration when boating is to be safe while having fun. Unfortunately, we cannot control other’s actions regardless of how careful we are. In 2022, at Lake Pleasant alone, there were 10 deaths.

These statistics are not meant to scare anyone away from boating, but it is important to know what to do if you are involved in a boating accident due to the operator’s or another person’s negligence.

Where does the Compensation Come From?

When boating, people are often with people they know and love. The most common accidents happen to passengers on a boat due to an operator’s negligence. This means the injured person typically has a close personal relationship with the operator.

Many people are worried if they contact an attorney and make an injury claim, their friend or family member will suffer the consequences. However, as long as the boat is insured, the policy is first in line to cover the claim. The operator is not financially responsible so long as there is adequate insurance coverage.

While our attorney’s make recommendations on when to seek compensation beyond the insurance policy limits (which is very rare), it is ultimately our client’s decision. That is why people carry insurance, to cover losses owed to another after an act of negligence.