Common Causes of Boating Accidents

As recently as 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,515 recreational boating accidents nationwide, leading to 3,000 injuries and 651 deaths.

Many factors can contribute to boating accidents. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• Careless or reckless operation. Since many people regard recreational boating as a leisure activity, they often do not make safe operating practices a priority. As a result, they drive recklessly or inattentively. In reality, a boat, much like a car or truck, can cause horrific accidents.  Safely operating a boat requires knowledge of the rules and the constant vigilance of the operator.
• No proper lookout or spotter. A lookout acts as a second set of eyes for boat operators, helping to spot potential hazards. Without a lookout, a moment of operator inattention can have disastrous consequences.
• Operator inexperience. Many new boat operators mistakenly believe they can learn on the water. However, anyone planning to operate a boat should first become familiar with many topics that are typically covered in boating safety courses, such as navigation rules, knot tying, trailering and how to handle a weather-related emergency.
• Passenger recklessness. Boat passengers sometimes jump off the boat while at speed, climb where they should not or try to load too many people onto the vessel. All of these behaviors can cause serious boating accidents and injuries.
• Weather conditions. Various weather conditions, especially high winds and rough waters, can cause accidents for even the most experienced boat operator. Make sure you check weather reports before making the decision to take a watercraft onto the water.

Contact Leviness, Tolzman & Hamilton:  Experienced Maryland Boating Accident Lawyers

If you have recently been involved in a boating accident caused by another operator’s negligence or carelessness, you may need to take legal action. Contact the Baltimore boating accident attorneys at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. today to begin seeking compensation. Call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.