It is estimated that recreational and commercial boating has nearly tripled over the last decade, with over 14 million boats and personal watercraft currently registered in the United States today. The number of boats has increased by over 2 million since the late 1980’s, crowding the limited space of our country’s rivers, lakes, and waterways. This level of growth in boat use has inevitably led to an increase in related boating accidents. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are currently over 8,600 boat crashes each year, and these accidents leave over 900 people dead and almost 4,500 seriously injured. 

Typically, powerboats such as speed boats, cabin cruisers and jet skis are the most common types of watercraft to be involved in boating accidents, although sailboats can also be involved in accidents. The most frequent sources of injuries seem to be caused by propeller accidents and collisions. Also, because personal watercraft such as jet skis can’t be steered when the throttle is released, inexperienced drivers often have collisions when confronted with an emergency situation. 

The most common causes of boating accidents include: 

• Capsizing 

• Sinking or flooding 

• Falls overboard

• Collisions 

• Fire 

• Explosions 

• Disappearance 

• Bad weather conditions

Serious personal injury and even death can occur due to a boating accident, as well as from a person falling over the side of a boat and drowning. 

Even if injuries from the boating accident appear minor it is advised to seek medical evaluation. Often times an injury from a boating accident may be underestimated and the boating accident injury can later cause continued pain, further injuries, and essentially more financial burdens. A boating accident attorney can seek damages appropriate to the injuries sustained, and in the event that further medical treatment will be needed for the boating accident injuries compensation can reflect that. 

The attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC are experienced in boat accident litigation and can help you pursue fair compensation in cases involving: 

• Drunk boaters – boating under the influence of alcohol 

• Water skiing accidents 

• Jet ski accidents 

• Recklessness of other boaters

• Overcrowding conditions 

• Failure to provide personal floatation devices 

• Speeding 

• Any other violations of state boating laws