Operating a personal watercraft like a boat or jet ski requires specific skills and knowledge of maritime rules. Without those things, boat operators can put themselves, their passengers, and others in the water at risk of suffering from severe injuries and even death. Below, we’ll explore some of the primary contributing factors that lead to fatal boating accidents, as well as some kinds of boating accidents that can lead to death.
If your family member has died as a result of a boating accident, the Houston boat accident attorneys are prepared to help. We can help hold the person responsible for your loved one’s accident accountable for their actions in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Call us at (713) 622-7271 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our law firm regarding your potential case.
What Are Common Causes of Boating Accidents?
Many different factors contribute to boating accidents, but some of those factors are more likely to cause a boating accident than others. According to a report by the United States Coast Guard, some of the most common causes of recreational boating accidents were the result of excessive speed, operator inattention, operator inexperience, and mechanical failure.
Excessive Speed
Many boat accidents occur as a result of speeding. Much like on the road, speeding on the water increases the risk of collisions, decreases the operator’s reaction time, and makes maneuvering around obstacles more difficult. Boaters and jet ski operators should always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust their speed according to the water traffic and environmental conditions to ensure safety and avoid fatal accidents.
Inexperienced Operators
Another common cause of boating accidents is operator inexperience. An inexperienced boat operator may not have the proper safety training, understanding of navigation rules, or experience with boat handling, which can lead to serious errors in judgment.
Additionally, inexperienced boat operators or inexperienced lookouts may not be able to spot hazards like swimmers or other boats. Improper lookout can put everyone on and around the boat at risk for serious injury or even death.
Driving Under the Influence
Just like with other motor vehicle accidents, alcohol use can lead to boating accidents. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination – all essential for safe boating. It increases the likelihood of accidents, such as collisions with other vessels or personal injuries on board.
Alcohol was the primary contributing factor to boating deaths in 2022, according to the Coast Guard. Boaters must understand the risks and avoid consuming substances that impair their ability to operate their vessel safely, especially on popular lakes like Lake Conroe.
Part Defects or Failures
Some boating accident cases stem from mechanical issues such as part defects or equipment failure. Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of any vessel. Failure of critical components like the engine, steering, or navigation systems can lead to dangerous situations on the water.
Additionally, a lack of safety equipment like life jackets or life preservers can make it easier for passengers to drown. Not having enough safety equipment for everyone on board can be a serious and even fatal mistake. The stakes are even higher for boats with a higher capacity or a need for specialized equipment, like dive boats.
Dangerous Weather Conditions
Weather plays a pivotal role in maritime safety. Conditions can change rapidly on the water, and dangerous weather like high winds, heavy rain, or lightning can easily lead to boat crashes and serious injuries.
Boaters should always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared to return to shore or seek shelter if conditions deteriorate or they find themselves in hazardous waters.
What Are the Main Causes of Boating Accident Fatalities in 2023?
For the past few years, the most common cause of fatal boating accidents has been alcohol use. According to the United States Coast Guard, 88 deaths occurred as a result of drunk boating in 2022, which was 16% of all 2022 boating accident fatalities. In the same report, they found that the leading cause of boating deaths was drowning, with 75% of all known boating fatalities that year resulting from drowning.
While these are the main causes of fatalities, several different kinds of boating accidents can cause serious personal injuries and wrongful death. Below are some of the most common types of boating accidents, many of which can lead to drowning.
Falling Overboard
Many drowning victims die as a result of falling overboard. This can happen if the boat moves quickly or unexpectedly, if the boat does not have proper safety precautions, or if passengers lose their balance. Falling overboard while on a larger boat like a cruise ship can be especially dangerous.
The risk of death can also increase significantly if someone is not wearing a life jacket. Additionally, immersion in cold water can lead to hypothermia, impairing a person’s ability to swim or float, making rescue efforts challenging.
Collisions
Collisions, whether with other vessels like jet skis or with stationary objects like docks, are a major contributor to fatal boating accidents. Crashing into another boat or a fixed object can result in severe injuries, like spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to serious disability and even death.
Boating accidents like these can also throw passengers into the water, which can lead to drowning if passengers are not wearing life jackets. Adhering to navigation rules and maintaining a proper lookout can effectively prevent these tragic incidents from happening.
Capsizing
Another one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents is boat capsizing. Factors like overloading the boat, improper weight distribution, and navigating in rough conditions can cause a boat to take on water and sink. Once capsized, the risk of drowning increases, particularly if individuals are trapped beneath the boat or are not wearing life jackets.
Flooding
Some fatal boating accidents occur as a result of the boat flooding. Boats can flood due to a hull breach, rough waters, or machinery failure. Flooding can also happen very quickly, leaving passengers very little time to take action.
If passengers and operators are not prepared, they may be unable to stop the flood or evacuate the vessel in time. Regular maintenance and having emergency equipment on board can aid in reducing these risks.
Failing to Wear Safety Jackets
While this may not come as any surprise, most boating deaths can be prevented by wearing life jackets. Life jackets are essential for keeping an individual afloat and increasing the chances of survival, especially in cases of sudden immersion or when an individual is incapacitated. Despite awareness campaigns, many boating accidents become fatal accidents just because victims were not wearing safety jackets.
Contact the Attorneys at Reich & Binstock After Fatal Boating Accidents
If you have been injured in a boat accident, or your loved one has passed away as a result of a boat crash, you may be able to pursue damages. The personal injury experts at Reich & Binstock can help you seek compensation from the person responsible for things like medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and more.
Call us at (713) 622-7271 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a legal professional on our team.
