Boat Accident Attorney in Athens

Boating on Lake Oconee, Lake Lanier, or any of the picturesque lakes near Athens is one of Georgia’s most relaxing and refreshing activities. Unfortunately, not everyone is responsible on a boat. When another boater is negligent, it can cause an accident that injures you.

If you’ve been hurt in a boating accident in Athens, you need a lawyer who understands not only personal injury law but Georgia boating law. Boating laws and regulations determine who should yield when two boats are approaching each other, what actions are unsafe and illegal, and who can operate a boat in Georgia. Violating these rules can constitute negligence and make a boater liable in an accident.

Alan Cleveland, LLC is an Athens boat accident lawyer with decades of local experience. Our familiarity with local judges and long history of successful top-dollar negotiations with insurance companies make us an ideal choice for legal representation in your personal injury claim. We offer a free consultation so you can tell us about your case, and we collect no fees unless you win. If you need a boat accident lawyer in Athens, Georgia, contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC today.

What Are Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Athens?

Boaters improperly operating their vessels is a common cause of boating accidents in Athens. Improper boat operation includes any behavior that endangers passengers or other boaters. The Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws and Responsibilities gives several examples of reckless and illegal operation of a boat, such as:

• Failing to maintain proper distance or control the boat’s speed
• Jumping another boat’s wake
• Pulling water skiers too close to another boat
• Letting passengers sit on the bow with no rail to protect them
• Operating the boat under the influence of alcohol
• Overloading the boat above the recommended capacity
• Failing to pay attention and watch for obstacles or hazards

What Types of Injuries Happen in Athens Boating Accidents?

Typical injuries from a boating accident include:

• Drowning, especially when a boat capsizes
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries, often due to collisions with objects or other boats
• Whiplash, caused by a sudden impact that jerks the head back and forth
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue damage

Any injury that can happen in a car crash can happen in a boating accident, along with the added risk of drowning. People often think of boating as an escape from everyday responsibilities. Still, a boat can be just as dangerous as a car – especially if it’s moving quickly or operated by a drunk person. Contact our Athens boat accident attorney today.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Athens Boating Accident?

Liability in a boating accident depends on the circumstances. The boat operator is often responsible for the accident, but other parties may also be at fault.

If a minor was operating the boat, the adult responsible for that minor may be liable for the accident. The boat owner may also be responsible if the accident occurred because of inadequate maintenance. If the accident happened because of a defective part, the manufacturer may be liable.

Your personal injury attorney will assess liability for you once they know all the circumstances of your case. Our Athens boat accident lawyer can help.

Does Georgia Have Boating Laws?

Georgia has many boating laws to protect boaters and others. Violating any of these rules could be considered negligence, making the boater liable for any resulting accident.

The Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws and Responsibilities lists several Georgia laws and regulations boaters must observe, including:

• Rules about which vessel should maintain its speed and course and which vessel must give way to avoid an accident
• Rules governing navigation at night
• Laws requiring boat registration
• Laws specifying who may operate a boat based on age, the length of the vessel, and the presence of a competent adult
• Laws specifying that a person operating a boat may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Laws requiring a mandatory boater education course for anyone seeking to operate a motorized vessel in Georgia
• Laws requiring boats to carry life jackets for every person on board
• Laws requiring proper lights on every boat

Can I Receive Compensation for an Athens Boating Accident Lawsuit?

You can pursue compensation for injuries caused by another person’s negligence, including after a boating accident. These damages can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost future income
• Pain and suffering

An Athens boat accident attorney can analyze your losses and determine how much the at-fault party may owe you in compensation.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Boating Accident Claim?

Under state law, the statute of limitations in a Georgia personal injury case is two years from the date of the injury. There are exceptions that can extend the statute of limitations, such as being a minor or not discovering the injury right away. However, most cases must meet the two-year deadline. Make sure you contact a boating accident lawyer immediately to give them enough time to prepare your case.

Contact an Athens, GA Boating Accident Lawyer

The first thing you should do after a boating accident is make sure everyone is okay. The Georgia boating handbook notes that the law requires every boater to assist others after an accident unless it would endanger them to do so. Help everyone else at the scene if you can, seek medical care for your injuries, and then contact a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases and boating accidents.

If you were injured while boating in Athens, Georgia, you need a boat accident lawyer from R. Alan Cleveland, LLC. Come and see us for a free consultation about your case. We won’t charge you anything unless we collect compensation for your injuries.