With Georgia’s 10,000+ miles of shoreline—plus Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, and coastal inlets—boating is a beloved pastime. But a day on the water can quickly become dangerous: collisions, propeller strikes, falls overboard, or carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to catastrophic injuries. If you’re hurt in a boating accident, it’s critical to know your rights, preserve evidence, and take prompt action to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Boating Accidents Happen
- Operator Negligence: Inattention, speeding, or ignoring navigation rules.
- Alcohol & Drug Impairment: Georgia law prohibits operating a vessel with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08%.
- Equipment Failures: Fuel leaks, steering malfunctions, or faulty kill switches on personal watercraft.
- Inadequate Training: First-time boaters unfamiliar with docking, wake zones, or changing weather.
- Weather & Visibility: Sudden storms or fog can disorient operators and obscure hazards.
Potential Injuries on the Water
- Propeller Lacerations: Deep cuts requiring surgery when swimmers or skiers fall too close.
- Head & Spinal Trauma: Collisions or falls that cause concussions, paralysis, or brain injury.
- Drowning & Near-Drowning Injuries: Oxygen deprivation leading to neurological damage.
- Fractures & Dislocations: High-speed impacts with water or craft structures.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Gas fumes trapped under swim platforms or near exhaust outlets.
Who Could Be Liable?
- Boat Operator: If intoxicated, distracted, or reckless, they face negligence claims.
- Boat Owner: Owners who fail to train operators or maintain safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguishers) share liability.
- Manufacturer or Dealer: Defective hulls, steering systems, or kill-switches can trigger product-liability suits.
- Marina or Dock Owner: Unsafe docks, hidden pilings, or lack of proper lighting may constitute premises liability.
- Rental Companies: When renting vessels, companies must confirm operators’ licensing and the craft’s seaworthiness.
Immediate Steps After a Boating Accident
- Get to Safety & Call for Help: Use whistle, VHF radio, or cell to summon Coast Guard or 911 if near shore.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you “feel fine,” internal injuries or spinal trauma can worsen rapidly.
- Report the Accident: Georgia law requires reporting any boating injury or fatality to the Department of Natural Resources within 48 hours.
- Document the Scene: Photograph the boat, your injuries, weather conditions, and any visible equipment failures.
- Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, boat registration numbers, and witness statements.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep life jacket, clothing, and any damaged equipment—do not discard or repair.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Boating-accident claims involve maritime and state laws; early legal advice protects your rights.
Types of Compensation Available
- Medical Bills: ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, braces).
- Lost Wages: Time off work and future earning capacity losses if injuries are permanent.
- Pain & Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety from traumatic near-drowning.
- Wrongful Death Benefits: If a loved one perishes, surviving family members can seek funeral costs, lost support, and loss of companionship.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to appointments, home modifications, in-home care.
How Gunn Law Group Can Help
Boating-accident cases often involve complicated investigations—accident reconstruction experts, coast-guard reports, and product-safety specialists. At Gunn Law Group, we:
- Conduct Thorough Investigations: We partner with marine-accident investigators to determine root causes.
- Handle Complex Liability Issues: From operator negligence to manufacturer defects, we identify every at-fault party.
- Negotiate & Litigate Aggressively: We pursue maximum compensation through settlement or trial if necessary.
- Guide You Every Step: You’ll understand your legal options without confusing jargon or surprise fees.
Act Fast—Georgia’s Deadlines Apply
Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims applies to boating accidents. Early action preserves crucial evidence and witness testimony.
If you’ve been injured on Georgia’s waterways, don’t navigate these legal currents alone. Contact Gunn Law Group at 888-244-4866 (888-BIG-GUNN) for a free consultation, and let “the Big Gunn” chart the course to full compensation.
