Few things are more relaxing than a nice summer day on the water with family and friends. Georgia is home to many different bodies of water, like Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee and the Chattahoochee River, meaning our state has many boat owners as well.
Just as car accidents occur on land, boat accidents can occur on the water. Failure to maintain equipment, disregard for adverse weather conditions, or boating law violations are just a few causes of the many boating accidents that occur in Georgia every year.
Read more about common boating injuries below or contact the personal injury attorneys at Pope & Howard, P.C. in Atlanta, GA to talk to us about your boat accident case.
Here are some of the most common boating accident injuries in Georgia:
Given the nature of boating, drowning is a common cause of injury or death when an accident occurs. Even if a passenger is a proficient swimmer, strong currents or other injuries can make it hard to stay afloat in the water. On top of that, serious weather conditions can make swimming even more difficult. If help is not quickly received, serious bodily injury or loss of life may result.
Boat accidents like collisions or falls have been known to cause injuries like concussions and broken bones. While not immediately life-threatening, these injuries can still cause serious pain and be worsened if victims end up in the water.
Sharp objects jutting out above deck or a boat’s razor-sharp propellers spinning at blistering speeds can also cause serious injuries to individuals on boats in Georgia. If someone behind the wheel of a boat is negligent to swimmers, the propellers can results in loss of limbs or other life-threatening lacerations.
Sometimes boat engines break down, which can cause a fire on the boat. Fuel can even leak into the water, making it flammable. With limited options for escape available, burns are a very common boating injury.
Spinal injuries can stem from a myriad of causes. Falling overboard, slips, run-overs, and crashes have all been known to cause spinal injuries of varying degrees. These injuries can even be sustained from something as simple as impacts with waves at too high a speed.
When a boating accident in Georgia affects you or a family member, the ensuing medical costs and stress can be as debilitating as the injury itself. But Pope & Howard’s experienced personal injury attorneys can help. Don’t hesitate to call our local Buckhead law firm for a free consultation. Get the just compensation you deserve; call (404) 885-9999 today about your Georgia boating accident case.