About Boating Accidents
The owner and/ or operator of any vessel has the responsibility of making sure their craft is up to working order and is operated in a safe manner.
When the temperature goes up so does the number of people who participate in recreational activities on the waterways in North Carolina. From the lakes to the beaches many people meet to have fun in the sun during the spring and summer months. While the aim of any trip to a waterway may be to have fun and cool down, situations present themselves for accidents.
Water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, or simply lounging on a pontoon boat can all turn bad if one person is neglectful in their duty of being responsible for the operation of their boat or personal watercraft. The owner and/ or operator of any vessel has the responsibility of making sure their craft is up to working order and is operated in a safe manner. Being intoxicated while operating a marine vessel or allowing someone who is under age and/or inexperienced are also a breach of their responsibility.
For more information see North Carolina Boating Statutes.
While there is no such thing as a safe accident, many variables come into play while on water that can make the situation worse. The presence of water makes brain trauma, and of course, drowning a reality if a person is not attended to fast enough after the injury has occurred. For more information on safe boating activities, please see our section on Boating Safety & Information Links.
A 2007 Study by the Coast Guard cited the top 5 following reasons for boating accidents:
- Operator inattention
- Careless / reckless operation
- Passenger/ skier behavior
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol Involvement
In North Carolina the following rules apply to reporting accidents:
Cases that must be reported within 48 hours:
- Death
- Personal Injury beyond first aid
- Disappearance
Cases that must be reported with in 10 days:
- Damage greater than $500
- Any other accidents
Laws that are associated with boating accidents are very complex. Compounded with an injury or personal loss the process can become very stressful and you may need someone with experience to help you along the way. When someone is injured or a loved one has died while on a waterway contact a Raleigh boating accident attorneyand let them help you relieve some of the stress in dealing with the legal issues.
Contact one of our North Carolina boating accident lawyers at Hardison & Cochran to help you gain the maximum for the harm that has been caused to you. Hire a firm that is experienced and makes it happen by putting you first.
Hardison & Cochran serves personal injury and accident victims throughout the state of North Carolina, including, but not limited to, Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Fayetteville, NC.
Boat Accidents in North Carolina
Boating Accidents Questions & Answers
NC Boating Accident Statistics
North Carolina Boating Statutes
Boating Safety & Information Links
Boating Accident News
Boating Accidents Glossary
