BOATING ACCIDENTS

Atlanta Georgia Boat Accident Lawyers: What to Do After an Accident

When you’re out on the open waters of Georgia enjoying a day of fishing, swimming, or just cruising around, the last thing you expect is to be in a serious boat accident. But unfortunately, these accidents do happen, and when they do, the results can be devastating. Injuries sustained in boat accidents can range from cuts and bruises to broken bones and even death. If you are involved in a Georgia boat accident, we know that the last thing you want to do is deal with the legalities of it all. In this case, let the boat accident lawyers at our Atlanta law firm handle it for you.

There are a few things you should do after a Georgia boat accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance at receiving compensation for your injuries. Let's dive into what you should do after a boat accident.

What Are the Common Causes of Boating Accidents?

There are many different factors that can contribute to a boat accident. Some of the most common include:

• Operator inattention or inexperience: During nice weather, it’s not uncommon for boat operators to become distracted by the sights and sounds of the outdoors and take their attention off operating the boat safely.
• Reckless operation: Just like with any other type of vehicle, there are some people who operate boats in a reckless manner, endangering themselves and others. And, like with car accidents, speeding is one of the most common causes of boat accidents.
• Failure to properly maintain the boat or watercraft: All boats and watercraft require regular maintenance in order to operate safely. When boat owners fail to keep up with this maintenance, it can lead to accidents.
• Improper lookout: Boat operators are required to keep a proper lookout for other boats, swimmers, and obstacles in the water. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen.
• Excessive speed: As we mentioned, speeding is one of the leading causes of boat accidents. When boat operators go too fast, they may not be able to stop or turn in time to avoid an accident.
• Equipment failure: Like any other type of vehicle, boats rely on a variety of different pieces of equipment to function properly. When this equipment fails, accidents can happen.
• Weather conditions: Rough weather conditions can make it more difficult to operate a boat safely. High winds, waves, and rain can all contribute to boat accidents.
• Navigational hazards: There are many different navigational hazards that Georgia boat operators need to be aware of, such as submerged rocks, sandbars, and other boat traffic.

What to Do After a Georgia Boat Accident

If you are involved in a Georgia boat accident, here's what you should do:

• Get to safety: The first and most important thing you need to do after a boat accident is to get yourself and any passengers to safety. If the boat is still afloat and not in danger of sinking, stay on board. If you need to abandon the ship, be sure to do so carefully.
• Call for help: Once you and any passengers are in a safe location, call 911 to report the accident and summon medical assistance if anyone has been injured.
• Gather evidence: If you are able to do so, try to gather as much evidence from the boat accident scene as possible. This can include taking pictures of the boat, the accident scene, and any personal injuries sustained. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
• Get medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a boat accident. In some cases, injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the boat accident: In most cases, boat accidents must be reported to the proper authorities. This is typically done by filing a “boating accident report” with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
• Contact a boat accident lawyer: After a boat accident, you will likely have many questions about your legal rights and options. The best way to get answers to these questions is to contact a professional boat accident lawyer in Atlanta.

Types of Boating Accident Claims Handled by Our Atlanta Boat Accident Lawyers

At The Injury Firm, our boat accident lawyers have experience handling a wide range of boat accident claims, including those involving:

• Collisions with other boats
• Capsizing
• Sinking
• Swimming accidents
• Falls overboard
• Fuel fires and explosions
• Drowning
• Injuries caused by boat propellers
• Jet ski accidents.

How Can an Atlanta Georgia Boating Attorney Help You After an Accident?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boat accident, the experienced boat accident lawyers at The Injury Firm can help. We will fully investigate your claim, gather all the necessary evidence, and work to build a strong case on your behalf.

We negotiate terms with the insurance companies to try to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve. And when required, we will take your case to trial to get the best possible outcome for you. To learn more about how we can help you after a Georgia boat accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Contact Us If You’ve Been Injured in an Atlanta Georgia Boating Accident

The boat accident lawyers at The Injury Firm Atlanta have represented many victims of watercraft accidents, and we are here to help you if you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident.

Boating is a popular summertime activity in Georgia, but accidents do happen. If you ever encounter a boating accident, there are a few necessary steps you should take to protect your rights. We have experienced boat accident lawyers who can advise you of your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

And, because we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay us anything unless we recover any compensation for you. To learn more about how we can help you after a Georgia boat accident, call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.