subject: Boating Accidents Attorney - 4 Common Areas Of Negligence [print this page] It doesn't get nearly the attention the epidemic of highway safety gets (due to far less traffic), but any boating accidents attorney can tell you that safety on the nation's waterways is every bit as important to those who are out there. And there are many areas of negligence that can lead to a lawsuit, should someone be injured out on the lake or ocean. Whether you've been hurt and are exploring your chances of a settlement or you just want to know more about the issues you're facing as a boat owner, here are 4 common areas of negligence on the water.
Inattention
It's very easy to let your thoughts drift while out on the water. Unfortunately, this can be a deadly mistake. There are times when the boat can be left unattended, but it should be anchored and set in place when this becomes okay. A boating accidents attorney can tell you that many injuries have been suffered as a result of the driver taking his or her attention away from the wheel.
Inexperience
This is another major factor in many incidents. While there's no way to get experience without actually driving the vehicle, you should always have someone more experienced by your side until you feel confident behind the wheel. Any idiot can drive the boat in a straight line on an open waterway. It is when tricky situations arise that you need to call upon the skills that experience brings.
Alcohol
The message has gotten out about the dangers of drinking and driving. While plenty of people still do it, you would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't at least heard that it's a bad idea. The same really can't be said for driving a boat while drinking. You'll find plenty of operators who don't see the problem. As you may have guessed, it is one of the most commonly cited causes of negligence. A boating accidents attorney will jump for joy if you bring him a case where alcohol was a factor, as it is an obvious and blatant sign of impairment.
Speed
Speed isn't as great a factor when it comes to danger on the water as it is on the highways, but it can certainly play a role in the severity of an incident. The wise boat driver will stick to safe speeds when potential danger is around. To do otherwise unquestionably falls into the category of negligence.
by: Aloysius Aucoin
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