Michigan Boating Accident: What Happens If You’re Injured?

With the Great Lakes and numerous inland waterways, Michigan is a boating lover’s dream. For many, boating is way of life during the hot summer months.

However, while boating is fun, it can also be dangerous. There’s always the risk of suffering an injury in a Michigan boating accident.

 

Michigan Boating Injury Numbers Are On The Rise

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 65 people were injured in Michigan boating accidents in 2016. In total, there were 125 boating accidents last year, with damages totaling more than $550,000.

In addition, 38 people died in Michigan boating accidents in 2016. This is the most recreational boating fatalities the Coast Guard has seen in Michigan during a single calendar in nearly two decades. Other noteworthy facts:

• Michigan had the fourth-highest number of boating fatalities in the nation last year.
• in 2016, alcohol was a factor in 10 accidents, seven deaths and six injuries.

What are the main reasons for boating injuries and accidents? According to the Coast Guard, they are:

• operator inattention.
• operator inexperience.
• improper lookout.
• speeding.

In this video, Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer Tom Sinas discusses Michigan boating laws, personal watercraft boating injuries and how to keep safe on the water.

Getting Compensated For A Michigan Boating Injury

If you suffer a Michigan boating injury, the vessel’s owner/operator may be held responsible for damages.

Here’s the deal. Boat owners/operators have a legal responsibility to act with a certain standard of care. That standard of care is, “What would a reasonable owner or operator do in the same or similar circumstances?” Not meeting this standard is considered negligence.

Most boating injury cases are filed as negligence suits. These claims allege the person who caused the injury (presumably the boat owner/operator) failed to meet the required standard of care.

What needs to be proven to hold a boat owner/operator liable for an injury? The following four factors must be established:

• the boat owner/operator owed a legal duty.
• the boat owner/operator breached that legal duty.
• a breach of that duty caused the injuries.
• injury was suffered as a result of the owner/operator’s breach of duty.

And that’s not all. Numerous criteria must be considered when determining whether a boat owner/operator breached the standard of care. Some of these are:

• whether the boat operator was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• whether the boat had the proper safety equipment on board, including life jackets.
• whether the boat was in good working condition.
• how fast the boat was traveling at the time of injury.
• whether the boat was being operated in a dangerous or reckless manner.
• whether any laws were broken.
• whether the boat was properly lit at the time of the accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, our Michigan personal injury attorneys can help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.

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