Jackson Boat Accident Lawyer
It is no secret that Jackson is home to some of Mississippi’s most beautiful lakes and rivers. For boating enthusiasts, these waterways are a great way to get out and enjoy the sunshine while making a few waves. Unfortunately, boat operators do not always have the necessary experience to navigate the vessel safely. Other factors, such as defective boating equipment, can also cause an accident. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, you do have the right to claim damages. Our Jackson boat accident lawyer can help you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve.
The Stats on Boating Accidents
The stats from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2019 show just how serious a boating accident is for accident victims. According to this data, there were 4,168 boating accidents that year alone, and 613 people were killed. The most common causes of these boating accidents were as follows:
- Collisions with other boats
- Collisions with fixed objects
- Grounding accidents
- Swamping or flooding
- Falling overboard
Today, the leading causes of boating accidents are largely the same in Jackson, with collisions with other boats still being the main cause.
The Laws on Boating are Quite Relaxed in Jackson
Most boating accidents are caused by operators that do not have the necessary experience to safely operate their watercraft. Under Mississippi law, boaters in Jackson only have to have supervision when operating a boat if they are under the age of 12. In that case, the person supervising the operation of the boat must be over the age of 21. That means that children as young as 13 can operate a boat on their own, and children of this age do not usually have the necessary experience.
Mississippi law, however, does require all boaters to take a safety education course. People that were grandfathered in under the new law can waive this requirement. This too, contributes to the number of inexperienced boat operators on the water, which can increase the likelihood of a crash.
Common Injuries Caused by Boat Accidents
The injuries sustained during a boat accident are sometimes slightly unique from other collisions, such as those involving two cars. This is due to the very nature of boat accidents, and the fact that they often occur on the water. A boating accident can result in broken bones, traumatic head injuries, and back and neck injuries just like any other type of accident.
However, due to the fact that water is involved, drowning injuries are also very common. People fall overboard during a crash, or they may drown if the vessel becomes flooded or capsizes. Due to the fact that so much water is often involved in a crash, electrocutions are also likely to occur if it mixes with the boat’s electrical systems.
Call Our Boat Accident Lawyer in Jackson Today
If you have been injured in a collision on the water, our Jackson boat accident lawyer at Keith B. French Law, PLLC, can advise on your case. Call us today at 832-243-6153 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
