Worcester Boat Accident Lawyer

Recreational boating is a much-loved and popular activity. However, there are risks involved. Accidents, typically resulting from negligence, can have serious and life-long consequences.

When you suffer harm because of someone else’s careless actions, you have a right to expect them to pay for the damage. If a negligent boater caused your injury, our personal injury attorneys could help you get a settlement. Schedule an appointment with a seasoned Worcester boat accident lawyer for more information.

What Are Common Causes of Boat Wrecks?

Boating and negligence are a dangerous mix that can have life-altering or deadly consequences. When operators or passengers fail to exercise reasonable care, and their actions cause an avoidable crash on the water, the courts may hold them liable. Causes of boat crashes include:

• Lack of boat maintenance or failure to fix defects that lead to mechanical failure
• Failure to check the weather and remain alert to changes, leading to a boat getting stuck in hazardous waters
• Neglecting to adhere to navigation rules, which puts everyone on the boat and those around them at increased risk of harm
• Watercraft operator inattention or distractedness, the leading cause of life-threatening and deadly accidents on waterways
• Boater inexperience and lack of skills or knowledge about the navigation rules, which can have adverse consequences for all involved
• Excessive speed, particularly in crowded waterways, which is highly hazardous because it reduces reaction times and increases the risk of losing control of the vessel
• Boating under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, which can impair judgment, balance, and reaction times, and is as dangerous and unlawful as drunk driving a vehicle
• Improper lookout, which occurs when the operator and passengers fail to designate someone to monitor the surroundings and watch for potential hazards, other boats, or swimmers

A Worcester attorney from Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. could determine what happened and who may be liable after examining the boat crash details and other pertinent factors.

Recreational Boating Safety and Regulations

The state sets age requirements for boat operation, provides safety information, and offers additional resources. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90B § 9E, boaters under 12 cannot operate a watercraft unless accompanied by an adult over 18 to supervise them while they remain on the water.

Further, individuals between 12 and 17 must complete a state-approved safety course to obtain a certificate before entering the water without an adult present. There are varying courses and age minimums depending on the type of boat they wish to operate. All boaters must also immediately, or within two days, notify authorities of accidents resulting in bodily injuries or death, and within five days of accidents including property damage.

Safety Equipment Requirements

Everyone must ensure their boat has the legally required safety equipment before entering the water. This includes a personal flotation device that meets the United States Coast Guard requirements for each person aboard the boat. All occupants 12 years old and under must wear life jackets until the boat returns to shore.

Other equipment requirements include fire extinguishers, signaling devices such as horns and visual distress signals, navigation lights for nighttime boating, anchors, and a paddle or oar. Vessels with an enclosed compartment must have mufflers, such as an underwater exhaust system, and a carbon monoxide detector. Our knowledgeable boat crash lawyers in Worcester could investigate to determine compliance with the laws and gather the evidence needed to establish fault.

Schedule a Consultation With a Credible Boat Accident Attorney in Worcester

Recreational boating offers countless hours of fun and creates memorable moments. Unfortunately, when negligence happens, the activity can also leave those involved injured, traumatized, or even disabled.

As with driving motor vehicles, operators must act safely and reasonably and follow state laws. Contact a seasoned Worcester boat accident lawyer from Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. to discuss your case and learn more.