Common Injuries from Rolla Boating Accidents

Waterways, such as the Lake of the Ozarks, have significant recreational boating traffic during the warmer months, and many people try to get out on the water as much as possible. While learning the rules and regulations of the waterway is an effective way to keep yourself safe, understanding the common causes of crashes and their resulting bodily injuries can be essential to avoiding them.

You could be eligible for compensation if you suffered harm in a collision caused by someone else’s recklessness. Call a knowledgeable boat accident lawyer to learn more about the common injuries from Rolla boating accidents.

Most Common Boating Accident Injuries

The most common injuries from Rolla recreational boating crashes include the following:

• Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, strains, sprains, and contusions resulting from forceful impact, severe jarring or jolting, or twisting of the body into awkward positions
• Broken bones and fractures, including of the arms, legs, collarbone, or ribs
• Deep lacerations and cuts from colliding with propellers or falling
• Internal organ damage or bleeding from the force of impact during an accident
• Traumatic amputations from propellers and explosions
• Severe head and brain trauma, skull fractures, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries from forceful impact with objects or ejection from the vessel
• Spinal cord damage, which has a high potential for causing permanent disabilities, including paralysis
• Drowning, which may occur after falling overboard, failing to wear a life jacket, or cold water shock

Knowing the most common injuries can help you prevent them, keeping you and your loved ones safe while enjoying a fun and relaxing day on the water.

Staying Safe on Missouri Waterways

Everyone shares responsibility for ensuring state waterways are kept safe by remaining cautious, alert, and following all rules and regulations. When one person’s carelessness harms others, civil laws allow victims to pursue legal action in court to obtain a compensation from the liable party.

Factors Leading to Serious Boat Collisions

Speeding often plays a major role in the severity of Rolla water vessel crashes and their resulting injuries. Traveling over the allowable speed limit restricts a watercraft’s maneuverability, causing difficulty navigating turns, avoiding hazards, and responding quickly when necessary.

Failure to use life jackets and other emergency equipment also increases the risk of the operator and passengers suffering severe and life-altering injuries. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and can drastically influence the severity of vessel accidents.

Life Jackets Save Lives

Life jackets are practical life-saving tools, providing buoyancy and helping passengers stay afloat if an accident sends everyone overboard or sinks the boat. The additional floating ability allows individuals to jump in the water and save others if necessary.

Studies show that failing to wear life jackets during boating accidents substantially increases the risk of fatalities. Missouri statutes require that all vessels have enough U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for the operator and every passenger on board. While children seven and younger are the only passengers required to wear them at all times, everyone should ensure these life-saving devices are nearby in case of emergencies. A lawyer with a strong understanding of the common injuries from boating crashes in Rolla could help gather the crucial evidence needed to obtain a just settlement after an accident caused by another’s negligence.

Speak to a Qualified Attorney About the Common Injuries from Boating Accidents in Rolla

While recreational boating is loved by many here in Missouri, it can be highly dangerous when negligence is involved. Crashes on the waterways can leave individuals with life-threatening or fatal injuries, changing their entire life within seconds.

If someone else’s negligence caused an avoidable collision, you must hold them accountable. Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our AW Smith Law lawyers if you need assistance and information regarding the common injuries from Rolla boating accidents.