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Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Rolla

Many residents and visitors in Missouri enjoy recreational boating and take advantage of the many waterways available. Unfortunately, when someone is careless, a fun day on the water can turn tragic within seconds. You have the right to work with a local boat accident attorney and pursue compensation if you suffered harm because of someone else’s negligence. Contact a qualified lawyer from AW Smith Law Firm for questions concerning the common causes of boating accidents in Rolla.

What Are the Typical Causes of Boat Crashes?

There are multiple reasons for a boat-related incident. Some examples of the common causes of Rolla boating accidents include the following.

Operator Inexperience or Inattention

Operator inexperience and inattention are among the leading causes of accidents on state waterways. The Missouri State Highway Patrol highly recommends that all new boat owners take a safety course before entering the water. Whether enjoying the beautiful scenery or socializing with passengers, losing focus on safely handling the watercraft, even for a moment, can have disastrous consequences.

Excessive Speed and Reckless Boating

Excessive speed and reckless recreational boat operation are also major contributors to accidents on the state waterways. Speeding above the allowable speed limit requires more time to stop while reducing reaction times. Reckless boating can include a range of hazardous behaviors, such as weaving through traffic on the water, wake jumping, or operating boats too close to swimmers.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of crashes significantly, as it does on the roadways. It increases the risk of errors, reduces judgment ability, and may make it more difficult for passengers to protect themselves if they fall into the water. As with motorists facing charges for drunk driving, boat operators face severe penalties if they are arrested and charged with reckless operation of a vehicle.

Other Causes of Watercraft Crashes

Some examples of other common causes of watercraft crashes include the following:

  • Overloading, which occurs when too many passengers or other objects weigh the boat down
  • Equipment failure from improper maintenance or defective parts
  • Failure of the operator to adhere to the navigation rules and regulations
  • Collisions caused by other careless boaters
  • Failing to ensure the vessel has all the legally required safety equipment and all functions properly
  • Operator distraction, such as passengers or any action that diverts their attention away from safely operating the watercraft
  • Grounding, which occurs when the boat hits the bottom, such as sand, rocks, and debris
  • Wake jumping, which occurs when a recreational boat attempts to jump or perform tricks using the wake created by other water vessels

A personal injury attorney at AW Smith Law Firm, knowledgeable about typical causes of boating crashes in Rolla, could gather the crucial evidence needed to establish fault and obtain a fair settlement.

Waterway Accident Reporting Requirements in Missouri

Everyone on any Missouri waterway is responsible for preventing accidents and severe injuries by navigating the waters safely. Even so, it can be difficult to avoid waterway collisions altogether, and knowing the proper steps to take after accidents is essential. According to the instruction provided in the Missouri Revised Statutes § 306.140, all boaters involved in accidents have a legal obligation to stop and assist those needing help, if possible.

Assistance may include first aid or transportation to the emergency room if necessary. Everyone on any state waterway also must provide information to others involved in the incident, primarily their name, address, and vessel registration number. When there are bodily injuries or more than $500 in property damage, the operators must report the accident to the state highway patrol. Anyone who fails to comply with stopping and reporting requirements is subject to criminal and civil charges.

Speak to a Rolla Attorney About the Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Spending the day on the water, enjoying the sun with friends or family, can be enjoyable and memorable. However, a person’s negligent behavior can quickly change a fun day into a nightmare. When someone’s recklessness causes harm to others, civil laws allow you to pursue a payment from the responsible party. Contact AW Smith Law Firm and set up a free consultation after a boating accident in Rolla.