One of the benefits of living in Georgia is the recreational opportunities that our lakes, rivers, and coast create for boating. Although boating on beautiful Lake Lanier or another lake can be a fun way to spend a day, it can also turn tragic in the event of a Georgia boating accident. Unfortunately, recreational boating accidents in our state occur every year—resulting in serious injuries or death—and hundreds of people die annually across this nation in boating accidents, reports the United States Coast Guard.
These boating accidents can be the result of a collision with another boat, failure to maintain a boat, defective boating equipment, or the negligent actions of a boat operator such as boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When people break the law and boat while intoxicated or they drive recklessly, fatalities are often the result.
The Coast Guard indicates that most people who get behind the wheel of a recreational boat have no experience and no knowledge of the rules of boating. Unfortunately, the death of a loved one can arise out of a boat operator’s lack of experience, excessive speed, use of alcohol, or other reckless actions.
If your spouse, child, parent, or other loved one was killed in a boating accident in Lake Peachtree, Lake Kedron, Lake McIntosh, Lake Horton, Lake Lanier, or another Georgia lake or waterway, you may be entitled to compensation due to the wrongful conduct that occurred. If the death of your loved one was the result of one of the many types of wrongful death boating accidents (listed below), you need to speak with a Georgia wrongful death attorney.
Types of Wrongful Death Boating Accidents in Georgia
- Death caused by boat collisions
- Fatalities caused in Jet Ski or WaveRunner collisions
- Fatal injuries when a watercraft hits a water skier
- Death to swimmers struck by boats
- Fatalities due to boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatal injuries due to reckless and negligent driving
- Death caused by negligent equipment maintenance
- Accidental deaths due to defective equipment
If your loved one died due to a drunk boater or negligent boat owner, you should not have to deal with this tragedy alone. Turn to an experienced Peachtree City wrongful death attorney for help in protecting your interests.
Shane Smith Law knows that no amount of money can compensate you for your tragic loss, but families have an even harder time dealing with the loss when they are also left in a financial mess. We can help you obtain compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship or consortium, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages, in order for you to stay afloat. Call today for a free consultation at (980) 246-2656.