One of the best ways to spend hot summer days is out on the open water. Whether you like relaxing boat rides, scenic kayak and paddleboard trips, or thrilling water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding there are endless ways to have a great day on the water. While following typical boating regulations and operating vessels on the water in a responsible manner will help you stay safe, accidents can and do still tend to happen. Here are some examples of the most common accidents on water.
Collisions between two boats
From daydreaming about the beautiful scenery to interacting with others, there are so many distractions, it is easy to have your attention diverted when operating a vessel on the water. According to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the most common type of boating accident which results in the most injuries is collision between two or more boats. Since waterways are increasingly more crowded, operators must be constantly aware of what is happening around them. A reduction of collisions and fatalities can also be achieved by showing consideration to other boaters.
Collision with a fixed object
When driving distractedly or speeding while operating a jet ski, it can be difficult to avoid hitting a fixed object like a boulder or barge. These types of collisions can be extremely dangerous, especially if you aren’t wearing the proper safety equipment or if you are traveling at high speeds. Some common injuries that may occur as a result of these accidents include concussions, whiplash, fractures, sprains, and lacerations.
Falling overboard
While the law in New York states that there must be one lifejacket for every passenger on a vessel, not everyone is wearing one when an accident occurs and if you fall overboard without one on, a scary situation can quickly turn into an emergency. From falling off a slow-moving vessel like a canoe or kayak to exiting a speedy boat or jet ski unexpectedly, there are many scenarios where someone might quickly find themselves treading water and needing help.
Lifejackets and PFDs (personal floating devices) are critical for saving people from the dangers of being out on the open water including drowning and being struck by another vessel. In fact, from 2005-2021, 82% of all drowning victims in New York State did not wear a lifejacket. With odds that strong, it’s a no-brainer that one should be readily available for every passenger and easy to access quickly when needed.
Personal Injury Lawyer on Long Island
Since accidents on the water can happen even to those following all safety guidelines, you may find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing help from a personal injury attorney. If you or someone you know was injured in a boating accident, jet ski accident, or other accident on the water on Long Island, the North Shore Injury Lawyer
can help. Give Mark a call at 631-495-9435 to discuss your accident and take
advantage of a free consultation where you can have all of your questions
answered as well as glean more about your legal options.
