The Athens Boating Accident Attorney

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner

Being on the water, whether you are fishing, skiing, or simply going for a joy ride, is one of life’s great pleasures. With several lakes near Athens, including Oconee, Burton, Lanier and Hartwell, residents have plenty of options to enjoy the water. However, there are some people who choose to not abide by the rules that are designed to keep everyone safe on the waterways. When those few people break the safety rules and people are injured in these situations, the injured victim will need professional legal representation to ensure that justice is provided to them.

When an accident happens on the water, it is crucial to contact the Athens boating accident attorney at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC. Call (706) 760-9220 or complete an online form today to discuss your legal options.

Facts About Boating Injuries

According to the United States Coast Guard, there were nearly 12 million recreational boats registered in the U.S. in 2015 and more than 327,000 on the water in Georgia. Our own Athens-Clarke County is home to nearly 425 miles of waterways. Unfortunately, 85 boating accidents occurred in Georgia in 2015 alone, resulting in 51 injuries and 22 deaths. Georgia was ranked in the top ten for reported boating deaths during that year after boating deaths increased by nearly 70% from 2014 to 2015.

Many of these casualties could have been prevented if boaters followed the laws and safety rules laid out to protect them. Boats upon the navigable waters of this state are governed by rules and regulations in a similar manner as automobiles. The State of Georgia has a list of rules and regulations which govern boating use.

Causes of Boating Accidents

Improper operation, such as operator inattention, failure to assess the waterway, or alcohol use, was the primary contributing factor in more than 2,000 boating accidents across the country in 2015. Not surprisingly, the majority of boating accidents occur in the summer months, when the weather is warm and thousands of people are out enjoying the water. Unfortunately, crowded waterways also increase the risk for collisions with other boats, which accounted for nearly 1,000 boating accidents in 2015 and more than 600 injuries.

Proper compensation for property damage, missed work and medical bills is hard to attain, and when someone suffers a personal injury because of a boating accident and sustain severe injuries caused by another, they will need professional legal representation, advice, and counsel as soon as possible to ensure they receive a fair and reasonable outcome.  

And should a love one perish in such an accident, they will need the aid of an attorney to help file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia. They need a legal advocate like Josh W. Branch, who is aggressive in protecting their rights but compassionate in understanding what they are going through.