How to Determine Liability After a Boating Accident in Georgia

Boating is a largely popular recreational activity, especially on Georgia lakes. Much like other types of vehicular accidents, you may encounter negligent boaters and suffer serious harm due to their actions. 

When you file a boating accident claim for the injuries and property damage you suffer, you will need to prove that the other party is responsible for the accident. Stewart Melvin & Frost, led by Mark Alexander, has the resources and experience to help you determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.

What Are Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Georgia?

Each year, many lose their lives in boating accidents due to negligent individuals. The following are the top 10 causes of boating accidents in the United States according to the US Coast Guard’s 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics:

• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Operator inexperience
• Machinery failure
• Alcohol use
• Excessive speed
• Navigation rules violation
• Weather
• Hazardous waters
• Force of wave/wake

The above actions may lead to severe injuries or possibly death. While the individual operating the boat is at fault in most cases, there are other cases where you may hold multiple parties at fault. Your legal team will determine who is responsible for the crash by collecting evidence.

Who May Be Liable for a Georgia Boating Accident?

A boating accident has many elements for your lawyers to investigate. By gathering evidence and documentation from the case, they may provide you with details on who is responsible for your damages and how to file a claim against their behavior. Below are a few individuals who may be held accountable for your accident:

• The operator
• The owner
• The manufacturer
• The rental company
• A passenger

Liability is challenging to prove in a boating accident. However, your legal team may provide you with the details and information you need for a smooth claim. With their trained investigative skills, they understand what it takes to prove liability.

Do You Need a Boating Accident Lawyer?

Without a lawyer representing your claim, your rights and compensation are at risk. Determining and proving liability in a boating accident is challenging due to the lack of evidence. Water often removes traces of the accident and requires expert investigators to analyze and document the details of the accident. 

Consider some of the many services our team provides:

• Independently investigating the accident
• Communicating with other parties involved
• Interviewing and preparing witnesses
• Speaking with insurance companies
• Working with doctors to evaluate your injuries
• Working with local law enforcement
• Providing legal guidance and advice
• Building your case for court

As we work closely with our community, our clients become family. We fight for justice and will do everything we can to provide you with the compensation you deserve. 

Find an Experienced Georgia Boat Accident Lawyer Today

If another person’s negligence causes you to suffer severe injuries in a boating accident, you have the right to seek compensation for those losses. Located in Northeast Georgia, Stewart Melvin & Frost understands the challenges you face in the aftermath of a boating accident. We hold folks accountable for their actions and will provide you with honest and responsive legal representation. 

“We also have the backing of one of the largest firms in north Georgia,” said Attorney Mark Alexander, partner and member of Stewart Melvin & Frost. “This provides us the opportunity to provide a level of legal care and legal services to our clients that many other folks aren’t able to provide.” 

Call (770) 536-0101 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our team and learn how we may represent your claim.