Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Long Island

A day out on the boat can be a great way to relax and have fun, but there are risks to boating. Getting into a boating accident could lead to damage, injury, and unexpected expenses. If someone else caused the accident because they were negligent or careless, then it is time to get legal support.

Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Long Island are due to negligence, and the dedicated boat accident attorneys at Goldstein & Bashner could review your accident and determine if filing a lawsuit is a viable option for you. We work hard to give injured people strong legal representation, so they can recover their losses after an accident.

Eight Causes of Boating Accidents

Here are some of the most common reasons for boating accidents in Long Island.

Inexperienced Operator

Too often, someone who does not have proper training or practice decides to go out on the water with a boat. Inexperienced boat operators may not know how to properly navigate around other boats, how to deal with treacherous waters, or when is the right time to head back to shore. Rookie mistakes and overconfidence lead to many of the area’s boating accidents.

Inattentive Operator

A boat operator should be paying attention to their surroundings at all times while the boat is moving. Becoming distracted by others on the boat is easy to do, but it could also be very dangerous. If another boat is nearby, the operator needs to be able to make a quick maneuver to avoid hitting the other boat.

No Lookout

Besides the operator, there should always be another person designated as the lookout. The lookout keeps an eye out for potential dangers, such as other boats, large objects floating in the water, and rocks. Not having a proper lookout could lead to a crash that may cause serious damage and injuries.

Speeding

One of the most common causes of boating accidents in Long Island is speeding. Speeding in a boat is often even more dangerous than speeding in a car. A moving boat is more difficult to slow down than a moving car. It is also more difficult to maneuver, which could mean the difference between hitting another boat or missing it. When a boat is at a higher speed, it is also less stable, which makes it more likely to capsize. While many waterways around Long Island have speed limits, boating accidents caused by excessive speed still happen.

Operating While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Lots of people go boating with a partying attitude. However, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious infraction of the law. Drugs and alcohol impair the ability to pay close attention to surroundings, maintain control of a moving vessel, and react quickly to hazards. A drunk boat operator could easily get into an accident, putting everyone around them in danger.

Fire on the Boat

Fuel and other materials on boats are flammable and need to be treated with caution. Some parts of boats are poorly ventilated, which makes it more likely that a spark would ignite into a larger flame. Once a boat is on fire, there is a risk of an explosion, which could seriously injure anyone on board.

Machinery Failure

Keeping a boat in good condition helps reduce the risk of accidents. Parts of boats are prone to corrosion and oxidation, which can cause machinery failure while out at sea. If a boat owner does not perform proper maintenance and an accident occurs because of machinery failure, the boat owner could be held accountable for the damages.

Environmental Causes

Not every boat accident in Long Island is caused by human negligence or error. Sometimes, the accident is a result of environmental factors, like severe weather, choppy waves, and hidden rocks. Of course, boat operators should always strive to be aware of weather conditions when taking the boat out, so they can stay safe in harbor when there is a storm risk.

Talk to a Long Island Lawyer About Boating Accidents that Cause Injuries

The common causes of boating accidents in Long Island range from operator inexperience to machinery failure. Whatever type of boating accident you have been involved in, we can help determine if it was caused by someone’s negligence.

We are here for our clients from start to finish of your personal injury case. Contact us today to get started.