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How to Prevent Boating Accidents and Injuries

According to the US Coastguard, in 2013, 4,062 boating accidents occurred in the United States and of these, 560 of them resulted in fatalities. Additionally, these accidents injured more than 2,600 individuals who were on or near the vessel. Although that number has lowered by about 12% compared to 2012, the figures are still very high. Recreational boating accidents also cost roughly $39 million in property damage.

Tips to Prevent Boating Accidents

Here is a list of the common causes of injuries caused by boating accidents and how to prevent them:

  • Capsizing – This is the leading cause of boating-related deaths. Many accidents take place in twilight when the conditions of light and alcohol may play a role. Smaller vessels also have a higher risk of capsizing when they are anchored from the stern. Boats are designed to cut through swells and water first so when a swell suddenly gushes with water or the stern is impacted by a rogue wave, the boat can capsize.
    • Prevention – As in the case of cars, boaters need to make sure that they have a designated driver if there is alcohol involved. You should also be careful while docking and maneuvering at night and in twilight. If you use an anchor, make sure that you secure it from the bow of the boat and not the side or rear.
  • Improper Forward Watch – If the boater is not aware of anything that may cross the boat’s path, an accident can occur. Even when trolling or drifting, hitting an object at slow speed can be disastrous or a passenger could be sent overboard. Typically, collisions occur due to driver distraction.
    • Prevention – The vessel driver must keep their eyes on what is ahead at all times with occasional glances at both sides for other vehicles that may be approaching. You should make sure that you check all directions before changing or turning directions. Even when the power is off and the boast is drifting, you need to be aware of what is happening in the water that surrounds the boat or vessel.
  • Man Overboard – A boater can be sent overboard by rough waters or weather and maneuvering. Powerboats can turn with lots of force and eject a passenger if they are not seated securely or are caught off guard. Sails swing and change positions when a sailboat turns and can easily knock an occupant into the water and cause serious injury as well.
    • Prevention – It is best to make sure that everyone is seated when a boat is in motion. Experienced powerboat captains will make sure that everyone is secure when they are preparing to turn. On sailboats, it is a protocol for the skipper to warn passengers of an impending turn by calling out loud, “Prepare to jibe”. And just as the turn is being made, they call out, “Jibe ho!” This prepares everyone to make sure that they are secure while the boat is turning and no one falls overboard.

If you or a loved one has been in a boating accident caused by negligence or recklessness, you should immediately consult the experienced and reliable personal injury lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. You can discuss the merits of your case at a free consultation. We know how to win cases. We win cases all the time and not by luck or stubbornness, by skill and legal acuity. We know what works and what does not. Call RMFW Law ASAP – the other side will certainly not do this for you.

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April Johnson
April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
Easy access to thr firm with a very nice Lawyer
Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
No firm gets it done like RMFW. They are the best.They are awesome - for sure.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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