Boating Safety Tips for Summer

June 8, 2018

The weather is warming up, and with the abundance of lakes and rivers in the Kentucky and Indiana areas, many people are going out on the water. Boating is a popular pastime, whether on a motorboat, a kayak, or a yacht, but it is important to know how to stay safe on a boat and avoid boating accidents.

Personal injury lawyer Karl Truman talks about boating safety on Great Day Live and how you can reduce the chances of becoming injured or even killed in a boating accident. If you have been injured in a boating accident caused by a negligence or lax safety standards, do not hesitate to contact Karl Truman at 502-306-0709 today to schedule your free consultation.

Avoid Boating Injuries With These Tips

The best way to ensure that you know how to stay safe on a boat is to take a boating safety course. These courses cover a wide range of topics and situations to help you feel comfortable when out on any type of boat. However, there are some key safety tips that you should keep in mind if you happen to go on a boat before taking a safety course:

• Wear a life jacket: Wearing a life jacket on a boat is the equivalent of wearing a seat belt in a car. It’s a vital precaution that may just save your life in the event of an emergency. If you cannot swim, you should wear one at all times. All boats should be equipped with enough life jackets for everybody, as well as throwable floatation devices.
• Do not drink: Just like when out on the road, when out on the water, you should not drink alcohol. Many boating accidents are caused by impaired judgment due to alcohol. Drinking and operating a boat is illegal, and you could be charged with a BUI (boating under the influence).
• Stay focused: Distracted boating can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Remember that you are not usually the only boat on the water, and even if the water appears clear, there could be other hazards that you could run into if not paying attention.
• Be aware of weather conditions: If it looks like the weather is going to get rough, get off the water. Bad weather can cause harsh conditions on the water that may be hard to navigate.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured In A Boating Accident

Boating can be a fun recreational activity when the proper precautions are taken. However, when things go wrong, they can lead to severe injury or even death. If you or a loved one has been injured through the actions of a negligent boat driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills as well as pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

No one deserves to have their life ruined by a boat operator who does not follow proper safety protocol. Karl Truman will handle your case in a sensitive and compassionate manner, and will help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after a boating accident in Kentucky or Indiana.

Schedule Your Free Boating Accident Consultation

If you have suffered severe injury from a boating accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, call Karl Truman today at 502-306-0709 to schedule your free legal consultation. We serve clients in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN.