Boating accidents can cause devastating injuries, especially when victims suffer long-term brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. If you or a loved one suffered injuries while boating, you can make a claim for compensation. Our Colorado boat accident lawyers can help. We know the laws that govern state and federal waters, and we know how to push back against insurance companies who try to deny liability.
What Are the Common Causes of Boat Accidents?
Many boat accidents occur because someone was careless, reckless, or worse. Here are some of the most common reasons people end up injured on Colorado’s lakes and rivers:
Drunk Boating
Alcohol is involved in a significant portion of boating crashes, and it is just as illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated as it is to drive a car. Impaired judgment, slow reaction times, and poor coordination create a perfect storm for disaster on the water.
Speeding
Certain lakes may have speed limits for a reason, and operators who ignore them put everyone else at risk. The dangers may be more pronounced in narrow inlets or near docks and swimming zones.
Wake Jumping
Wake jumping is not illegal in Colorado, but there are limitations. Jumping a wake too close to the boat puts the operators and passengers at risk of being thrown overboard.
Boating in Bad Weather
Sudden storms are not uncommon in the Rockies. But if the radar already shows warnings and someone heads out, that choice can have deadly consequences. Choppy water, reduced visibility, and high winds are a recipe for collisions and capsizing.
Other Causes of Boating Accidents in Colorado
- Operator inexperience
- Distracted driving
- Overloading the vessel
- Navigational rule violations
- Mechanical failure
What Percentage of Accidents Occur Because of Bad Boat Maintenance?
According to recent boating safety data, many crashes involve equipment failure. The exact percentage is unknown, but improper maintenance can absolutely contribute to these failures.
When a boat owner skips routine maintenance or ignores obvious signs of wear and tear – like faulty steering, bad fuel lines, or busted bilge pumps – they put passengers at serious risk. If poor maintenance was the cause of the boat accident, we can use evidence of that to strengthen your claim.
What Is the Cause of Most Fatal Boating Accidents?
The cause of most fatal boating accidents, per the U.S. Coast Guard, is alcohol use. The most common reason for fatalities from boating accidents is a failure to wear life jackets. Many boating deaths occur after someone is thrown from the vessel, often due to a collision or sharp turn, and they are not wearing a personal flotation device. By the time help arrives, it is too late.
Other significant factors include:
- Hazardous waters
- Operator inexperience
- Weather
- Operator inattention
- Excessive speed
- Improper loading (or passengers or gear)
Serious Injuries From Boat Accidents and Collisions
Injuries sustained in boat crashes can be just as catastrophic as those in high-speed car wrecks; sometimes they are worse, given the added risk of drowning or delayed rescue. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Broken bones
- Lacerations from propellers or debris
- Hypothermia or near-drowning complications
- Burns from onboard fires or fuel explosions
For families who have lost a loved one in a boating accident, we also help file wrongful death claims.
Where Do Most Boat Accidents Happen in Colorado?
In Colorado, there are dozens of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. While there is no definitive “most dangerous” spot, our firm represents victims injured on:
- Cherry Creek Reservoir
- Horsetooth Reservoir
- Chatfield Reservoir
- Lake Pueblo
- Grand Lake
- Blue Mesa Reservoir
- Dillon Reservoir
- McPhee Reservoir
- Boyd Lake
Whether you were on a pontoon in Fort Collins or a fishing boat near Gunnison, if someone’s negligence caused your injury, we are ready to hold them accountable.
When Is a Written Boating Accident Report Required?
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a written report is mandatory if:
- Someone dies or disappears.
- Anyone is injured beyond basic first aid.
- There is property damage of $2,000 or more.
- A vessel is wholly lost.
Reports typically need to be filed within five days or 48 hours, in the event of a fatality or serious injury. Depending on the circumstances, law enforcement may also require immediate notification.
How Quickly Must You File a Boating Accident Claim?
You must file within two years of the date of the boating accident. Wait too long, and your case could be dismissed, no matter how strong the evidence. That is why speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is critical.
Why You Should Hire a Colorado Boat Accident Lawyer From Our Firm
A Colorado boat accident lawyer from Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers will do more than file paperwork. We will analyze the evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and build a strong case on your behalf. Whether you were injured by a reckless operator, defective equipment, or poor lake management, our team knows how to fight and win.
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers Wants to Help
We know how serious boating injuries can be – and how confusing the legal process can be when you’re filing a claim for the first time. At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, we are here to help you get your life back. Our firm serves clients all across Colorado, and we are not afraid to take on challenging cases. If you were injured in a boating accident, contact us today and let us put The Strong Arm® to work for you.
