MICHIGAN BOAT LAWYER

Most boating accidents happen suddenly and without warning. Yet, the cause of an accidental injury can often be traced to specific factors.

Operator inattention

A Michigan boat operator must stay alert at all times to navigate a vessel through waterways, avoiding other watercraft and obstructions. He or she must also respond quickly to changing weather and water conditions to prevent serious injuries.

What might distract boaters and cause a boating accident injury? Potential distracting activities are:

• Using cell phones: Talking, texting, interacting with social media, and searching the internet is especially dangerous on the water. Unlike a motor vehicle on a street with clearly marked lanes and traffic signals, boats tend to move in unpredictable patterns.

• Eating and drinking: Operators need to have their hands free to control a vessel well. Eating and drinking can affect their ability to steer and respond to unexpected obstacles.

• Navigating: Consulting a GPS, map, compass, or another instrument can distract an operator from the boating task at hand. Many seasoned boaters rely on passengers or crew to assist with navigation.

• Doing anything non-essential: Almost any activity can become a distraction. Our Michigan boat accident attorneys can investigate to determine whether non-driving tasks increased your risk of injury.

Excessive speed

Just as on highways and city streets, Michigan watercraft must obey speed limits. Unless otherwise indicated, the maximum speed is 55 mph.

Still, Michigan law requires operators to be careful not to cause injury to others or their property. Operating a vessel at an unsafe speed for the circumstances would be illegal regardless of the limit.

For example, the rate of travel affects the wake created by watercraft. Boaters must avoid making a wake within 100 feet of shoreline, piers, people, rafts, swimming areas, and people.

Reckless operation

A boat has the potential to cause severe injury and even death if mishandled. According to a boating safety handbook, a responsible operator practices basic laws of navigation, including:

• Good seamanship

• A sharp lookout

• Safe speed and distance

Breaking these rules could constitute negligence under Michigan law. Boaters are also prohibited from abusing drugs and alcohol. The legal blood alcohol content limit for boat operators is 0.08. Causing injury or death to another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a felony.

Operator inexperience

In Michigan, you must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft. Teens between the ages of 14 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult, obtain a boating safety certificate, and keep it aboard the vessel during operation.

Children 12 years of age and older can operate motorboats on Michigan waterways under specific circumstances. Anyone who handles a boat or personal watercraft should have the proper training to use water vessels in a safe and legal manner.

Inclement weather

High wind, heavy rain, and fog can affect boat operators’ visibility and ability to steer.

According to the US Coast Guard, the vessels most often involved in fatal boating accidents are pontoon boats, kayaks, and open motorboats.

Water jets (also known as jet skis) are also known to capsize under certain conditions. Even a seasoned boat operator should check the forecast before boating and monitor for rapid weather changes while on the waterways. Keeping USCG-approved (United States Coast Guard) floatation devices on board and heading for the nearest safe shore are always good practices.

Mechanical defects

Some boating accidents occur because of mechanical problems. A Michigan boat accident lawyer can help you pursue monetary damages after accidents associated with:

• Engine failures

• Steering system malfunctions

• Electrical issues

• Cooling system defects

• Gears

• Fuel system failures

Determining who is at fault for a mechanical defect is complex. Boat accident attorneys can pinpoint who is responsible for your injuries.

When accidents happen, you don’t have to suffer alone. At Mike Morse Law Firm, we can make sure you know your rights under the State of Michigan law. For a free consultation, you can always email us or call us toll-free at 855-MIKE-WINS anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In 2020, the US Coast Guard received reports of 159 recreational boating accidents in Michigan. 29 of these accidents were fatal, and 31 people lost their lives. The one responsible for a preventable accident should compensate for the harm caused to injured victims or the victims’ surviving families.

Devastating boating accidents in 2020 were due to:

• Collisions with submerged, fixed, or floating objects

• Collisions with a governmental, commercial, or recreational boating vessel

• Carbon monoxide exposure

• Capsizing or sinking

• Electrocution

• Fall injuries

• Fires

• Explosions

• Flooding

• Propeller strike injuries

• Sudden medical conditions

• Drowning

• Grounding

After a boating accident, you might be eligible for the following compensation:

• Property damage: If your boat or property was hit by another boat, you can pursue money for repairing or replacing your possessions.

• Medical expenses: You could start racking up medical bills from the moment you are transported to the hospital. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for qualifying medical expenses, such as emergency services, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions.

• Lost wages: As you recover from your injuries and undergo medical treatment, you could miss many days of work. Your boating accident lawyer can help you calculate how much you are due in lost wages so you don’t miss out on a penny you deserve.

• Pain and suffering: Your physical injuries after a boating accident could cause you untold misery. You might also be suffering emotionally and mentally as you struggle to cope with the trauma. Our knowledgeable boat accident lawyers can help you pursue financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

• Wrongful death damages: Losing a loved one because of a preventable boat accident is devastating. Life is precious, and our team of boat accident attorneys knows that your family member is irreplaceable. Yet, a wrongful death settlement can cover funeral

expenses and lost income, thus lifting the economic burden from your family.

Would you like to learn how to qualify for financial compensation for your injuries and damaged property? A representative of our legal team is available 24 hours a day: Email, call 855-MIKE-WINS, or chat online with us now. You can also stop by our Detroit and Southfield, MI, offices to discuss your legal options.