Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and, with it, boating season in Ohio. The long weekend is one of the busiest recreational boating days of the summer, and the increased boating traffic can present additional hazards. Before you head out on the water, remember to make boater safety your number one priority, and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone on board stays safe.

Robenalt Law wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. If your holiday plans involve boating, we want to help ensure you and your passengers are safe.

Safe Boating Tips for Labor Day Weekend

Like any major holiday weekend, Labor Day is a time of increased boat traffic on Lake Erie and Ohio’s inland lakes and rivers. Times of high boat traffic correspond with an increase in boating accidents. Fortunately, you can do several things to stay safe on the water.

For a safe and fun boating experience, the US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recommend the following boat safety tips.

• BOAT SOBER. Never boat under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
• WEAR A LIFE JACKET. 85% of people who drowned in a recreational boating incident were not wearing a life jacket. Always wear your life jacket.
• CARRY A VHF-FM MARINE RADIO. Boaters should have an operational marine VHF radio on their boat in order to contact the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency.
• TAKE A BOATER SAFETY COURSE. In accidents where the operator’s instruction was known, 74% of fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received any boating safety instruction.

What To Do If You Were Hurt in a Boating Accident

Unfortunately, boating accidents can and do occur. Some boating accidents are fatal. If you were seriously injured or someone you love was killed in a boating accident, you and your family might be entitled to compensation.

Robenalt Law is a boat accident injury law firm that represents people injured and the families of people killed in boating accidents in and around Cleveland, Columbus, throughout Ohio, and across the country. Boating accidents pose unique challenges that are not present in other types of personal injury claims. Unique state and federal laws apply, and there are different requirements if the operator is working commercially or is a recreational user.

Proving Liability in a Boating Accident

Ultimately, the boat owner is responsible for the safety of their passengers and are required to have proper safety equipment on board. The specific requirements vary depending on the type and size of the vessel and whether it is being operated recreationally or commercially.

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a boating accident, our boat accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances of the accident and fight for the compensation you deserve. We will evaluate the cause of the accident and how it led to your your injuries.

Common causes of boating accidents include:

• Operator inexperience
• Drug or alcohol use
• Violation of safety or navigational rules
• Equipment failure
• Weather
• Inattention or distraction
• Passenger behavior
• Excessive weight

These factors can create dangerous conditions that can lead to serious accidents, such as:

• Collisions with other boats, docks, or other obstacles
• Falling overboard
• Capsize
• Sinking
• Flooding
• Fire
• Explosion
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Contact a Boat Accident Injury Lawyer at Robenalt Law Today

A boating accident can cause serious, even fatal injuries. If your life was touched by the tragedy of a boating accident, Robenalt Law can help. We can evaluate your claim, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

Most injuries caused by boating accidents are covered by the boat owner’s insurance policy. But obtaining the compensation you deserve can be challenging, especially while you are trying to heal from your injuries or process the tragic loss of a loved one. Let our experienced boat accident injury lawyers handle your claim, so you can focus on moving forward.

Attorney Tom Robenalt began his career working for a large insurance defense firm in Cleveland. Today, he uses that experience to seek justice for people who were harmed by the wrongful acts of others.

To put his knowledge and expertise to work for you, call (216) 223-7535 or contact Robenalt Law today to schedule a free and confidential appointment at either our Cleveland or our new Columbus office to discuss how we can help.