The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Thousands of Americans are injured or killed in boating accidents annually. Most of these injuries and deaths were caused by carelessness, recklessness, excessive speed and operator inexperience. Alcohol consumption was a factor in 50% of all boating accidents. Poor weather conditions had very little to do with causing boating accidents according to statistics.

Boaters fall overboard, boats capsize, boats collide with other boats, docks and floating debris. Falling overboard and drowning is the primary cause of death in boating accidents. Statistics reveal that 85% of the drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. It has also been shown that a boating accident with injuries or fatalities usually involves excessive speed, the consumption of alcohol and an inexperienced operator.

Some safety precautions to follow to ensure a pleasant experience on the water would include life jackets for all on board, never operating the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not using excessive speed and watching out for floating debris at all times.

If you live in the Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia area and you have been injured in a boating accident, you should contact the Portsmouth, Virginia office of The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you to learn about your legal rights.

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