The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Labor Day weekend saw many Michiganians decide to take their boats out on the water for the semi-official end to the summer season. Unfortunately, with many boats comes an increased risk of boating accidents, especially when teens are in control. On Saturday night, 8 teenagers were boating in Stahl's Bayou, an inlet off Spring Lake, attached to Lake Michigan by the Grand River when their vehicles collided. Three of the teens were riding a personal watercraft that was struck by a motorboat carrying the other five teens. The accident led to the immediate death of the watercraft driver. One of the passengers was transported to a nearby hospital, having lost a leg in the crash.

Although alcohol was not a factor and it is not known whether charges will be filed, the accident might have been due to reckless boating. The teens knew each other. The place where the vehicles collided is nicknamed "Hanky Panky," and has a reputation for thrill-seeking boaters performing dangerous maneuvers.

Boating can be as dangerous for teens as driving when they get together in large numbers and become subject to distraction and one-upmanship. This can lead to accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries.

If you have lost a loved one or suffered a serious personal injury as a result of a boating accident on any of Michigan's sporting waterways, the Detroit, Michigan accident attorneys of The Cochran Firm can help. Please contact us today to learn more.

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