Recreational boating accidents in Rhode Island occur out in the ocean, on the lake or the bay. Boating accident statistics reveal that most of them are actually preventable.

Boating mishaps may result in either minor or serious injuries. Recovering from serious boat injuries can be hard and can cost quite a lot. The emotional trauma, physical pain and not to mention the mounting bills can take a complete toll on anyone.

Boating Accident Statistics In Rhode Island

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating accident statistics in 2010 show that there were approximately 4, 064 boating accidents. This resulted in $35.5 million in property damage, 3, 153 injuries and 672 deaths. On average, for every 100, 000 registered water crafts or boats, six people died as a result of these accidents.

75% of the deaths that occurred in the same year were as a result of drowning. According to boating accident statistics, 88% of those who drowned as a result of boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

The U.S. Coast Guard also estimated that 80% of drowning occurred on smaller vessels. Small vessels in this case mean vessels that are less than 21feet long.

As of 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard revealed that there are over 12 million registered recreational boats throughout Rhode Island. There were 651 deaths, 3, 00 injuries, 4, 515 boat accidents and $38 million dollars of damage to property in 2012. When this statistic is compared to that of 2011, it shows that the number of injuries decreased by 2.6%, the number of deaths decreased by 14.1% and the number of accidents decreased by 1.6%.

What Is The Cause Of Boating Accidents?

Boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol and drugs seems to be the leading cause of boating accidents across Rhode Island. It is believed to be the reason behind 17% of all boating accidents in 2012. Alcohol impairs the ability to make accurate judgments when boating. It also increases susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion, increases fatigue and slows down reaction time.

In an operation conducted from June 28th to June 30th, by the U.S Coast Guard Units from Point Judith and Castle Hill and the Environmental Management’s Division of Law Enforcement, there were 337 BUI arrests, 9, 695 warnings and 4, 819 citations issued. The consequences of BUI in Rhode Island include loss of boating license or privilege, jail and fines.

Other causes of boating accidents include:

  1. Equipment system failure
  2. Machinery system failure
  3. Hazardous waters
  4. Operator inexperience
  5. Over speeding
  6. Recklessness
  7. Operator inattention

Boating Safety Laws In Rhode Island

The law in Rhode Island requires anyone who uses a recreational water vessel to take boating safety classes. The course covers a wide range of topics such as how to properly use a safety jacket.

These classes are important because they can make the difference between life and death. According to boating accident statistics, only 9% of deaths that occurred in 2012 were on boats where at least one person had been trained in boat safety. Ensure that you get boating safety instructions from a NASBLA approved course provider.

Hiring A Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating should be a fun way of spending time with loved ones and friends. But, unfortunate events can lead to serious boating accidents which can leave you or your loved ones to deal with permanent disabilities, lost wages, unpaid medical bills and even severe injuries.

If a loved one or you are injured in a boating accident due to another person’s negligence, then you deserve compensation so you and your family can get on with your lives.

To ensure that you receive the justice that you and your family deserve, you should retain an aggressive and skilled boating accident lawyer as soon as possible. You should hire one who is able to build an effective case that will help you maximize your recovery.

Get The Legal Help That You Deserve

At our firm, we utilize the most recent cutting edge technology to investigate every aspect of your accident and establish who is responsible. We also calculate how much compensation you deserve to get past this difficult time of your life. With our highly skilled and experienced boating accident lawyers, we are not afraid to take on large insurance companies or corporations.

Contact the Kevin P Landry Law Offices, MA and RI boat accident lawyers at (800)-200-7752 today and get the legal help that you deserve.