Mississippi Boating Accidents Lawyer

Boating is an exciting pastime, especially in Mississippi, which sits on the Gulf Shore and has rivers zigzagging across its terrain. Mississippi’s coastline brings in thousands of visitors every single year, not to mention the locals who look forward to the next boating season as soon as one ends. But with a variety of waterways comes an elevated risk of boating accidents—and Mississippi sees plenty of them.

A boating collision can leave you with serious injuries, significant damage to your boat and other property, and other losses. It’s important to understand your options and explore your next steps with a legal team. Call Gardner Law Group at 228-436-6555 to set up a consultation with our personal injury team now.

How Common Are Boating Accidents?

The statistics on boating accidents are alarming. The United States Coast Guard collects data every year and publishes it to help operators and travelers stay safe. In 2022 alone, there were over 4,000 boating collisions in the United States. They resulted in over 600 deaths and more than 2,200 injuries. On top of that, accidents caused $63 million in property damage. While the number of accidents, deaths, and injuries did decrease from the prior year, the numbers are still far higher than they should be.

The data also shows some common errors that may lead to worse outcomes for boaters. In fatal accidents, the cause of death was drowning in three-fourths of all cases. Among these deaths, 85% of victims were not wearing life jackets at the time of death. Wearing a life jacket, no matter how good of a swimmer you are or how well you know the body of water you’re on, can truly save your life.

Another cause of death in these accidents is being struck by a propeller. In nearly one-fourth of cases involving this type of injury, victims died because of their injuries. Victims who survive are often left with traumatic brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating collisions are attributed to a wide range of factors, including human error, environmental concerns, and equipment failure. Across the board, though, human error is the most common problem. Knowing these causes of collisions can help you avoid accidents and understand your rights after a crash:

• Inattention and inexperience: Inattention and inexperience can be fatal when it comes to boating. The same people who would never consider getting behind the wheel of a car without a full driving education course may have no problem taking control of a boat with little more than a YouTube tutorial. This is why boating safety courses are crucial for everyone who may be in a position to operate a boat. Even among experienced boaters, inattention is a serious issue. Operators must be attentive so they can avoid other boats, respond to changes in weather and water conditions, and notice any potential equipment concerns before they become urgent. 

• Alcohol use: Alcohol use is one of the most common factors in all boating accidents, especially fatal ones. Again, some of the same people who would never drink and drive fail to see the issue with drinking and boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, response time, and motor skills, dramatically increasing the likelihood of an accident. There are numerous public safety initiatives focusing on sober boating and the importance of having a designated operator.

• Poor weather: Weather is unpredictable, but this issue most commonly affects those who don’t check the weather before heading out for a day on the boat. It’s crucial to plan for the worst possible scenario when planning a boat trip. An in-depth look at the weather forecast can help you stay close enough to shore to return home if the weather turns.

• Speeding: Speeding in the water is incredibly dangerous. There are no “lanes” like there are on the road, and you run the risk of crossing paths with another speeding boat. The chances of an accident are much higher when you exceed a safe speed.

Proving Liability and Demanding Compensation

Proving liability is an important part of fighting for the compensation you deserve. This is why we recommend getting a Mississippi boating accident lawyer involved as quickly as possible; we can investigate the accident, gather necessary evidence, and figure out exactly what happened.

In most accidents, liability comes down to one of the two boat operators. In some cases, liability is split between the two. However, when the accident can be attributed to equipment failure, a manufacturer or repair shop may ultimately be the liable party.

Evidence tends to degrade quickly, so it’s crucial to start exploring your legal options right away. Eyewitness testimony, video footage, proof of damage to involved boats, and medical reports can all help your lawyer figure out whose error led to a collision.

How the Team at Gardner Law Group Can Help

The team at Gardner Law Group is committed to helping boating accident victims in Biloxi and Pascagoula. We’re well-versed in the boating culture of Mississippi, and we realize the risks you face every time you hit the open water. Our in-depth understanding of boating laws and regulations, both on a state level and a federal level, gives us the insight needed to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.

Our work begins with a thorough investigation of your accident, injuries, and other losses. By gathering and analyzing evidence, we strive to figure out how the accident happened and whose negligence caused it.

From there, we use the evidence we have to build a case proving that you are owed compensation. During negotiations and, if necessary, trial prep, we’ll fight aggressively for what you are owed and highlight the other party’s role in your losses. While you focus on recovering, we will fight your legal battle.

Start Your Claim with Our Team Today

The sooner you begin working with the team at Gardner Law Group, the sooner we can start building your case. Let’s get started with a free consultation. You can call our Biloxi office at 228-436-6555, call our Pascagoula office at 228-762-6555, or send us a message online to get started.