Reckless Actions
Some actions are deemed so reckless that they may excuse other damage and injury from boat operators whether the actions are intentional or not.
- Bow riding.
- Damage caused by the wake of his/her boat. (Know the location of no wake zones and what minimum distances you are allowed to operate a boat near docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps and people in the water.)
- Not carrying the required safety equipment.
- Crossing hazardous inlets and bars.
- Excessive speed for the conditions.
Slow-No Wake Zones and Other Restrictions
Boaters who ignore the boating regulation may open themselves up to liability. In “Slow-No wake” zones vessels must either, travel at or below idle speed, or, at such speed that the boat or its wake is not sufficient to cause possible injury or damage to other persons, boats, or property.
Vessels also must not be used, operated, or anchored in such a way that interferes with or blocks vessel traffic in designated channels.
Personal watercraft (PWC) operators may not become airborne while crossing the wake of another motorboat and within 100 feet of that motorboat. PWC must not be operated at greater than slow – no wake speed within 50 feet of any other vessel, PWC or person in the water.
When Things Go Wrong
While being on the water is great fun, it sometimes goes terribly wrong. When it goes wrong and you or someone you love is injured, contact the experienced boat accident attorneys at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower. Compare our credentials to those of attorneys at any other firm, and then call us at 877-374-5999 or contact us at this link for a private consultation. We are here for you.