In 2014, boating accidents in Pennsylvania caused 21 deaths and 39 injuries. Across the country, 4,064 boating accidents were reported that same year.
From kayaks and jet skis to motorboats and houseboats, Philadelphia-area waterways offer endless recreational opportunities. But when alcohol, speed, or inexperience enters the picture, a day on the water can turn tragic.
If a negligent boat operator injured you or someone you love, the Philadelphia boating accident lawyers at Brotherly Law are ready to help. We handle serious personal injury claims and pursue full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term harm.
Leading Causes of Boating Accidents
The most common accident types nationwide include:
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Collision with another vessel (937)
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Flooding or swamping (463)
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Collision with a fixed object (452)
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Drowning (418)
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Grounding (359)
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Skiing mishaps (292)
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Falling overboard (281)
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Capsizing (280)
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Fires and explosions (263)
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Falling inside the vessel (147)
Open motorboats account for the highest number of deaths and injuries. In 2014 alone, motorboats were involved in 282 fatalities and 1,390 injuries.
Human Error Is the Biggest Risk Factor
Most boating accidents happen because of operator error. The leading contributing factors include:
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Operator inattention
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Improper lookout
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Operator inexperience
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Excessive speed
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Alcohol use
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Machinery failure
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Navigation rule violations
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Hazardous waters
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Weather conditions
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Force of wave or wake
While alcohol receives the most attention, it ranked fifth among contributing factors. Alcohol played a role in 277 accidents nationwide, resulting in 248 injuries and 108 deaths.
Inattention and inexperience caused even more harm.
Improper loading and unloading also presents serious risks. In 2014, loading-related incidents caused 158 accidents, 75 injuries, and 63 deaths. Overloading alone led to 52 fatalities.
When Negligence Causes Injury
Boating laws often lack strict oversight. Teens operate vessels. Adults drink behind the wheel. Drivers speed through crowded waterways.
When someone behaves recklessly on the water, innocent passengers, swimmers, and nearby boaters suffer the consequences.
If a negligent operator caused your injuries, you may have a strong personal injury claim. Pennsylvania law allows injured victims to recover compensation for:
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Medical expenses
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Lost income
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Pain and suffering
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Long-term disability
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Wrongful death damages
Philadelphia Boating Injury Lawyers
You may not want to file a lawsuit. But sometimes legal action is the only way to secure the financial recovery your family needs.
Brotherly Law represents clients injured on the Delaware River, Blue Marsh Lake, Marsh Creek Lake, throughout Bucks County, and across Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.
Our attorneys, Austin R. Freundlich and Gregory C. Littman, have handled hundreds of personal injury cases. We treat every client with respect and direct access to experienced counsel.
We offer free consultations. You pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If you were injured in a boating accident, call (215) 545-8500 or contact us online today.
Request A Free Consultation