Most people think twice about getting into a car with an intoxicated driver, but what about when you’re on a boat? Boating may seem like a completely safe activity, especially if you’re out on a large lake with few other boats in sight. Unfortunately, boating accidents in Oklahoma account for a large number of injuries and fatalities each year, many of which are caused by unsafe boating practices. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident in Oklahoma, contact our experienced boating accident attorneys at AMA Law to discuss your options for legal recourse. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering, which you can pursue by filing a personal injury claim against the person found at-fault in the OK boating accident.
BOAT SAFELY – SAVE LIVES
Each year there are approximately 100 boating accidents reported in Oklahoma, resulting in about 100 injuries and ten fatalities. While these figures may seem low compared to Oklahoma car accidents and motorcycle accidents, it breaks down to about two boating accidents in Oklahoma every week, at least one injury per week, and one boating accident death every one to two months. While these numbers have remained largely steady throughout the state, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of boating accidents, injuries and fatalities. The following are some boating safety tips that all boaters should follow:
Make sure you have all the right equipment on board for emergencies, including flotation devices, a boat anchor, signaling devices, tow ropes, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit
Always check local weather conditions before departing; get off the water if you notice darkening clouds, rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature.
Don’t drink and drive; the probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are magnified by factors like sun and wind.
If you’re going to be in and around the water, make sure you know how to swim.
Beginner boaters and experts alike need to be familiar with boating safety rules of operation; boater education requirements vary by state, so make sure you check out Oklahoma’s requirements before you hit the water.
Make sure that more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s operations, handling, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured in some way, it’s important that someone else can help get everyone back to shore safely.
CONTACT AN OKLAHOMA BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR HELP
Boating accidents occur all too often in Oklahoma, resulting in serious injuries and tragic loss of life for Oklahoma residents and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Oklahoma, consult our skilled boating accident lawyers at AMA Law today. Our law firm is located in Oklahoma City, and our attorneys have years of experience helping boating accident victims protect their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Boating accidents can be devastating, possibly resulting in physical injuries, costly medical bills, and decreased quality of life for some victims. With the help of a qualified boating accident attorney in Oklahoma, victims of boating accident injuries can seek fair and timely reimbursement and protect themselves and their family from further harm.