If you or a loved one were injured in any type of boating or water related accident on the Ohio River, contact us today for a free consultation. You will be connected directly to one of our experienced attorneys immediately.
Accidents on the Ohio River
The Ohio River is 980 miles long. It’s the northern border of Kentucky, separating it from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In the northeast, it separates Kentucky from West Virginia. At the southwest end of the river, it flows into the Mississippi River at the far southern tip of Illinois.
You Can’t Hit the Brakes
Given the fact that the river is used both commercially and recreationally, accidents involving injuries and deaths occur on it. It doesn’t matter if its a barge or a recreational powerboat. Boats don’t have brakes. They take significant distances to come to a complete stop. The larger that the boat is, the more distance it needs to come to a complete stop.
Increased Registrations
Collisions are the most dangerous types of boating accidents. Two common mistakes that lead to boat collision injuries and fatalities are alcohol and speed. As per the United States Coast Guard, there has been a significant increase in boat registration in the last decade. Many of those involve jet skis and personal watercrafts. With more boats on waterways like the Ohio River, the likelihood of being involved in a boating accident increases.
Common Causes of Boating Injuries and Deaths
The 2017 Kentucky boating season saw several fatalities on the Ohio River. More than a dozen other people suffered serious injuries. The leading cause of death was drowning. That was followed by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and hypothermia. The common causes of these injuries and deaths included the following:
- Operator inattention and failure to keep a proper lookout.
- Inexperienced operators at the wheel.
- Excessive speed.
- Failure to follow navigational rules.
- Irresponsible passenger behavior
- Being on the water during poor weather conditions.
Of course, impaired judgment as a result of alcohol consumption, drugs or a combination of both while on the water can contribute to any of these causes.
Negligence
That fact that you might have been injured or lost a family member in a boating accident isn’t sufficient for purposes of obtaining compensation for your damages. You’re required to show negligence, and that might involve complicated litigation. You’re going to need a full and complete investigation by an experienced Kentucky boating accident lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Law Firm
Just like on our roadways, speed, alcohol and negligence aren’t allowed on our waterways either. If you’ve been injured or lost a family member as a result of a boating accident anywhere in Kentucky, contact our offices to arrange for a free consultation and case evaluation. We’ll learn about the specific facts involved in your case. Then we’ll discuss those facts with you. After that, we’ll advise you of your full range of legal options. If we enter into a retainer agreement, it won’t cost you a single penny to retain us either. That’s because we take these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid anything at all unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you. Contact us right away after being injured or losing a family member in any water or boating accident.
