With Georgia’s summer boating season in full swing, lakes and rivers across the state—from Lake Oconee near Athens to the Savannah River in Augusta—become hotspots for recreation. Unfortunately, as more people take to the water, the risk of boating accidents also rises. If you’ve been injured in a boating collision or watercraft incident, you may be wondering: Can I receive compensation for my injuries?
At Burnside Law Firm, we help victims throughout Georgia understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve after boating-related accidents.
Negligence on the Water
Boating accidents often occur due to negligence—a boat operator’s failure to act with reasonable care. Under Georgia law, boaters have a legal duty to operate their vessels safely and to follow all applicable boating regulations. Common causes of boating accidents include:
- Operator inexperience
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Boating under the influence (BUI)
- Failure to maintain proper lookout
- Equipment failure or poor vessel maintenance
When someone else’s negligence leads to your injury, you may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there were 191 boating accidents, 91 injuries, and 23 fatalities on Georgia waters in 2022 alone. Many of these incidents occurred during the peak summer months, particularly on popular bodies of water like Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta and Lake Lanier.
As the number of recreational boaters increases each summer, so does the potential for serious and often preventable injuries.
Your Legal Rights After a Boating Accident
If you’re injured in a boating accident in Athens, Augusta, or anywhere in Georgia, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. This could include the boat operator, rental company, manufacturer, or other responsible entities.
At Burnside Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Gathering evidence, including witness statements and accident reports
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary to pursue full compensation
It’s important to act quickly, as Georgia has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims—generally two years from the date of the accident.
Why Choose Burnside Law Firm?
With offices in Athens and Augusta, Burnside Law Firm is well-positioned to serve clients across Northeast and Central Georgia. We’ve built our reputation on personalized service, aggressive advocacy, and a deep understanding of Georgia boating laws.
Our legal team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping injury victims recover both financially and emotionally.
Injured in a Boating Accident? Let Us Help.
Don’t let someone else’s careless actions on the water go unchallenged. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating accident, contact Burnside Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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