Water and Boating Accidents in North Georgia

There is no better place to be than enjoying the water while boating in Georgia. Unfortunately, a day of fun and relaxation can quickly turn catastrophic when people act recklessly. Boating accidents can cause significant injuries and property damage, leaving victims struggling personally and financially.

At Geiger Legal Group, LLC, we want you to enjoy our beautiful North Georgia waterways while staying safe. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys are here to discuss some common causes of boating accidents in Georgia so you know how to protect yourself and others.

Boating Accidents Statistics

Boating accidents are an all-too-common occurrence in Georgia. In one recent year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division responded to 114 boating incidents. That same year, there were 14 fatalities, 67 injuries, and 69 drownings. The Law Enforcement Division also responded to 243 boating under the influence (BUI) situations.

Lake Lanier: One of the Deadliest Lakes in Georgia

Lake Lanier is a reservoir in North Georgia built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s for hydroelectric power, flood control of the Chattahoochee River, and water supply for nearby settlements. Hundreds of families were displaced when the lake was built, and dozens of cemeteries were relocated. However, some historians say unmarked graves were swept up or submerged while flooding the reservoir. This history even leads some to believe the lake is haunted.

Still, the lake remains a popular boating destination for millions of visitors each year. But it’s no surprise that more visitors means more fatalities. The Law Enforcement Division responded to 24 boating accidents on Lake Lanier in one recent year, the highest rate of boating incidents on any of Georgia’s lakes. There were 74 BUIs, 17 injuries, and 5 fatalities on Lake Lanier that same year. Some reports claim that as many as 200 people have died at the lake in the past 30 years.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Georgia

While boating is a beloved pastime for many Georgians, it can be just as dangerous as operating a car. Many boating accidents are caused by operator error, although bad weather can also play a part. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Georgia are:

• Operating a boat while distracted
• Operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Not having a designated lookout person
• Recklessly towing skiers
• Running aground
• Poor weather conditions
• Operating a boat at night

While boating is a recreational activity, boat operators are expected to follow the laws of the waterways and take care to avoid accidents.

Contact Geiger Legal Group, LLC to Represent You During Your Boating Accident Claim

If you have been injured in a boating accident on Lake Lanier or another waterway in Georgia, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Talk to an experienced Georgia boating accident attorney with Geiger Legal Group, LLC to learn about your legal options. We are committed to helping injury victims seek the money they deserve after an accident.