What Causes Mississippi Boating Accidents?

A Mississippi boating accident can occur due to a number of causes, most of which can be prevented through minimal safety measures and a safety-conscious attitude. Common causes include falls overboard, collisions with fixed objects or other boats, mishaps involving water skis and other equipment, flooding, explosions or capsizing. Mississippi residents also face debris and other obstructions in waterways due to hurricane conditions that can cause further risk.

Safety Can Reduce Risk

Simple safety measures can significantly alter the amount of risk taken on by boat passengers and can save lives. These include being aware of and following state and federal boating laws, such as the federal law requiring a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each passenger on board a vessel. Children under 13 must wear a PFD at all times. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources estimates that 90 percent of all boating deaths occur due to drowning, so don't underestimate the power of PFDs. They do save lives.

In addition, factors such as alcohol use, dehydration or boating stressors related to the weather and water conditions can impact passenger and operator safety on Mississippi waterways. Boat operators should take their job seriously by having the proper training and making sure their boat is registered with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks. If you'd like to learn more about water safety and safe boat operation in Mississippi, you can take a boating safety course offered by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

Mississippi Boating Accident - What to Do

If you are involved in a Mississippi boating accident, understand that it is the boat operator's obligation to file a boating accident report immediately. If the accident involves loss of life, medical attention beyond simple first aid, damage to the boat or disappearance of a person or persons, a boating accident report must be filed with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Boaters can also contact the Marine Patrol or Coast Guard in the case of an emergency (click on the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources link for contact information).

Boating Accidents and Fault

Negligence determines who pays for damages sustained in a Mississippi boating accident. This means that the person responsible for the damages pays for them. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care and can include violating safety standards, recklessness or intoxication while operating a boat. Negligence can be shared across more than one party and will affect the amount of financial responsibility incurred by each negligent party. Because of the complexities of determining negligence in a Mississippi boating accident and the number of potential damages, which include pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and future medical care, and property damage, it is a good idea to contact a Mississippi boat accident lawyer for information on filing a claim for damages. A Mississippi boating accident lawyer can assess the merits of your case and, if warranted, file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Interested in a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation from an experienced Mississippi boating accident lawyer? Fill out our case evaluation form today.