Can the driver of a boat who acts in an irresponsible, unsafe manner be held liable for causing an accident?
This depends on the law in your state. In assigning blame to the driver, the court or jury will consider a number of questions: What caused the accident—the reckless driving of the boat’s operator, a malfunction of the boat or parts, defective boating equipment, carelessness on part of the injured party? Was the operator acting in compliance with applicable laws and regulations? And, was there an element of danger in the boating activity (e.g., water-skiing, etc.)?