Boating Accident Prevention Tips

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

There are many opportunities for recreational boating and jet skiing on Long Island.  However, many boating injuries occur each year due to negligence.  It is important to understand how to avoid dangerous and unsafe practices while boating.  Here are a few tips to help prevent accidents on the water.

Accident Prevention Tips:

• Keep Your Distance – Respect the space of the other boaters around you.  This will help you avoid blind spots and potential collisions.  Drivers of personal watercrafts, like jet skis, also need to be careful.  PWCs can turn quickly and accelerate rapidly.  Leave yourself enough space to react to other drivers.
• Mind Your Wake – Look behind you before you make a turn.  You should also be conscious of other boaters’ wakes. 
• Lookout for Shoals and Sandbars – Running aground is a common problem among boaters.  It is a good idea to obtain a nautical chart before heading out into an unknown area.  If you do run aground, stop the engine and check for damage.  You may also be able to push the boat off or use a kedge anchor.
• Proper Seasonal Maintenance – Keeping up with regular maintenance will extend the life of your boat.  Remember to change the oil once a year, inspect belts and hoses, and check for corrosion and oxidation.
• Maximum Capacity – Always make sure that the recommended capacity indicated on the boats’ capacity plate is not exceeded.

Many people don’t’ realize that they can receive compensation for injuries they've suffered in a boating accident.  You may be able to receive compensation to help pay for your medical bills and lost wages.  Our personal injury attorneys will investigate the boater’s homeowner insurance, your own health insurance, and whether or not a civil suit can be brought against the boat captain’s personal assets.

Learn more about boating safety here.  You can also contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. if you have experienced a boating accident.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.