Earlier this week in the Chesapeake Bay, one young girl was killed and seven others were injured when a speed boat driver lost control of the boat he was operating, sending it into several other boats that were full of spectators. According to one news source, the girl was on a boat that was tethered together with several other boats, all of which were watching the speedboat race that was billed as “NASCAR on the water.”
Evidently, the accident occurred around five in the afternoon during the 25th annual Thunder in the Narrows race. As the boat’s operator lost control and careened into the string of spectator boats, seven people were injured, and one young girl died. Three of the injured victims were flown to the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Four others sustained some minor injuries but were not hospitalized.
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently in the midst of an investigation into the accident, hoping to learn more as to why the boat’s operator lost control of the vessel. Charges have not been filed against the boat’s driver yet. However, that could change depending upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Boat Accidents in Maryland
In Maryland, there are over 125 serious boating accidents each year. Over the past few years, about 15 of these accidents have resulted in at least one fatality, and over 60 have resulted in at least one serious injury. Like car accidents, many of these boating accidents are caused by operator error. Some of the more common causes of boating accidents in Maryland are:
- Alcohol-related accidents,
- Speed-related accidents,
- Passenger or skier error, and
- Failure to maintain a proper lookout.
Roughly a quarter of all boating accidents involve personal watercraft, such as Wave-Runners or Jet-Skis.
Liability in Maryland Boating Accidents
Maryland boaters, like Maryland drivers, all have a duty to safely operate their vessels in a responsible manner at all times. This includes following all laws and regulations, including keeping a good lookout. As mentioned above, a large percentage of boating accidents are caused by preventable operator error. In these cases, the negligent operator may be held liable for any injuries that result from their negligence. To learn more about Maryland boat accidents, call a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Involved in a Serious Boating Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious boating accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages. As an accident victim, you are entitled to bring a lawsuit in your own name, seeking damages for past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering caused by the accident. If you have lost a loved one in a Maryland boating accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking similar damages. To learn more about what kinds of options you may have as a Maryland accident victim, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with a skilled personal injury advocate.
More Blog Posts:
Mother of Child Born with Cerebral Palsy Claims Doctor Was Negligent, Maryland Accident Law Blog, May 11, 2015.
Maryland Woman’s Medical Malpractice Claims Dismissed After Missing Statute of Limitations, Maryland Accident Law Blog, June 8, 2015.