Boating Accidents in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s many lakes and waterways provide ample opportunity for residents to enjoy boating and other recreational activities, which can be fun but also dangerous. Like cars and trucks, the high speeds achieved by boats can cause them to be instruments of serious injury and even death; however, boat operators often take risks that they may not have considered if they were behind the wheel of a car. At The Barkett Law Firm in Tulsa, our attorneys represent victims of boating accidents, working tirelessly to help our clients obtain fair compensation for their injuries.
Factors contributing to boat crashes in Oklahoma
According to the Safety Division of the U.S. Coast Guard, there were over 4,500 boating accidents in 2011, which resulted in approximately 3,000 injuries and 700 deaths nationwide. Many of these accidents were attributed to boats being operated by inexperienced drivers and riders who had not received proper instruction before going out on the water. Other contributing factors to boating accidents include:
- Operators who are not paying attention
- Operating a boat or other watercraft while intoxicated (drunk boating)
- Boats not having a designated lookout
- Boats being driven too fast for conditions
- Machinery being defective or dangerous
Boats and other watercraft, such as jet skis, are considered recreational vehicles, and as a result, we do not always associate them with risk or consider the potential dangers of being on a boat in the open water. However, collisions with other boats, watercraft or people are often the cause of catastrophic or fatal injuries, including head injuries and paralysis. These accidents can be just as serious as a car accident or truck accident.
Defective equipment leading to boating accidents & injuries
Sometimes, boating accidents are not the fault of the boat owner or driver, but instead are caused by defective equipment or machinery on the boat. For example, The Barkett Law Firm handled a case in which a boat caught on fire because of a negligently designed fuel system. In these situations, the manufacturer of the boating equipment may be held liable for injuries and damages. Please see our products liability page for more information about these types of personal injury claims.
Contact a dedicated boating accident attorney in Tulsa
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating or jet ski accident, please contact The Barkett Law Firm in Tulsa to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys. If you are recovering from an injury, we can meet with you in your home or hospital room.