If you are lucky enough to live near a lake, river, or ocean, you will probably find yourself spending a significant amount of time on a boat. It can be easy to forget about the inherent dangers involved in boating when the wind is blowing through your hair and your boat is skimming along the top of the waves.

A boat is a powerful machine that can cause serious injury if not used properly. Boating injuries can be devastating, but you may be able to seek financial compensation through a personal injury case to help cover the costs associated with a boating injury.

1. Driver Error

Perhaps the most common cause of boating injuries is driver error. The driver of a boat needs to pay close attention to his or her surroundings at all times. Other boats, swimmers in the water, and alcoholic beverages can all impair a boat driver's ability to operate his or her watercraft safely.

If you are injured because the driver of the boat you were traveling on was negligent or reckless, your attorney can help you prepare a personal injury case.

2. Collision

Another common cause of boating injuries is a collision with another boat, watercraft, or unseen obstacle. There are no specified driving lanes on the open water. This means that boat drivers must use caution when navigating open water to avoid a collision with another vessel.

Rocks, jagged logs, and other underwater objects can also wreak havoc on the stability of a boat. Anytime a collision occurs between a boat and another object, the risk of injury to passengers is present.

Your attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your injury to help you determine if you should file a personal injury lawsuit.

3. Inadequate Safety Equipment

All boats are required to carry certain pieces of safety equipment that are designed to prevent injury while on the open water. This safety equipment includes properly fitted life jackets for each passenger, personal flotation devices, a fire extinguisher, and a device that can produce a warning sound (like a bell or whistle).

If the boat that you are on doesn't have adequate safety equipment and you sustain an injury as a result, you can seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney, like those at DeepWater Law Edward R. Petkevis, PC, will be able to help you identify your damages and file the paperwork required to protect your rights after a boating injury.