Top Causes For Boating Accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks

Boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks has officially started. So many come to this area to experience the memorable boating this lake has to offer. However, too many tragic boating accidents happen here year after year. Our boating accident lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to point out three of the top causes of boat accidents in this area, in this week’s blog. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident caused by a negligent boater, call Deputy and Mizell today. Our Missouri personal injury attorneys will sit down with you and help guide you with a plan to try and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call today for your consultation, the first one is free. We can be reached at 417-532-2191.

Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the Ozarks

Photo Credit: Fun Lake MO

3 Top Causes For Boating Accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks

1. THE PERSON OPERATING THE BOAT HAS VERY LITTLE EXPERIENCE BOATING.
Driving a boat on the Lake of the Ozarks (especially on busy weekends) requires great skill and technique. Drivers need to be alertly monitoring all sides of the boat, watching for swimmers, watercraft, floating sticks or logs, and wakes or waves that may throw them off course. Inexperienced boaters may have trouble successfully monitoring all their surroundings.

2. THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE ON THE BOAT AND THE BOATER BECOMES DISTRACTED.
Boats are designed to accommodate specific numbers of people. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for local boaters to push or exceed these limits. When a vessel becomes too crowded, the driver’s vision may be blocked by passengers, and/or he may become distracted by the shenanigans taking place on his boat. If he is distracted, he may not be able to react quickly enough.

3. THE BOATER IS INTOXICATED WHILE OPERATING THE BOAT.
Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol is not only foolish – it’s illegal. Intoxicated drivers put themselves and other boaters at great risk. Unfortunately, it happens all too frequently.

Another common reason boating accidents can happen at the Lake of the Ozarks is excessive speeding. Speed limits and no wake zones are there for a reason! They need to be obeyed. Because of its twisting shape and many winding coves, the Lake of the Ozarks limits drivers’ visibility (especially at night). It is easy for boats and other watercraft to appear seemingly out of nowhere. Driving too fast limits how much time drivers have to react to other boaters who enter their fields of vision. It also greatly decreases how quickly they will be able to stop (or slow) their own vessels.

Photo Credit: Fun Lake MO

Did Someone You Love Get Injured In A Boating Accident Caused By A Negligent Boater?

Too many boating accidents happen at the Lake of the Ozarks and as you can tell, so many of them could have been prevented. Boat safely! Never boat while intoxicated and stay alert at all times while operating a boat. It takes everyone boating responsibly to make for a safer boating experience at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, call Deputy and Mizell today and speak with one of our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks. We can be reached at the Lebanon Law Office phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.