Lake Havasu is the narrow stretch of water that surrounds the border between California and Arizona. This is a tourist attraction among many and a year round destination for a wide range of people. In our experience as Arizona boating accident attorneys, however, it is also the site of many accidents. Based on statistics, it was said that 10 people die from unintentional drowning in a day. The risk of drowning also increases with age, around natural water settings.
In recent news, two people were found dead and another one found injured in two totally separate incidents in Lake Havasu near, the Arizona-California border. Reports say a person drowned Saturday afternoon at Copper Canyon on the California side of the lake. Further information is still unavailable.
In related news, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office says a woman was found dead and a man injured on the north end of the lake when a boat allegedly struck them near the mini sandbar. The boat operator was said to have been maneuvering near the shallow water when he struck the woman. The propeller hit the woman’s upper body which caused her death. The man was supposedly going to help her but was also struck by the propeller. The man is now in stable condition at a Las Vegas hospital.
People should be extra careful when near or in a body of water, such as a lake or even swimming pools. Patrol teams and lifeguards will not always be around to keep watch and it will be very unfortunate for some who get involved in incidents such as these.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident in a natural body of water, you may call us for a free consultation at (480) 389-2463. You can also follow us on our Arizona Law Team Twitter account for news, useful information and other topics of interest.
A 13-year-old girl from Mesa was killed in a boating accident involving a wakeboard. According to an AZFamily news report, the fatal boat accident occurred on Cheney Lake located in south-central Kansas. The teenage girl was waiting to be picked up after wakeboarding when the boat turned around and the propeller hit her. She died from her injuries before emergency crews arrived at the scene of the incident. The authorities have stated that this is a tragic accident and that alcohol was not a factor.
There are many potential causes of fatal boating accidents in Arizona. Drivers must remember to never operate a boat or watercraft under the influence and to use extreme caution when pulling a skier or wakeboarder. If the lake is crowded, boaters would be well advised to dock their boat or to drive slowly and to only pass when it safe to do so. Only experienced boaters should be allowed to operate the boat in adverse conditions or when multiple passengers are on board. Lifejackets should be worn at all times while on the water.
Unfortunately, no amount of safety precautions can prevent all serious injury boating accidents. Depending upon the circumstances of the accident, financial compensation may be available for the victim or the victim’s family. A skilled boating accident attorney can help a family understand their legal rights and options.
The experienced Arizona boating accident attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C handle all types of injury accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered a loss in a boating accident, please call our offices at 602-457-6222 for a free consultation.
As the July 4 holiday weekend approaches, more and more vacationers are heading toward Arizona’s beautiful lakes. As boating accident lawyers in Arizona, we believe it is important this time of the year to remember that boating can be dangerous and that safe boating habits should be practiced at all times.
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, “All vessels except sailboards and certain racing shells or rowing skulls must have at least one wearable… life jacket…” Vessels 16 feet or longer are also required to have a floatation device on board in case someone falls overboard. Additionally, all children under the age of 13 are required to wear a USCG approved life jacket at all times while on a boat.
Boat operators should be extremely careful especially during the summer when the waters may be congested with those swimming, kayaking, boating or operating jet skis. Passengers should remain seated while the boat is moving. Although it is common for individuals on a lake to drink, it is critical that no one gets on a boat while under the influence. Operating a boat under the influence (OUI) is a serious offense in Arizona. Passengers who are under the influence also put themselves at risk.
If you or a loved one is involved in a boating accident, it is important you treat it like you would a car accident. Insurance and contact information should be exchanged, the authorities should be notified and anyone that has been injured should seek immediate medical attention.
The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. help injured victims of Arizona boating accidents get compensation for the damages they have suffered. We provide no cost consultations at 602-457-6222 to anyone that has suffered a loss in an Arizona boat accident.
