In 2015, the U.S. Coast Guard investigated 4,158 accidents involving 2,613 injuries, 626 deaths and roughly $42 million in property damage to property from recreational boating accidents.
If you’ve been injured while recreationally boating in Tennessee waters, you may be entitled to significant compensation depending on the circumstances of your accident. Boating injuries often result from another operator’s negligence, including speeding, operating under the influence, improper lookout, or failure to follow navigation rules. These injuries can be particularly severe due to the risk of drowning, traumatic impact, and delayed emergency response on waterways. Unlike car accidents, boating accidents involve specialized maritime laws and regulations that require specific legal expertise to navigate successfully. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands both Tennessee boating laws and personal injury claims is essential to ensure you receive proper compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Boating Accident? We can help
The fatality rate is on the rise, with an almost 2 percent increase from 2014 when 5.2 deaths occurred for every 100,000 registered recreational boats. While not all causes of death were determined, in those cases that were, 76 percent of the deaths were due to accidental drowning. When life jacket usage was noted, 85 percent of the fatalities occurred to those who weren’t wearing any.
Over 70 percent died on vessels where the one at the helm had not received any instruction on boating safety when that information was known and a mere 15 percent of the total fatalities on boats happened with operators who received nationally-approved certifcates in boating safety.
Propellers caused the deaths of at least one individual in 158 boating accidents last year, causing 27 fatalities and 150 injuries. Eighty percent of drowned boaters were in vessels that were under 21 feet long.
Five main factors that contributed to boating accidents:
1. Operator inattention
2. Operator inexperience
3. Improper lookout
4. Machinery failure
5. Excessive speed
However, use of alcohol while boating remains the top contributing factor for fatal accidents out on the water. Last year alone, in just accidents where the primary causes were identified, alcohol usage topped the list as a primary factor in 17 percent of boating deaths.
If you or a family member get injured in a boating accident due to someone’s negligence, we can help you pursue civil litigation by filing a claim with the Tennessee courts. Contact OEB Law, PLLC at (865) 546-1111 today so we can get started working for you.
Why Trust Us
At OEB Law, our reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered significant compensation for our clients through both settlements and courtroom verdicts
- Client Satisfaction: Our numerous 5-Star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to responsive, caring, and effective legal representation
- No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation in your case
- Local Knowledge: As East Tennessee natives, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve
- Personalized Approach: We personalize each case to meet our clients’ specific needs, ensuring you’re never just another file number
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We proudly support:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley programs and toy drives
- Local high school football programs through Rivalry Thursday sponsorships
- The Knoxville Ice Bears and community fundraising initiatives
- Numerous youth, student, and community organizations throughout East Tennessee
As Tim Elrod says, “We don’t just take—we give back because the people you’re giving back to are the people who are supporting your firm.“
Have a personal injury or criminal defense case? We’re available 24/7 to help. Get In Touch
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In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a recreational boating injury claim is generally one year from the date of the accident, which is significantly shorter than in many other states. This limited timeframe makes it crucial to act quickly after a boating injury occurs. However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline—for example, if the accident occurred on federally navigable waters, federal maritime law might apply, potentially extending the filing period to three years. Additionally, if the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of majority. Because determining exactly which laws apply to your specific boating accident can be complex, consulting with a Knoxville personal injury attorney promptly after the incident is essential to preserve your legal rights and ensure you don’t lose your opportunity to seek compensation due to missed deadlines.
