Tennessee Boating Accidents
The waterways of Tennessee provide hours of enjoyment for boaters. Tennessee has nearly 60,000 stream miles and about 540,000 lake acres, so it is no surprise that more than 250,000 boats are registered here. Boating opportunities abound at numerous lakes in East Tennessee including Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, Boone Lake, Douglas Lake, Melton Hill Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Fort Loudon Lake, Tellico Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Nickajack Lake, South Holston Lake and Watauga Lake. But the state’s lakes and rivers can also prove dangerous to those injured in boating accidents. Boat operators don’t always follow the rules, and alcohol often plays a deadly role.
The attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton in Morristown, Tennessee understand the tragic repercussions suffered by victims and families hurt on the water. Spinal cord injuries, brain injury, broken bones and drowning are among the results of boating accidents. If you’re hurt in a boating accident, we’ll work hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We have helped clients in Knoxville, Knox County, Rogersville, Morristown, Hamblen County, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Newport, Johnson City, Kingsport and Sevierville.
If you suffer serious injuries as the result of a boating accident, negligence may be to blame. Reckless boaters fail to adhere to the Tennessee Boating Safety Act, overseen and enforced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Key provisions of this law include the following:
- Boaters must not operate any sail or powered vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – and any boat operator asked to take a blood alcohol test must comply or risk loss of license.
- Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to operate a powered boat unless accompanied by an adult ready to take control if necessary – there are exceptions for low horsepower outboard motors and completion of a boating education course.
- Reckless operation of a boat that endangers life, limb or property may be punishable with a fine and jail time.
- Boat owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by their boats, even if they are not present at the time of the accident.
- Any boating accident must be reported to the TWRA and any accident involving medical treatment or a missing person must be reported within 48 hours.
- Boat operators involved in an accident are required to provide assistance as needed.
- Boat operators involved in accidents involving serious injury or death may be charged with a felony.
- Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, must adhere to the same rules as any other boat – and they must be registered.
- Any boats carrying passengers for hire must obtain a license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Passengers on boats operated within certain areas below a dam must wear a life jacket.
Boaters who fail to follow the rules and cause harm must be held accountable. If you’ve been harmed by a negligent, reckless or intoxicated boat operator, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. If you have lost a loved one due to a boating accident, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
The Morristown, Tennessee boating accident attorneys at Terry, Terry & Stapleton have the experience, compassion and commitment to represent you on your injury claim. If you need legal assistance with a boat accident claim, or to schedule an evaluation of your case, contact us by calling 877-489-5411. We have helped our clients recover some of the largest legal settlements or courtroom verdicts in East Tennessee and the Southeast.
