Boating accidents and injuries can also be a problem of the boatâ€'s owner, even if they are not driving when the injury occurs.
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Combining water, fast moving propellers, high horse power watercraft, lack of metal frames and no seat-belts, it is no surprise boating accidents can be some of the most tragic injury cases.
Every Spring and Summer people venture out to Lake Lanier in Forsyth and Hall County and unfortunately due to alcohol consumption by others, inexperience or just not paying attention, innocent lake goers are run over by a boat, drown or are permanently maimed by spinning propellers.
Clearly, a negligent boater can be held responsible for their actions, but under Georgia Law the owner of the boat or watercraft can also be held responsible for loaning their boat to another.
The Georgia Supreme Court in Gunn v. Booker, 259 Ga. 343 (1989), found that under Georgia Law (O.C.G.A §§ 51-1-21 and 51-1-22) the owner of a boat or watercraft can be held responsible for boating accident injuries caused by another person’s negligence if the driver is a family member, or the owner gave consent for the negligent party to operate the boat or watercraft. It is presumed that the vessel is being operated with consent of the owner if operated by an immediate member of the owner’s family.
If you or a loved one is injured on Lake Lanier in Hall or Forsyth County due to a boating accident, please Call or Email us, experienced Boating Accident Lawyer’s at A. Bishop Law for a free consultation.
About the attorney: Anne Bishop is a Georgia lawyer with A. Bishop Law in Gainesville, Georgia and handles various DUI / DWI, Marijuana Arrests and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters. The law office of A. Bishop Law can assist clients throughout Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), Jackson County (Jefferson, Braselton) White County (Helen, Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), and all of Northeast Georgia.
This article and/or video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.