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Pleasure boat accidents occur while boating on navigable waters, including lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. Pleasure boat accidents happen while riding pleasure boats of varying sizes, including jet skis, row boats, ski boats, yachts, recreational fishing boats, cruise ships, or if your property is damaged by any of these vessels. Pleasure boat accidents fall under different laws that accidents that happen on land. Laws include the Jones Act, maritime and admiralty laws and other offshore laws, and contacting an injury attorney who specializes in these laws is important.

Pleasure boat accidents include collisions, which are actually called “allisions” if they are caused by vessels in the water, as well as property damage, theft, fires, cruise ship claims, and fishing accidents. Cases also include missing people and wrongful death cases, when vessels malfunction, run aground and/or capsize.

Some ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe include:

• Always have an adequate amount of life jackets, and wear them at all times
• Do not drive while intoxicated or ride with a driver who is intoxicated
• The driver must also have a license to operate the vessel
• Avoid boating during inclement weather conditions
• Maintain a safe distance from other boats at all times
• Avoid excessive speeds and activities like “wake jumping”
• Be aware of shallow water, jutting land, buoys and other hazards
• It is mandatory that children under the age of 12 wear life vests at all times
• Have a good understanding of maritime traffic rules
• Have a way to contact emergency services at all times
• Know your location at all times

If you or a loved one was killed or injured while pleasure boating, you should contact a personal injury attorney, especially one who specializes in maritime law, immediately. There are many factors that can determine whether you have a case, including negligence, property damage, faulty manufacturing, driver or passenger error, unsafe water conditions, and any other unsafe situations.