Michigan Personal Injury Blog - Boating

Spring Lake Teen Dies in Labor Day Boating Accident

David Mittleman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:45:15 GMT

Spring Lake Township—a Labor Day weekend turned tragic after a teenage boy was killed after his Sea-Doo personal watercraft collided with a powerboat in Stahl’s Bayou on Saturday evening. One of the boy’s passengers on the personal watercraft has reportedly lost her leg as a result of the collision and is in critical condition. The second passenger is reportedly doing well and suffered only minor bumps and bruises.

15-year-old Robert Jack Jervosek of Spring Lake was driving his 2007 GTX Sea-Doo personal watercraft with 23-year-old Kaitlin Van Dam and another 16-year-old girl riding on the back when he collided with a 2005 MasterCraft Ski Boat. None of the five teenagers riding in the boat were injured.

The powerboat was apparently making a large turn, when it struck the personal watercraft from behind. Rescuers were called at approximately 7:10 p.m. to the scene of the accident, where Jervosek was pronounced dead. According to investigators, the 15-year-old driver of the powerboat had his boating safety certification. Furthermore, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the accident, although the accident is still under investigation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Saginaw Man's Brush with Death Offers Lessons in Boating Safety

David Mittleman — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

A 61-year-old Saginaw man had planned a fun summer getaway: he was going to kayak from Michigan State University to Grand Rapids. He was barely on his way when his plans soon took a turn for the worse when his kayak flipped over in the Red Cedar River. Luckily, prior to starting his journey, he was wise enough to place his cell phone in a plastic bag. This move saved his life, as he was able to call 911 from his cell phone, which allowed authorities to locate him—he was lodged in some branches in a section of river near Aurelius and Mt. Hope roads.

However, not all boaters are so lucky, says the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. In fact, boating deaths reached a six-year high in 2008 with 36 deaths—up from 35 in the previous year. Since boating is a popular summer activity, it is important to keep the following safety tips to keep in mind:

· Wear a life jacket.
· Avoid alcoholic beverages.
· Complete a boating safety course, no matter what your age.
· Be especially careful on personal watercraft.
· Don’t overload your boat.
· Have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the boat operator.
· Operate at a safe speed.
· Look out for low water levels or submerged objects.

The Michigan State Police also warn that you should not jump in after someone to save them from drowning—that should always remain a last resort. In fact, both people may end up drowning because we aren’t aware of our limitations and the exhaustion that quickly sets in when trying to hold someone up. However, the MSU Police do recommend putting your cell phone in a plastic bag—it could save your life, the same way it saved this man’s life.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Michigan Boating Accident Lawyer | What To Do

Daniel Buckfire — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:36:44 GMT

The best ways to avoid boating accidents are simple: be familiar with the basics of boating safety and carefully observe all the rules of water. However, even the most careful boater cannot control the actions of the other boaters on the water or make them be careful. As the boating season wraps up for the year, take some time to consider the following tips on what to do if you are ever involved in a boating accident.

Determine if anyone has been thrown overboard. Throw them a life preserver, life jacket, or other personal flotation device. Most people are not strong enough swimmers to save a drowning person by jumping in the water to get them. Even throwing a rope or anything else the person can grab onto is better.
Determine if anyone needs first aid or medical attention. Apply first aid as circumstances permit.
Render any aid to any other vessel involved if you are able.
Call the Coast Guard or other law enforcement agency to report the accident. Accidents must be reported when there has been a death, medical attention beyond first aid is needed, property damage over $2000 has occurred, or the vessel is not repairable.
Once everyone is safely onboard and any medical attention has been provided, exchange information with the other vessel. Ask for and provide name, address, and telephone number of each person on board and any other witnesses; name and registration number of the boat; insurance company; and the insurance policy number.
Take photographs of any damage to the boat and any visible injuries to a person.
File a boating accident report with the Coast Guard and any appropriate state or local agency.
Contact an experienced Michigan boating accident lawyer for help in filing insurance claims and to determine if you have a legal claim against the other boater.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Daniel Buckfire

Lake St. Clair Drowning| Michigan Boater Safety

Daniel Buckfire — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:43:48 GMT

I just read about a drowning accident on Lake St. Clair that has resulted in the death of Paul Berkholz of Warren. Mr. Berkholz and his brother were boating on Lake St. Clair Tuesday evening. The two decided to go swimming in the lake and were swept away by the current. The brother was found floating the lake. He was four miles offshore and had been floating for about a half hour. The Coast Guard used night-vision goggles to find Paul Berkholz. Unfortunately, he was already dead by the time he was rescued.

This is a terrible accident and I am very sorry that it occurred. My sympathies are with the Berkholz family at this time.

This serves as a reminder that boater safety is very important. As summer winds down and Michiganders try to squeeze in their last few days on their boats for the year, it is important to remember to always use life jackets and personal flotation devices when on the water. Michiganders should also remember to teach boater safety to teenagers and other inexperienced boaters. Boater safety resources are available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Daniel Buckfire

Personal Water Crafts, aka Jet Skis, Increase Risk When Boating

David Mittleman — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:33:09 GMT

Personal Water Crafts, otherwise known as jet skis, are fundamentally different from conventional boats in terms of design, operation and use. They are designed to allow them to be operated at high speeds in shallow water close to the shore. Jet skis are highly maneuverable and can exceed speeds of 65 mph, and are marketed as thrill ride vehicles, capable of weaving in and out of other vessels, jumping waves, and 360 degree turns at high speeds. They account for one third of all boat sales and are the one of the fastest growing segments of the boating industry in the U.S. However, the accident rates for jet skis far exceed their proportion to other motor boats.

Jet skis have a shallow draft which allows them to operate close the shore, but this also makes capsizing more likely. The chance of drowning goes up significantly in these instances. Impact with the water or another vessel at high speeds can cause broken bones and soft tissue damage, and/or render the passenger unconscious, which can lead to drowning.

According the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Coast Guard in a 2001 report, 322 boating fatalities (pdf, pg. 14) occurred on boats less than 16 feet in length; this includes jet skis. Alcohol is involved in about one-third of all boating deaths. With blood alcohol levels in excess of .10, boat operators are 10 times more likely to cause boating accidents as compared to a sober operator. Moreover, about 80% of a boating fatalities involve an operator who has not completed a boating safety course. This negligent approach to the operation of jet skis leads to accidents that involve careless and/or reckless operation, inexperience, failure to pay adequate attention, and speeding.

The State of Michigan requires that “boaters must be at least 12 years of age, or turn 12 during the current boating season, to receive their boater safety certificate. Michigan residents under 16 years of age are required to pass a classroom boating safety course to obtain a boater safety certificate. However, a Michigan boater who is at least 16 years of age may take a NASBLA ( National Association of Boating Law Administrators ) approved on-line boating safety course instead of attending a classroom program. PWCSafetySchool.com is an approved NASBLA course; however Michigan boaters must still take a proctored exam to be issued a valid Michigan boater certificate .

To reduce the risk of these accidents, jet ski operators should exercise due diligence on the water, wear a life-vest, complete a boater safety class, and refrain from operating while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Boating Safety Tips: How To Have A Fun & Safe Summer

David Mittleman — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:41:34 GMT

Michigan is fortunate to have an abundance of inland lakes, streams, and rivers, in addition to the Great Lakes. As the weather gets warmer, many Michigan residents will be spending the summer cruising around on a boat. In Michigan there are over 939,000 registered boats on file with the Secretary of State.

Although Michigan does not require a separate license to operate a boat, there are many differences between driving a car and a boat. However, boaters between the ages of 12 and 16 need a Boater Safety Certificate to operate a boat in Michigan. Here are a few safety tips to help keep your summer boating activities safe for you, your family and friends.

* Make sure you wear a life jacket. The United States Coast Guard estimates 90 percent of all drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

* Do not drive your boat at excessive or unsafe speed.
* Make sure to be aware of other boats on the water, but don't forget about water skiers, tubers, jet skiers, and wave runners.
* Do not drink and drive a boat.
* Perform a safety inspection of your boat in order to avoid problems when boating.
* Tell someone on land who is with you on the boat, where you are headed, and how long you expect to be gone.

Last year in Michigan, there were 35 boating deaths reported. Your local sheriff may offer boating safety classes. Please remember to take proper precautions before boating. Following the tips above will lead to a safer boating experience.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Lake St. Clair Boating Accident Deaths

Larry Buckfire — Mon, 26 May 2008 08:47:08 GMT

The holiday season started off with tragic news for the boating community on Saturday night. Three passengers of a speed boat, including the driver, were killed and two others suffered serious injuries when their boat struck dock in Lake St. Clair's Belvidere Bay. Police officials are still investigating the reasons that the boat, The Rum Runner, struck the dock.

Every year in Michigan, there are a number of boating accident deaths and serious boating accident injuries reported. With all of our lakes and boaters taking to the waters in record numbers, the number of deaths rises every year. Although alcohol has not yet been determined to be a factor in this case, it is frequently a contributing factor to Michigan boating accidents. Water safety is often viewed upon as somehow different than safety on the roads, but the fact is that boaters have much less protection than passengers in cars. Besides safe operating practices, boating experts say that the use of life jackets can be the best way to avoid boating deaths.

Persons injured in Michigan boating accidents do have legal rights against the owner and operator of a boat that causes serious injuries or death. Boats and their operators are insured just like cars and their insurance companies usually pay settlements to injured passengers and their family members when tragedy does strike. It is important to contact an experienced Michigan boating accident lawyer to start the investigation immediately.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Larry Buckfire