If you were hurt while out on a boat or jet ski, you have rights when it comes to collecting compensation. The same is true if you are facing accusations of boating while impaired. T. Scott Jones discusses those rights in today’s videos.

What are the common types of boating accidents?

The most common types of boating accidents involve operator error. That is, either a distracted operator or an impaired operator. It’s important to remember that you have a responsibility, not only to the folks that are on your boat, but to other boaters with whom you are sharing Tennessee’s waterways.

Having practiced law in East Tennessee for a number of years, we’ve seen many unfortunate boating accidents. Certainly, a number of those have been caused by the negligence of other boaters. If you find yourself confronted in this type of situation, I would appreciate you giving me a call.

Are there laws in place for distracted driving and boating?

There are laws that apply to distracted boating and distracted driving, respectively.

They involve your responsibility to operate whichever vehicle that you are on, albeit a boat or a car or a motorcycle, in a prudent manner. You need to always be looking ahead and paying attention in the direction in which your particular craft or vehicle is traveling.

We want you to be responsible, we want you to be safe out there, but in the event that an unfortunate accident happens – either caused by your negligence or of which you are the victim – I want to be your attorney. The team of attorneys that I have practicing with me has served the East Tennessee area for over 30 years. Our firm is Banks and Jones. We want to play to win for you.

I was injured on a jet-ski. Can I sue the rental company?

Injuries on jet skis are becoming all too common. Remember that when a jet ski is not underway – that is, when the jet itself is not propelling the device – then the steering is generally eliminated. Folks that aren’t using to riding jet skis make mistakes, and rental companies that aren’t responsible with regards to their training of those renting their jet skis can be held accountable.

It’s important to get an attorney at the very beginning if you’ve been injured on a jet ski, or if you’ve been injured by the negligent operation of a jet ski.

Perhaps you’re in the water and a jet ski strikes you. Perhaps you’re on another boat, and an inadvertent accident happens where a jet skier strikes that boat. It’s important to have your rights protected.

What are the laws in Tennessee regarding drinking and boating?

The laws regarding drinking and boating are somewhat different, currently in the State of Tennessee, from those related to drinking and driving. You can actually consume an alcoholic beverage while operating a boat in the State of Tennessee, however you cannot operate a boat impaired. I would suggest that the more prudent course of action is not to drink and operate a boat.

It’s also important to understand that a boat can be an extension of your home, and that when the boat is anchored, the laws with regards to the drunk operation of the boat don’t necessarily apply. They’re very complex, and there is a lot of interplay associated with the same. That’s why it’s important to have a competent attorney that understands these very particular laws. I want to be that competent attorney, and I want to serve your legal needs. Contact me when you intend to Play 2 Win. My name is T. Scott Jones, and I can be reached at 865-546-2141, or banksandjones.com.