As the weather heats up, more New Yorkers are taking their boats out onto the open seas. Although boating is a fun activity to engage in, it is important to recognize that it can also be extremely dangerous if certain precautions are not taken. Boat accidents may occur for various reasons, including boating under the influence, negligent speeding, or a manufacturers defect, among others. Recently, a New York man was convicted of manslaughter in a horrific boating accident that occurred on Lake George and resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and other serious injuries.
As the weather heats up, more New Yorkers are taking their boats out onto the open seas. Although boating is a fun activity to engage in, it is important to recognize that it can also be extremely dangerous if certain precautions are not taken. Boat accidents may occur for various reasons, including boating under the influence, negligent speeding, or a manufacturers defect, among others. Recently, a New York man was convicted of manslaughter in a horrific boating accident that occurred on Lake George and resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and other serious injuries.
In July 2016, 25-year old Alexander West was speeding when his 21-foot fiberglass boat went airborne over a 28-foot antique wooden Gar Wood carrying 8-year-old Charlotte McCue and her family. While the boat was in the air, the propeller struck Charlotte who was sleeping on her mother’s lap, killing her instantly and severely injuring her mother. Authorities said that Mr. West was intoxicated from drugs and alcohol use at the time the accident occurred. Mr. West was said to have fled the scene of the accident and neither him nor his three passengers reported the crash.
During trial, Mr. West’s defense attorney attested that he had the right of way and Mr. Knarr, Charlotte’s grandfather who was piloting the family’s boat, failed to yield. As reported by The New York Times, a defense expert testified that even if a boat driver has the right of way, he or she must slow down or change course if a crash appears imminent. The plaintiff’s counsel pointed out that Mr. West did neither.
On May 8, after deliberating for 12 hours over the course of two days, Mr. West was convicted of manslaughter. He was found guilty on 12 charges, including criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of an accident, and faces up to 22 years in prison.
Charlotte’s tragic death sent shockwaves throughout the Lake George community and New York State as a whole. Her death now serves as a reminder to always practice driving safety on the water and not underestimate the dangers associated with boating.
Boating accidents are not as common as car accidents or motorcycle accidents but still result frequently and can have serious debilitating effects. According to the Department of Recreations, in 2014 there were 206 boat accidents in New York State, resulting in 85 injuries and 22 fatalities. Many boat accidents occur because individuals underestimate the dangers associated with boating, do not understand safety rules on the water, or act in a reckless manner.
Tips to limit the potential of serious boating accidents that may ensure you and your loved ones safe return from sea include:
- Require all passengers to wear life jackets
- Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs
- Maintain safe speeds
- Regularly inspect the boat
- Be conscious of shallow waters
- Have a kill switch
- Know how to contact the Coast Guard
- Ensure all lights on the vessel are properly functioning
- Have first aid gear on board
- Be conscious of the weather
- Have awareness for other boaters
- Be conscious not to overload a boat with items or overcrowd a boat with passengers
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries that can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects on the victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident caused by the negligence of the captain, a defective boat design or repair, or another boater at sea, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced New York personal injury lawyer. The New York boating accident lawyers at McGuire & Peláez strive to secure full and appropriate compensation for their clients’ injuries. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our Long Island, New York personal injury law firm at (631) 348-3628.
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