Boat Explosion Accidents
Boat explosions are common in big budget action films, but in the real world this type of accident happens, too. While boat explosions are not as common as other types of boating accidents, when an explosion does occur the results can be devastating for victims and their loved ones. At Mitch Grissim & Associates in Nashville, our experienced personal injury attorneys have handled all types of boat accident claims and are here to help. To learn more about your legal options after a boat accident, call or contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Why Do Boats Explode?
In 2018, there were 256 boat explosions reported nationwide that caused multiple injuries and fatalities. In most cases, boats explode because fuel or gas vapors become trapped and spark inside of the vessel. Many boat explosions happen right after fueling, despite boat education courses that teach boat operators how to avoid this very situation. Hazards such as lingering fumes, leaky hoses, dislodged hoses, improperly closed lines or valves, and basic operator negligence can all contribute to a boat explosion.
Types of Vessels Likely to Explode
The types of vessels more likely to explode are those with an inboard gasoline engine. Because the engine is located inside of the vessel, it increases the chances that fuel and vapors can be caught in a confined space within the boat. These flammable items often get caught either in the bilge or the engine compartment, and all it takes is a single spark for an explosion to occur. Vessels with inboard gasoline engines include cabin cruisers, watersports boats, and ski boats.
Boats with outboard gasoline motors also run the risk of exploding, but the chances are not as high. This is because there is less of a chance that fuel or vapors can get trapped within the boat, and the operator or passenger on the boat is more likely to see an outboard motor smoking before an explosion occurs. Boats with outboard motors include yachts, speedboats, and pontoons.
Injuries Caused by a Boat Explosion
A boat explosion has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries to anyone on board or in the vicinity of the blast. Not only can injuries be caused by the heat and concussive force of an explosion, but this type of incident can cause the vessel to sink or throw a person off the boat, leading to further injuries. Some of the most common injuries seen in boat explosion accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and facial trauma
- Blindness
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Severe burns
- Drowning
- Shrapnel injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
If you have been injured in a boat explosion or other boating accident, it is important that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.
Talk to Our Office Now
At Mitch Grissim & Associates, our Nashville personal injury lawyers understand how serious and traumatic a boat accident can be for victims and their loved ones. To learn more about what your injury claim might be worth, call or contact our office today.
Resource:
uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2018.pdf
