Pontoon Boat Accident Claims in Georgia & South Carolina
Pontoon boats are among the most popular recreational watercraft on the lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways of Georgia and South Carolina. Their wide, flat decks and stable platforms make them ideal for family outings, fishing, and entertaining. However, their popularity also contributes to a significant number of boating accidents each year. The U.S. Coast Guard notes that open motorboats, which include pontoons, are consistently among the vessel types most frequently involved in reported boating accidents.
At Roden Law, our pontoon boat accident attorneys understand the unique characteristics of these vessels and the specific hazards they present. Whether your accident occurred on Lake Lanier, Lake Hartwell, Lake Murray, or the Intracoastal Waterway, we pursue full compensation for victims of pontoon boat negligence.
Common Causes of Pontoon Boat Accidents
Pontoon boats present distinct safety challenges that differ from traditional powerboats. Common causes of pontoon boat accidents include:
- Overloading: Exceeding the vessel’s maximum capacity with passengers or gear, compromising stability
- Operator inexperience: Pontoons handle differently than other boats; inexperienced operators may misjudge turning radius and stopping distance
- Lack of railings or barriers: Open deck designs increase the risk of passengers falling overboard
- Alcohol use: Boating under the influence impairs judgment and balance, especially on open-deck vessels
- Wake damage: Pontoons are particularly vulnerable to swamping or capsizing from the wake of passing speedboats
- Mechanical failures: Engine, steering, or structural failures in the pontoons themselves
Safety Regulations for Pontoon Boats
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 52-7-1 et seq.) and South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 50-21-10 et seq.) require pontoon operators to carry approved life jackets for every passenger, operate at safe speeds, maintain a proper lookout, and comply with all navigation rules. Children under 13 must wear life jackets at all times while on the vessel. Operators are also required to file accident reports with the state Department of Natural Resources within specified timeframes.
Injuries from Pontoon Boat Accidents
Despite their reputation as slow, safe vessels, pontoon boats can cause serious injuries. Passengers falling overboard may suffer drowning or near-drowning injuries, while those struck by propellers can sustain severe lacerations, amputations, or fatal injuries. Other common injuries include traumatic brain injuries from striking the deck or dock structures, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and hypothermia from prolonged water immersion.
Liability in Pontoon Boat Cases
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable for a pontoon boat accident: the operator who acted negligently, the boat owner who entrusted the vessel to an unqualified operator, rental companies that failed to provide safety instructions, manufacturers responsible for defective pontoon designs, and marina operators who allowed overloaded vessels to depart. Georgia’s comparative fault statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) and South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules allow injured parties to recover damages even if they share some fault, provided their responsibility does not exceed the threshold. Our attorneys pursue every available avenue of recovery to maximize compensation for pontoon boat accident victims.