Aug 10, 2021 in News Boating Accident

Boating Accident: Boating Accidents and Insurance in Ontario

In a recent interview with the Toronto Sun, an Ontario personal injury lawyer suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the number of inexperienced boaters on provincial waterways. Boat sales increased 26 per cent year-over-year in 2020, the Sun reported, and boat rentals increased 17 per cent. 

With more inexperienced boaters on the water, it stands to reason that boating accidents will increase. Worryingly, the number of boating accidents involving uninsured boaters will likely increase also.

“If you are involved in an accident and the other boater was at fault, but they do not have boat insurance, you would need to have uninsured/underinsured boaters coverage to cover you or your family members if injured,” the personal injury lawyer told the Sun. “Even with this coverage, you should review to ensure you are properly protected in case of an accident.”

Boating is one of Canada’s preferred pastimes; roughly 16 million Canadians hit the water every year. Yet too few boaters understand the activity’s significant risks, which are similar to those of driving. For example, drug and alcohol impairment is one of the most common and dangerous risk factors on Canadian waters, just like on the roads. Excessive speed, failure to recognize right of way rules and traffic signs, aggressive boating, and boater distraction are also significant risk factors.

Also similar is the fact that boating accidents can result in serious, even life changing injuries. Just this summer, the high-profile boating accident case involving Canadian TV celebrity Kevin O’Leary and his wife was being litigated in criminal court – two people died and several more suffered serious injuries in that collision, which allegedly involved speed, alcohol, and nighttime navigation.

The penalties for boating infractions are also similar to those faced by dangerous drivers. In fact, under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Amendment Act, boating while impaired can result in a driver’s license suspension and other related punishments. Other boating offences are punishable under the federal Criminal Code.

One area in which there are significant differences between boating and driving is insurance coverage. Boating accident victims are not eligible to claim no-fault benefits under Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), which is why the personal injury lawyer in the Sun article stressed the importance of boating-specific coverage. If you are a boater in Ontario, consider reviewing your insurance policy today.

Contact Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a member of your family has been injured in a boating accident, contact Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Ontario personal injury lawyer. Our team will review your case, assess the viability of a claim, and provide the guidance and advice you need as you embark on the legal process.

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