Pontiac Lake swimmer hospitalized after being struck by boat
A 60-year-old Fenton woman remained hospitalized in stable condition Monday after being hit by a boat.
She was struck while swimming in Pontiac Lake at about 1:33 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, on the lake’s eastern side near Walt’s Point Marina. According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the woman suffered a back injury and numerous lacerations. She was taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital.
Deputies from the sheriff’s Marine Unit and members of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team responded and began investigating the crash.
Witnesses saw a white speedboat or jet boat with dark accent striping. The operator was described as a white man between 50 and 60 years old.
Residents and businesses near Pontiac Lake are being asked to review security footage from Saturday afternoon for images of a boat matching that description. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has photos, video or other information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 248-858-4950.
The crash remains under investigation.
Michigan boating law after a collision
Michigan’s safe-operation statute, MCL 324.80145, requires boat operators to act carefully and prudently, travel at a speed that does not unreasonably endanger people or property and remain able to stop within the clear distance ahead. The statute also prohibits unreasonably interfering with another person’s lawful use of the water.
Michigan’s vessel-casualty law, MCL 324.80133, separately requires an operator involved in a collision to provide reasonable assistance when it can be done without serious danger to the vessel, crew or passengers. That assistance includes transporting an injured person for medical treatment when the need is apparent or the person requests it.
These duties do not by themselves determine whether a civil claim is available. A claim may depend on evidence concerning the operator’s conduct, causation, injuries, damages and insurance. Michigan Legal Center’s overview of Michigan personal injury claims explains how evidence, responsible parties, insurance and deadlines can affect legal review.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Michigan Legal Center handles personal injury matters, including boating accident claims.
If you were injured in a Michigan boating accident, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Michigan Legal Center also provides general information about Michigan personal injury claims.