Mark Casto | May 2, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog Columbus
Visiting attractions like Whitewater Express in Columbus, Georgia, can be unforgettable. However, accidents can happen, and when they do, tourists may feel overwhelmed and unsure about their legal rights. Knowing what your options are if you’re a tourist and get injured in Whitewater Express can help you protect your interests and pursue compensation.
What Is Whitewater Express?
Whitewater Express in Columbus, Georgia, offers thrilling outdoor adventures on the Chattahoochee River, home to the world’s longest urban whitewater course. Guests can choose from family-friendly rafting trips to extreme Class V rapids like Cutbait. The Blue Heron Adventure zipline spans the river between Georgia and Alabama, reaching speeds up to 40 mph, and includes a ropes course.
Common Types of Accidents at Whitewater Express
While outdoor adventure centers strive to maintain safety, several types of accidents can occur at places like Whitewater Express:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces
- Injuries from faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Drownings or near-drownings during rafting or water activities
- Collisions between rafts or other participants
- Heatstroke or dehydration due to prolonged exposure to the sun
All of these incidents can lead to serious injuries requiring medical attention, and in some cases, long-term treatment. If negligence played a role in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Steps to Take After an Injury at Whitewater Express
If you are injured at Whitewater Express, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your health and any legal claim you may have.
Recommended steps include:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first
- Report the accident to staff or management, and ensure an incident report is filed
- Document the scene with photos of the area, hazards, and any injuries
- Collect witness contact information if others saw the accident
- Contact a local personal injury attorney who can guide you on your legal options
By following these steps, you create a record of the incident, which can strengthen your potential claim.
Can Tourists File Personal Injury Claims in Georgia?
Yes, tourists injured in Georgia have the same right to file a personal injury claim as residents. Georgia law allows injured parties to pursue compensation for injuries caused by negligence. This means that if Whitewater Express, its employees, or another party failed to maintain safe conditions, you may have grounds for a claim.
It’s important to note that personal injury claims in Georgia must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to recover damages.
How Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule May Affect Tourists’ Claims
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. This means that if you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you cannot recover compensation. However, if you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
What Compensation Can You Seek as a Tourist?
Injured tourists can pursue various types of damages in a personal injury claim, including:
- Medical expenses for immediate and future treatment
- Lost wages if the injury caused you to miss work
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Travel expenses associated with returning home or extended stays due to the injury
These damages aim to make you whole after an accident and cover both financial and non-financial losses.
Working with a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating a personal injury claim as an out-of-state visitor can be complicated.
A Georgia personal injury attorney can help:
- Investigate the accident and gather necessary evidence
- Handle communications with insurance companies and the liable parties
- Ensure all filings comply with Georgia’s statutes of limitations and procedural rules
- Maximize your compensation by accurately calculating damages
By working with an experienced lawyer, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities on your behalf.
Understanding Your Options If You’re a Tourist Injured at Whitewater Express
Getting hurt at Whitewater Express in Columbus, Georgia, can ruin your trip. It may also lead to surprise medical and legal problems. Tourists have the same legal rights as residents. They can seek compensation for injuries from negligence. Understanding your options if you’re a tourist injured at Whitewater Express can help you navigate the process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus [practice areas] lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
