Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a popular place for water lovers, with several beautiful lakes available for boating, water skiing, tubing, fishing, and swimming. While having your own personal watercraft can be an excellent way to enjoy everything Minnesota lakes have to offer, it comes with significant owner and operator responsibilities. Some people shirk these responsibilities, resulting in preventable boating accidents and severe personal injury. If you were involved in one such accident as a boater, passenger, swimmer, or bystander, we want to hear from you at Knutson + Casey.
Fun in the sun can quickly go wrong when you mix an irresponsible operator with a water vessel. Many boaters mistakenly believe they are exempt from safety laws when out on the water. This can lead to boat operators making mistakes such as drinking and boating, letting unqualified friends take the helm, and failing to observe the waterway rules and regulations. Mistakes such as speeding or failing to watch for other waterway users can lead to deadly collisions and serious property damage. Boater error is a primary cause of waterway accidents in Minnesota.
Contrary to what many believe, a water vessel operator cannot take the helm while intoxicated. A boater who has been drinking may be guilty of a BUI (boating under the influence) and liable to pay for resultant injuries to other parties. If you think a boater was under the influence during your accident, the police will be able to order a blood or urine chemical test to document the boater’s official blood alcohol concentration levels. This can then serve as evidence against the boater, should you need to take your civil claim to trial.
Other causes of boating accidents include poor weather, equipment malfunction, boat leaks, and breakdowns. If you were on a commercial boat during an accident, it may be the vessel operator or company’s legal responsibility to pay for your damages. For example, the company failed to properly maintain the boat prior to allowing paying customers on board, or the operator showed up to work intoxicated – there are many potential defendants in every boating accident case. A discussion with a Minneapolis boating accident attorney can help you determine liability after an accident on the water.
After a boating accident, it’s easy to assume the boat driver is responsible, but this is not always the case. Several factors contribute to the proper functioning of a boat and keeping those on them safe. Therefore, depending on the details of your situation, the following parties may be liable for the accident:
If details are unclear or you are unsure who may be liable for the accident, we may be able to help you gather evidence to build the strongest possible case. This would likely include video footage and witness testimony, among other forms of proof. In addition to determining an at-fault party, we may help you fulfill the burden of proof you carry as the victim. This involves presenting evidence to prove the following:
Identifying a liable party and proving their actions caused your injuries may be difficult to do on your own. Our professional Minneapolis boating accident lawyers may be able to take this weight off your shoulders by implementing effective legal solutions and obtaining important information.
Every boating accident case is different, so depending on the extent of your injuries and other details of the accident, you may be able to recover the following damages:
When collecting damages in Minnesota, each party involved receives a percentage of fault for the accident, and this percentage impacts the damages everyone receives. We may negotiate with all insurance companies involved to ensure you do not receive an unfair fault percentage to achieve a fair settlement.
Suffering injuries may be a traumatic experience. To give yourself the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve, you should contact one of our knowledgeable Minneapolis boating accident lawyers at Knutson + Casey. We manage your case from start to finish, including the following aspects:
Our efficient and dedicated attorneys understand the complications of working with insurance companies, so we keep track of your offers and counteroffers to make the process less stressful. While we try to settle all cases out of court, we are always prepared to take your case to trial to fight tirelessly for your rights.
While boating is an enjoyable activity, it also has its dangers. If someone neglects their duty to follow safety protocol, people may get seriously hurt. If you have suffered injuries in a boating accident through no fault of your own, you deserve the highest quality boating accident attorney that will manage every aspect of your case while you recover. Our understanding team at Knutson + Casey has over 30 years of experience, and we want to take on your case, regardless of scope.
Our driven attorneys are here to advocate for your rights with our big firm power and small firm approach. You only work with one Minneapolis boating accident lawyer throughout your case, so you can count on them to represent you effectively. We pride ourselves on building trust with boating accident victims and seeking the justice they deserve. Give us a call at (507) 344-8888 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.