When people don’t respect the rules of the lake, the water can be a very dangerous place. In the Lake of the Ozarks, boating accidents frequently result in injuries and property damage, and some result in the loss of life.
When operating a watercraft, care must be taken to ensure the safety of your passengers, other boaters, swimmers, and everyone enjoying the water. Alcohol and reckless behavior can turn a day of recreation on the lake into a tragedy.
If you’ve been hurt in a boat accident, a Lake of the Ozarks boat accident attorney from Dickman Law can help you with a claim. Your rights should be protected, and you should not have to pay the bills for injuries you didn’t cause. A boating accident lawyer can provide the legal assistance you need.
Who Pays for Damages in a Boating Accident?
In general, the at-fault party’s insurance will pay for the injuries and damages. However, it is important to first identify the liable parties and ensure that all the potential sources of liability are found. A personal injury lawyer with experience in boat accidents can help with these matters.
When a boating accident happens, things are not always as they appear on the surface. Many elements can be involved in a crash, and the cause may not be as obvious as you think. Boat accident lawyers may be aware of similar incidents, faulty part recalls, or hazards that can affect a claim.
Your attorney will gather evidence and conduct a thorough evaluation to find the true cause or causes of the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
For a free legal consultation with a boat accidents lawyer serving Lake of the Ozarks, call 573-744-4878
What Is a Boat Accident Case Worth?
That depends on the specific facts of the case, the parties involved, the insurance that is available, and the damages involved. Every case has its own unique elements, so all of them are different.
The damages that can be recovered in a boat accident claim could include:
- Medical costs and expenses to treat your injuries
- Lost wages due to missed work for the treatment or recovery from injuries
- Loss of future income, should you become disabled
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage for repair or replacement of your property
Lake of the Ozarks Boat Accident Lawyer Near Me 573-744-4878
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Lake of the Ozarks Boat Accident?
Many different parties can be liable in a boat crash depending on the specific circumstances of your case. The liable parties in a boating accident can typically be:
The Operator of the Watercraft
If the driver of the boat failed to follow the rules of the water, violated boating safety laws, or behaved in a reckless manner, they can be accountable for any injuries or property damage they caused. Drinking while operating a watercraft is an example of boat operator negligence.
The Boat or Watercraft Rental Company
The rental company owes a duty of care to instruct renters on the safe operation of their watercraft. They are also responsible for providing the safety equipment required and ensuring that the boats are in safe and operable condition. If they fail in these duties, the rental company could be liable for accidents.
Passengers on the Boat
If someone else on the boat was behaving recklessly or committed an act of negligence that caused the boat to crash, they could be accountable.
Manufacturers of the Watercraft
If any parts of your boat or another watercraft involved are defective, it is possible that the manufacturer could be sued for the injuries. Some examples would be that a faulty lifejacket didn’t float properly, the steering components of the boat were defective, or the poor design of a jet ski caused injuries.
Government Entities
The forestry service or other agency responsible for maintaining the area could be liable if buoys or warning signs are not placed properly to indicate known water hazards, for example.
A boat accident attorney from Lake of the Ozarks can gather evidence from witnesses, conduct research, and evaluate all the facts surrounding your accident to find the responsible parties.
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Watercraft Involved in Lake of the Ozarks Boating Accidents
Recreational boating is a popular pastime on the Lake, and many different kinds of watercraft can be involved in an accident during the busiest seasons. To clarify what all could be considered as a boat, here are some of the watercraft we commonly see involved in boat accident claims:
- Yachts
- Sailboats
- Inflatable and semi-rigid inflatable boats
- Tenders
- Paddleboards
- Cabin cruisers
- Center console runabouts
- Pontoon boats
- Airboats
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Go-fast boats, power boats, speed boats
- Jet skis, wave runners, personal watercraft
You may have been a bystander, a passenger on the boat, a boat operator, or a swimmer who suffered an injury. No matter the type of watercraft involved, if you were injured by a floating vessel of any kind, you are likely to be entitled to seek compensatory damages.
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Contact A Lawyer in the Lake of the Ozarks Area Today
If you were injured in a boat accident due to someone else’s negligent behavior, you should not be held financially responsible. A Lake of the Ozarks boat accident lawyer may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf.
Dickman Law Firm’s legal team is ready to fight for the money you need to cover your damages. Contact us today to speak to a lawyer at no charge to learn your legal options.
Call or text 573-744-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form