Minnesota Boating Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Injuries and Fatalities from Boating Accidents

As Minnesota is the state of 10,000 lakes, it is safe to say the residents of Minnesota like to go boating. In fact, boating is one of the most favorite state pastimes. Unfortunately, as with many enjoyable activities, there are times when boating can become quite dangerous and boating accidents or fatalities may occur. If you have been injured in a boating accident, or if a loved one has been killed in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation paid by the party at-fault. A Minnesota personal injury attorney from our firm can rapidly review your situation, help you determine if there is a case, and take the necessary steps to pursue it.

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of boating accidents are not weather-related. Boating fatalities most commonly occur when the boat is an open vessel on inland waters, when the water is calm and the wind is light, or when the weather is perfect with good visibility. Although it may not seem right that most fatalities occur in the above conditions, there are reasons for that. Those reasons include:

• Boaters are more likely to be intoxicated in their boat on a beautiful day.
• More boats are on the water, so a collision is more likely.
• Negligence can lead to collisions with bridges or barriers in the water. When the water is calm, it may not break at a barrier in the water.
• A collision may occur due to another reason.

The most common cause of boating injuries and fatalities is from a boat that capsizes. When a boat capsizes, the passengers fall overboard. Whether they are unable to swim, do not have life-jackets on, rescue personnel are unable to reach them in time, or some other reason, a capsized boat can quickly lead to bodily injuries or deaths. Despite the fact that there are very strict rules for operating a boat on Minnesota waters, there are still inexperienced drivers who ignore the rules and end up putting their passengers and other innocent lives at risk.

Minnesota Boating Accident Lawyer

If you have sustained injuries as a result of a boating accident, there are certain steps which must be taken to build you a strong case and help you get the compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney from Heimerl & Lammers will be able to advise you of the exact course of action you need to take, including receiving medical attention for your injuries, gathering witness statements and other evidence from the accident scene, as well as invoking your right to legal counsel. We will speak to insurance companies and law enforcement on your behalf in order to keep your interests fully represented.

Our firm has many years of experience successfully representing personal injury clients. A key to our success is that we believe in exhausting all resources and leaving no stone left unturned. Of the various types of compensation which may be awarded after boating accidents, these are some of the main ones we may pursue in your case: property damage, medical expenses, disability, lost wages, pain & suffering, disfigurement, serious injury or wrongful death.

If you want an attorney who can trust to represent you and your best interests, you need to contact a Minnesota boating accidents attorney at our firm right away.