Boating is a favorite pastime for many of us across the Kansas City area. Whether going fishing, riding jet skis, or just enjoying the peaceful tranquility of the still waters, boating is an enjoyable way to spend time. What happens when that peace is broken by a boating accident, and where can you and your loved ones turn after a boat accident?
We know that the last thing you ever expect when you hit the water with family or friends is that someone will get hurt. However, you may need a Kansas City boat accident lawyer to help you if the negligence of a boat owner or operator has caused you harm.
At Townsend Law, LLC, we understand these injury cases and the laws in place to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Let our qualified and experienced team get to work on your accident case by calling our law firm for a free initial consultation. Our personal injury lawyers will review your individual case and can provide legal advice on how to move forward with your boat accident case.
What Can Happen on the Water?
We know that boating can be fun, and boaters have so many options to have a good time on the water, but whether you want to get some water sports knocked out or are heading out to fish, the number one concern should always be safety and following boating laws. Whether you are heading out on another person’s private boat or are chartering one through a company, we know that there are ways in which another person’s careless or negligent actions can result in a boating accident and can cause serious injuries. This can include:
- Striking large waves or wakes at high speeds
- Taking a boat out or continuing in severe weather
- Striking other objects in the water
- Falling off of a moving jet ski
- Overcrowding or overloading the boat
- Operating a boat at excessive speeds
- Failing to carry necessary safety equipment on board
- Causing someone to come into contact with the propellers
We know that the legal blood alcohol level for a person operating a boat in Missouri can have is .08%, which is strictly enforced. Just like operating a vehicle, nobody should operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs, as poor decisions leading to excessive speed, dangerous maneuvers, and careless driving will have the same or larger devastating impact on the accident victims from personal watercraft as it does in a motor vehicle accident. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and more can all easily result from negligence while operating personal watercraft and other boating vehicles.
It is important for all boat companies and operators to follow all state and federal maritime regulations and boating laws and have a valid license and insurance policy with an insurance company licensed in the state where they’re boating. Boat owners and companies should also ensure that their vessels are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent vessel failure.
Boat incidents can cause severe injuries for anyone involved. It is not uncommon for us to see the following catastrophic injuries in the aftermath of a boat crash:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Each of these injuries requires immediate medical care, and there are times when a victim will need rehabilitation to recover. This can result in massive medical expenses, with medical bills piling up for potentially years down the road, as well as the frustration of dealing with insurance companies. The lost time and wages can adversely affect you and your loved ones after a boating accident.
*Please note that if you work on a boat, you may be eligible for compensation through the Jones Act or the Longshore Worker’s Compensation Act in the aftermath of a boat accident.
Moving Forward From Here
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a boat accident caused by another person’s careless or negligent actions, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible from a Kansas City boating accident attorney. Townsend Law, LLC‘s personal injury law firm is dedicated to fighting for your maximum compensation, and our legal team is ready to work on your behalf. Let us investigate what happened in this incident so we can secure the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. This can include:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Property Damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages
We strive for a strong attorney-client relationship and take the time to review your individual case and we offer a free consultation where you can speak with one of our law firm’s accident attorneys to discuss your case.
We have experience in many practice areas and injury claims types, a few such examples as:
- Boating accidents
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Personal injury cases
- Wrongful death cases
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Serious injury claims
Call and speak with one of our Kansas City boating accident lawyers for a free case evaluation on your injury claim.
When you need a Kansas City boat accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 833-869-6529.