Boating Accident

Springfield / Jefferson City / Columbia
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After an injury changes your life forever, don’t take on an insurance company alone.

Getting Justice for Your Boating Accident Injury

It can happen in an instant. You’re taking some time off from work or school to enjoy the water. Whether you go boating solo or with friends, it should be a relaxing experience for everyone involved. One moment everything is fun and breezy; the next, you’ve experienced a collision with another boater, the boat you’re on has run aground or your boat sails into poor weather conditions.

Boating accidents can result in serious, if not fatal, injuries. Like driving a car, anyone who decides to operate a boat should always use their best judgment, be aware of their surroundings and never operate a vehicle under the influence. If you were injured due to a boat operator’s negligence, you need compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.

The boating accident lawyers at Tolbert Beadle have seen a wide variety of cases throughout Missouri and Arkansas. We’re dedicated to providing you with the attention you need to get the compensation you deserve.

In 2024,

556 deaths and 2,170 injuries

were directly linked to boating accidents in the United States.

U.S. Coast Guard

Factors That Cause Boating Injuries

  • Reckless boating
  • Impaired or drunk boat operation
  • Boating without a license
  • Ignoring bad weather
  • Distracted boaters
  • Boating at night
  • Improper operator lookout
  • Boat Explosion via negligent maintenance

Injuries Sustained from Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can be dangerous or deadly due to the lack of protective equipment passengers have while riding on the boat and the prospect of being thrown into deep waters. Some injuries from boating accidents include:

  • Abrasions
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Burns
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Drowning

Frequently Asked Questions

 Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take time to appear. Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, document the scene and any visible injuries with photos, and get contact information from witnesses. Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with a boating accident lawyer.

Liability can fall on the boat operator, the boat owner if different from the operator, another boater involved in a collision, a rental company, or a manufacturer if defective equipment contributed to the accident. Our team investigates the specific facts of your case to identify every liable party.

 In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. In Arkansas, the deadline is generally three years. These timeframes can vary based on the details of your case, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

 Depending on your case, you may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving a death, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

 It depends on the policy involved. Boat owner’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or the at-fault party’s liability coverage may apply, but coverage details vary widely. We review the applicable policies to help determine where compensation can come from.

Operating a boat under the influence or recklessly can strengthen a negligence claim and may also support a claim for punitive damages in some cases. We gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results to build your case.

From a Former Client

Terry Tolbert and his team were very professional and polite.  My calls were returned.  My questions answered, even if I asked the same question more than once. I hope I never have need of an attorney, if I do I’ll choose Tolbert.

Elain S.

Learn More About Boating Accident Injury Cases

Sorting out the aftermath of a boating accident injury can be confusing and frustrating. Learn more about boating accident prevention and personal injury cases in our blog.

Learn More

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured due to a boating accident, don’t wait to reach out for help. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to receive fair compensation for your injury.

The experienced legal team and partners at Tolbert Beadle are ready to help. Give your case a winning edge with our collection of knowledge, resources and determination to help you get the compensation you deserve. Visit our contact page to tell us more about your injury and to schedule a free consultation.

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