St. Louis Boating Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Boating Accident and Need Legal Help?

Missouri has a great blend of city and nature. When the days get warm, and people need an escape, the lakes are a great way to cool off and have a great time. With the number of people heading to the water each year, whether to swim, boat, jet ski, or more, accidents are bound to occur. Many are injured in accidents each year, and each accident has the potential to end with a serious injury or even fatality. In fact, the Missouri State Highway Patrol says 122 were injured, and 28 people died in Missouri boating accidents in 2021. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, reach out to a knowledgeable legal resource like our team at DM Injury Law. These claims can be complex, and speaking with one of our St. Louis boating accident attorneys can give you your best chance at recovering the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today. We are a contingency-based law firm, which means you don’t pay unless your case is won.

Start your claim today by reaching out to our expert legal team in St. Louis, Missouri.  

Boating Accident Cases We Handle

No matter the severity of the injury or the type of boat you were injured by, our lawyers can help you. We handle all sorts of boating accident claims and lawsuits, including:

• Speedboats and open motorboats
• Jet skis
• Sailboats
• Party boats
• Privately-owned vessels
• Pontoons
• Kayaks
• And more

Common Boat Accident Injuries

A boat accident could lead to a number of injuries. If you or a loved one have suffered any of the following injuries while boating, let our St. Louis boat accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones
• Drowning
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Rough waters and weather aren’t the only factors with the potential to cause an accident. There are many ways a boating accident can lead to property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Some common causes include: 

• Reckless operator 

• Inexperienced operator 

• Speeding 

• Intoxicated boating 

• Boat malfunctions 

• Collisions 

When Are You Required to File a Boating Accident Report in Missouri?

Federal law requires boat owners or operators to file reports with the state reporting authority if an accident results in the following: 

• A person dies. 

• A person requires medical attention beyond first aid for injuries 

• A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury, 

• There was serious property damage, or the vessel was destroyed. 

It’s important to file an accident report after an event. It can benefit you when it comes to insurance claims and legal proceedings. It can also help local authorities identify any safety issues or trends that can lead to more regulation and prevent similar events from happening.

Who Is Liable for My Missouri Boat Accident?

A number of parties could be responsible for your boating injury. DM Injury Law’s attorneys and on-staff investigators are here to find the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable. You may be able to hold the following accountable for your accident:

• Boat operator
• Boat owner
• Boat manufacturer
• Rental company
• Other boaters
• Employers
• Government agencies
• Boat maintenance and repair company
• Boat crew members/passengers

Contact DM Injury Law if you need a lawyer for boat accidents in Missouri. Schedule a free consultation today.

How Long Do I Have to File a Boat Accident Claim in Missouri?

You have 5 years to file a boating accident claim or lawsuit in Missouri. If a member of your family died in the accident, you have 3 years to file the claim. The clock starts the day of the accident or the day your loved one passed away. Not filing a claim in time means you will not be able to seek financial compensation.

What Compensation Can I Seek After a Boat Accident?

After a boating accident, you have the opportunity to seek economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial losses that can be measured. These can include:

• Medical bills
• Rehab
• Therapy
• Long-term care
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial costs (if the accident resulted in wrongful death)

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to psychological losses that cannot necessarily be damaged. These can include:

• Pain and suffering
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of independence
• Disfigurement
• Scarring

Your Trusted Missouri Legal Team

If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries due to someone’s negligence, contact our boat accident law firm in St. Louis. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident and collect evidence to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (314) 888-4444 or online to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.