Boating on a River in KansasHave you been seriously injured in a Kansas or Missouri boating accident? Did your loved one die in a boat accident? Peterson & Associates, P.C. is here to help you through this challenging time with award-winning legal representation and moral support for your personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Common Causes of Kansas and Missouri Boat Accidents

When you get hurt or lose someone close to you in a boating accident, it is important to figure out what happened and who is responsible. Some common causes of boat accidents include:

  • Alcohol use. A day on the water can be relaxing and fun. However, drinking and boating can be dangerous. An intoxicated boat operator may recklessly steer the vessel and cause it to capsize or crash.
  • Distraction. Boat operators may be distracted by passengers, activities such as fishing, or the beautiful surroundings and fail to notice danger until it is too late to prevent an accident.
  • Fatigue. The sun, wind, and water can be exhausting. A boater may not realize they are too tired to operate the vessel safely until it is too late.
  • Inexperience. Operating a boat takes skill. An inexperienced boater may not safely control their vessel, and those on board may get hurt due to the boat operator's negligence.
  • Bad weather. Inclement weather can cause dangerous conditions that result in injury from slip and falls, capsizing, or a collision. If the boat owner or operator knew that bad weather was likely, they might be liable for the accident.
  • Lack of maintenance. Poorly-maintained boat parts may catastrophically fail, causing loss of vessel control or an onboard fire. A boat owner may be responsible for these types of accidents and injuries.
  • Lack of safety equipment. Vessels should have enough life vests for passengers. Without the proper safety equipment, people may drown or be otherwise injured or killed, and the boat company may be liable.
  • Defective parts. A defective boat part causes the vessel to be unstable and unsafe. A boat or boat part manufacturer may be responsible for any accident damages caused by the defective part.

Our team of Kansas City boating accident lawyers has lots of experience dealing with complicated cases and claims. We can investigate what happened and identify the liable parties. We will hold the right parties accountable so that you get the recovery you deserve.

Boat Accident Injuries

Boat accident injuries can be extremely serious and even fatal. These are some of the most common boat accident injuries:

  • Brain and spine injuries. People may hit their heads on a hard surface or lose consciousness while in the water. This can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).
  • Burns. Gasoline, oil, or other flammable materials can cause fuel fires on the vessel and lead to severe burns.
  • Drowning or near-drowning. Drowning can occur even in a little bit of water.
  • Broken bones. Violent collisions or falls can cause bone fractures and breaks.

If you suffered any of these injuries, any other injury, or lost a loved one, knowing what to do after the boat accident is essential to protect your recovery.

What to Do After a Boat Accident

After a boat accident, it is important to protect your legal and medical recoveries by:

  • Seeking medical attention immediately. Even if you don't think you were injured, seeking medical attention to protect your physical and legal recoveries is essential.
  • Documenting the incident as much as possible. Photos or videos of the scene can help prove liability in court.
  • Collecting witness information. Eyewitness testimony may be critical to your case.
  • Consulting a lawyer. It's essential to contact an attorney who specializes in boating accidents for assistance and guidance.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your legal rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Boat Accident Compensation

If you or a loved one have been involved in a boat accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The following are some of the types of damages you may be able to recover:

  • Medical expenses. This includes the cost of any treatment you may need as a result of the accident, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
  • Lost income. If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover the wages, benefits, or income from self-employment you have lost and any future earning capacity you lose.
  • Pain and suffering. This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have suffered as a result of the accident, including any loss of enjoyment of life or emotional distress.
  • Property damage. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the accident, such as your boat or personal belongings.
  • Wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one in a boat accident, you may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and other losses.

You shouldn't have to pay the price when someone else is negligent on a Kansas or Missouri lake or river. Our Kansas City boat accident lawyers will fight to get you the recovery you deserve.

Let Our Experienced Kansas City Boat Accident Attorneys Help You

After the unthinkable happens and you are hurt in a boating accident, come to the legal team renowned across Missouri for our dedication and legal abilities. We will fight for every last penny you deserve.

Our Kansas City boat accident lawyers have the extensive experience needed to manage the most complicated of cases confidently, and we have the genuine compassion you deserve to try to find peace of mind. Peterson & Associates, P.C., has:

  • Multiple Super Lawyers® members on staff
  • More than $500 million in total verdicts and settlements secured for our clients
  • Decades of collective legal experience focused on injury claims and cases
  • AV® Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®

Whether you were hurt on a company-owned touring vessel or riding on the private boat of a friend, we want to ensure you are fairly compensated for your damages. Contact a Kansas City boat accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation.