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Hollis Law Firm

Kansas City Boat Accident Lawyer

Kansas City Boat Accident Lawyer

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The Kansas City area has a lot to offer avid boaters with its multitude of beautiful lakes. While boating is a great way to spend time with loved ones, it also comes with injury risks. The state of Missouri reported 122 injuries in recreational boating accidents in 2021. If you have been injured in a watercraft incident, our boat accident attorneys understand the importance of recovery and focus on healing. 

At Hollis Law Firm, our knowledgeable team of Kansas City boat accident lawyers is prepared to listen to your story and gather information to help decide who is liable for the incident to get the maximum compensation you deserve. Legal processes after a boating accident may seem complex, so we have laid out important information about them you should know.

What Causes a Boating Accident?

Several mishaps can occur during a boating excursion that can potentially result in injuries. Common causes of boating accidents include the following:

  • A boat operating too close to another
  • Too many passengers on board
  • The driver not having enough experience
  • Operating a boat without a license
  • Improper maintenance of the boat
  • Failure to pack proper safety gear
  • Not using safety gear
  • Driving the boat recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving the boat into prohibited areas

All of the causes listed typically involve the negligence of one or more parties. This behavior can result in head, brain, neck, and spinal injuries. Our legal team may be able to help you work through the details of the incident to determine who was at fault. 

How to Report a Boating Accident in Kansas City

After being involved in a boating accident through no fault of your own, you should report the incident to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You must report the accident if it results in over $500 of damages. You have a narrow timeframe to report the crash, so it’s crucial to know the statute of limitations.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Boating Accident?

In Kansas City, there are multiple factors involved when submitting a boat accident report. The amount of time you have to do so depends on the details of the incident. The statute of limitations on a boating accident includes the following:

  • If the accident results in someone going missing, losing consciousness, or needing medical attention, you have 24 hours to notify the authorities.
  • In most cases, you have a maximum of five days to submit an accident report.
  • If an individual dies or suffers injuries, you have 48 hours to submit an accident report.

You can report a boating accident in Kansas City by dialing *55 or 1-(800)-525-5555 to get in touch with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They will ask you to briefly describe your emergency, your location, and what kind of care or assistance you need. They will also help you submit your accident report on the phone.

Who is Liable in a Boat Accident? 

If you decide to pursue legal action after a boating accident, one of the first steps is figuring out the at-fault party. While a crash can occur due to bad weather or natural disasters, they often result from human error. Potential parties that could be responsible for a boat accident include the following:

  • Boat operator: If the boat driver did not have a license, was driving recklessly, or operating the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they could be held accountable for the accident.
  • Boat manufacturer: A defective part could have caused the accident. In this case, the manufacturer of that part is responsible.
  • Boat owner: The boat’s owner is responsible for proper maintenance and keeping their vessel in the safest possible condition, so they could potentially be held liable.
  • Boat rental companies: If you rented a boat from a company and an employee or other issue with the boat caused the accident, the rental company may be responsible.
  • A passenger: A passenger on the boat may be held liable for the accident if they behaved recklessly or impaired the driver’s ability to operate the boat safely. 

In some circumstances, boat accidents have multiple at-fault parties. Our firm may help you discover those responsible for the incident and ensure they are held accountable by providing the compensation you deserve.

What are Potential Recoverable Damages in a Boating Accident?

Because the at-fault party in a boating accident neglected their duty of care, they should be held responsible. As a victim of their neglect, you have the right to fight for compensation. There are many factors to consider when deciding how much you are owed. Potentially recoverable damages after being a victim in a boating accident can include the following:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Hospital bills
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

While calculating amounts owed in medical bills and missed wages may be easier to determine, costs for pain and suffering and emotional distress may be more difficult. Our experienced boat accident lawyers may be able to help you pinpoint dollar amounts for these damages.

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Consult a Kansas City Boat Accident Attorney at Hollis Law Firm

Dealing with the aftermath of a boating accident can be stressful, especially when you have injuries and need to focus on recovery. You deserve to receive compensation for your losses suffered. Fortunately, our professional and well-versed legal team is ready to help you get started and fight for your rights.

At Hollis Law Firm, our seasoned boat accident lawyers provide the Kansas City area with dedicated and personalized legal services. Our Kansas City boat accident attorneys are prepared to listen to your story and guide you through the legal processes after your boating accident. To schedule a free consultation, please fill out our contact form or call us at (800) 701-3672.

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