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With easy access to Lake Michigan, boating is a popular pastime in Kenosha. Additionally, the many lakes and rivers in the area are great locations for motorboating, sailing, and kayaking. Unfortunately, these fun activities also come with risks.

Watercraft operators have an obligation not to place others at risk of harm. If a boat driver causes an accident due to their reckless or careless behavior, they could be liable for any resulting injuries or damage.

If you suffered harm in a waterborne accident, speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. about your legal options. A Kenosha boat accident lawyer at our firm could explain your rights, gather evidence from the crash, and work to pursue appropriate compensation for all your losses.

Obligations of Kenosha Boat Operators

Operating a boat comes with responsibilities. Any time that a person takes a boat out onto a public waterway, they assume a duty to protect other people around them. It can be helpful to think about this duty as being similar to that of driving a car. Boaters must refrain from speeding, must follow the appropriate traffic signs, and must pay attention to their surroundings.

When people fail to take these proper precautions, boating accidents can unfortunately occur. A boater who violates the rules of the water or becomes distracted may be held liable for any damage that they cause. A skilled boat accident attorney at our firm could further explain the legal nuances of unsafe boating negligent boater practices.

Boating Accident Injuries and Damages

Proving that a boater was at fault for a collision is only one part of a successful claim. It is also necessary to demonstrate how the waterborne incident has impacted a victim’s life.

Boat accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. For instance, a spinning propeller can cause deep cuts or amputations. Collisions on the water can also result in:

  • Broken bones
  • Separated joints
  • Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
  • Drowning

Because the consequences can be so severe, survivors of waterborne accidents may need to work with a dedicated lawyer to recover compensation for the costs of their medical care.

Non-Economic Damages in Boat Crash Cases

At-fault boaters are liable for all the damage that they cause, which may stretch beyond physical injuries. Many victims of boating accidents experience severe pain, emotional trauma, or lost income, if their injuries leave them unable to work. Our experienced lawyers could work to evaluate the true value of a case to demand appropriate payments.

Deadlines for Watercraft Accident Claims

Working with a seasoned attorney may also be necessary to ensure that a claim satisfies the state’s statute of limitations. According to Wisconsin Statute § 893.54, the time limit on these cases is three years from the date of the boating injury. The court will only consider a personal injury claim for damages for this short period of time, so it is important to contact legal counsel soon after a boating accident.

Speak with a Kenosha Boat Accident Attorney

Injuries are far too common on Kenosha’s waterways. Boaters who speed, fail to follow navigational buoys, or drive under the influence place other people at a serious risk of harm. If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of these reckless behaviors, you deserve compensation for your losses.

A Kenosha boat accident lawyer at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. may be able to help you. One of our attorneys could fully investigate the incident and gather evidence of the other boater’s negligence. A skilled lawyer could also help to measure your losses and seek out fair payments from boaters and their insurance companies. Contact our firm today to discuss how we could help you assert your legal rights.

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