Injured in a boat accident that could have been avoided? The experienced attorneys of Jay Trucks and Associates are available to review the details of the incident and determine if you may be eligible to pursue compensation. With more than $500 million recovered for our clients, we can help to explain your options in simple terms and guide you through the entire litigation process. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in the state of Michigan and have many years of experience dealing with the insurance companies that are often involved in these types of cases.
... Top notch in my book. I most sincerely appreciate everything!
- K. Knott
The consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation to file a lawsuit. You decide whether to move forward, and there are no upfront legal fees if you decide to hire us.
Have questions? We have answers. Ph: (800) 762-8623.
Do I Have a Case?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as the damages you suffered and the reasons why your accident occurred.
Our attorneys will not be able to determine if you have a case until you contact us to review what happened and the specific causes of your injuries.
Generally, we must prove the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence, which refers to a legal duty to take reasonable action to prevent harm to others. If another party fails to uphold its duty, and that failure is directly linked to another’s injury, he or she may have the basis for a claim.
If you or a loved one suffered any injuries in an accident involving any type of watercraft, it is important to review possible legal options with a licensed lawyer. At Jay Trucks and Associates, we are prepared to manage boat accidents involving many types of watercraft, including, but not limited to:
- Sailboats
- Jet skis
- Wave runners
- Tour boats
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Ferries
- Cruise ships
- Inflatable rafts
- Motorboats
- Personal watercrafts
Free Consultation. Ph: (800) 762-8623.
Liability for a Boat Accident
When our attorneys assess a boat accident claim, we must determine who could potentially be held liable for a victim’s injuries. Often, the person operating the boat is the one who may be liable for the accident.
However, each case is unique, so there may be other negligent parties, including other passengers, the owner of the boat/watercraft, the company that rented out the watercraft or the manufacturer.
Boat owners, rental companies and product manufacturers could potentially be held liable for negligent maintenance of the watercraft. For example, maybe they failed to repair replace a defective or failing part and this caused the accident that led to your injuries.
These entities could also potentially be held liable for failing to inspect the watercraft to find any problems that could pose an injury risk for people who used the boat.
Boat operators and passengers could be held liable for many types of negligent actions, such as:
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted operation of the boat
- Lack of experience (lack of training or appropriate licensing)
- Going on the water during inclement weather, particularly when an operator lacks experience
- Speeding, particularly in areas with swimmers
Boat operators, owners and rental companies may be held liable when their boats lack required equipment, and this contributes to an accident. For example, under state law, all vessels must have a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. State law also requires proper fire extinguishing equipment.
There are many reasons why someone else could be liable for your injuries. Call to discuss the situation with a licensed Flint boat accident lawyer.
Compensation for Boat Crash Victims
This is also something you can discuss in your free consultation. Our attorneys are committed to pursuing full compensation, if we find you have a valid case and you hire us to represent you.
You could eligible for compensation past, current and future medical bills for your treatment. This may include things like bills for hospital stays and surgical procedures, appointments with doctors, prescription medication, and things like physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Lost wages and lost earning capacity are often available in personal injury claims. Victims may also be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering and lost companionship.
Each situation is unique. Call Jay Trucks and Associates to learn more.
Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit in Michigan
The standard deadline for Michigan personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. That means if you fail to file before those three years pass, you will likely lose your right to file.
Our Flint boat accident lawyers know there are sometimes exceptions to the standard deadline, which we can discuss with you in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Does Michigan Require Boat Insurance?
The State of Michigan requires all watercraft to be registered with the Michigan Department of State and display a registration decal, unless the watercraft is specifically exempt from this requirement. For example, canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes do not need to be registered.
However, even though many types of watercraft must be registered, the state does not require boat operators to buy boat insurance. Victims of boat accidents may not be able to file an insurance claim against the operator, unless his or her car insurance provides some form of coverage. You may also be able to file a claim against the operator’s homeowner’s umbrella policy.
Determining whether the accident is covered by insurance can be very difficult for accident victims. Our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience dealing with insurance companies and reviewing policies to determine available coverage.
Phone: (800) 762-8623. No upfront fees.
Steps to Take Following a Boating Accident
State law requires boat operators involved in a boating accident to do the following:
- Immediately stop the vessel at the scene
- Help anyone who is injured or in danger, unless doing so would seriously endanger the vessel or its passengers
- Provide the following information in writing: name, address, vessel identification, names of those injured and owner of any property that was damaged
Operators or owners of vessels involved in accidents must file an accident report with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Law Enforcement within a certain amount of time, depending on the consequences of the accident.
- Reports must be filed within 48 hours if someone dies within 24 hours of the accident or someone loses consciousness, is given medical treatment or becomes disabled for more than 24 hours
- You have five days to file the report if property damage exceeds $2,000 or someone disappears from the vessel and there are indications the person may have died or suffered an injury
If you were injured in a boat accident, there are a few things you can do to help preserve a potential claim. First, seek medical treatment right away. Doctors need to diagnose and treat your injuries to help prevent them from worsening. If possible, collect evidence at the scene, such as pictures or witness statements. You should also write down what you remember about the accident before you forget.
Call today to set up a free consultation with a Flint boat accident attorney. (800) 762-8623
Different Types of Boat Accidents
There are many types of boat accidents that result in injury claims. For example, sometimes swimmers are hit by a watercraft, resulting in brain injuries, broken bones, severe lacerations from propellers and drowning.
Boats can also hit stationary objects, like rocks or buoys. These collisions can throw passengers overboard and possibly disable the boat. If you are far offshore, there could a high risk of drowning as you wait for help.
Other types of boat accidents may include:
- Fires/explosions
- Slip and fall accidents on the boat
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust leaks or being positioned too close to another boat for a long period of time
- Crashes between jet skis
- Electrocutions
- Crashes with other boats
- Grounding
- Drinking and boating
- Distracted boating
These can result in severe or life-changing injuries that may be very difficult to manage.
Call to Set Up a Free Consultation With a Flint Boat Accident Lawyer
It can be challenging to determine if you have a case without the help of a licensed attorney with a history of achieving results.
At Jay Trucks and Associates, we have been recovering compensation for Michigan residents for more than three decades, from Flint, Detroit, Cadillac, Lansing and Grand Rapids to Muskegon, Alpena, Traverse City, Mt Pleasant and Kalamazoo. Our lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience.
Call to schedule your free consultation and find out if you may have a case. There are no upfront fees for our services. We welcome the chance to discuss your accident and find out how we may be able to assist you.
Call (800) 762-8623 today.