Eau Claire Boat Accident Lawyer

Protecting the Rights of Boat Accident Victims in Wisconsin

Bye, Goff & Rohde is a personal injury law firm that has served the people of Wisconsin since 1974. Our Eau Claire boat accident attorneys are committed to helping the injured and their families obtain justice and fair compensation. We are particularly experienced in helping people who have been hurt in all types of watercraft accidents.

To schedule a free case valuation with our firm, call (534) 202-5404 or online today.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Boat Accidents?

Boating accidents can occur for a wide range of reasons, from poor weather conditions to negligent boat operators. Regardless of the cause, victims are often left with serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and other damages. you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.

Some of the most common causes of boat accidents include:

• Operator Inattention: The person operating the boat may become distracted, failing to notice hazards such as other vessels, obstacles in the water, or changing weather conditions. This lack of attention can lead to collisions or other dangerous situations.
• Operator Inexperience: Inexperienced boat operators may lack the skills or knowledge necessary to handle a vessel safely. This can include difficulties in navigating, understanding boating rules, or managing the boat in adverse conditions.
• Alcohol Use: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is one of the leading causes of boating accidents. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and reduces the ability to make sound decisions on the water.
• Excessive Speed: Speeding on the water can lead to loss of control, particularly in congested areas, near docks, or in poor weather conditions. High speeds reduce the time available to react to obstacles or other boats, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Sudden changes in weather, such as high winds, heavy rain, or fog, can create dangerous conditions for boaters. Poor visibility and rough water can make it difficult to navigate and control the vessel.
• Mechanical Failure: Boats, like any other machinery, can experience mechanical issues. Engine failures, steering malfunctions, or electrical problems can leave a boat stranded or unable to avoid hazards, leading to accidents.
• Navigation Rule Violations: Boating, like driving, has specific rules and regulations that must be followed. Violating navigation rules, such as failing to yield the right of way or ignoring buoys and markers, can result in collisions with other boats or fixed objects.
• Overloading the Boat: Exceeding the boat's weight capacity with passengers or cargo can make the vessel unstable, increasing the risk of capsizing or sinking. Proper weight distribution is crucial to maintaining balance and control.
• Lack of Proper Safety Equipment: Failing to equip the boat with necessary safety gear, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares, can turn a minor incident into a deadly situation. Inadequate safety equipment can hinder rescue efforts and increase the severity of injuries.
• Failure to Maintain a Proper Lookout: All boat operators must maintain a vigilant lookout for other vessels, swimmers, and obstacles. Failure to do so can result in collisions or accidents that could have been avoided with proper observation.

Types of Boat Accident Cases We Handle

Our firm has successfully handled many types of boat accident claims. We represent people who have been injured in accidents involving motorboats, sailboats, jet skis, fishing boats, and other types of watercraft.

Some of the most common types of boat accident cases we handle include those involving:

• Boat collisions
• Capsizing
• Flooding
• Grounding
• Explosions and fires
• Slips and falls
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Water skiing accidents
• Jet ski accidents
• Watercraft defects
• Watercraft operator negligence

How Much is My Boat Accident Case Worth?

One of the most common questions we receive from clients is how much their boat accident case is worth. In general, the more severe the injuries, the more your case may be worth. However, there are a wide range of factors that can affect the value of your case, including the extent of the injuries, the amount of available insurance coverage, and the level of liability.

Some of the most common types of damages that may be available in a boat accident claim include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Disability
• Loss of consortium

How a Boat Accident Lawyer in Eau Claire Can Help

Boat accident claims can be complicated, especially if the accident took place on a navigable waterway. For this reason, it is highly advisable to consult with a boat accident lawyer in Eau Claire if you have been injured in a boat accident.

At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we have the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle complex boat accident claims. We can conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our team can also negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement. If the insurance company is not willing to settle, we can take your case to court.

Call (534) 202-5404 or online today to schedule a free consultation with our team.