Missouri and Illinois Boat Accidents Attorney
Boating Accidents · Jet Ski Accidents · Waterskiing Accidents
The Hoffmann Law Firm is one of the leading personal injury law firms in Missouri and Illinois. The founder of our law firm, attorney Christopher Hoffman, focuses on representing people injured in motor vehicle accidents, including boat accidents. Our law firm has handled thousands of motor vehicle and boating accident cases throughout our 10-year history.
We provide you with information about the causes of boat accidents for two primary reasons. First, we know that information is a powerful tool of protection. Boaters who are aware of common accident causes are less likely to get in an accident in the first place. Second, if you or someone you know has been seriously hurt in a Missouri or Illinois boating accident, we want to reassure you that our law firm can handle any type of boating accident — whether the cause was a boating while intoxicated (BWI) incident, an untrained operator, poorly signed causeways or something else.
To speak with our law firm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 314.361.4242 or contact us online. You can meet with an experienced personal injury attorney for a free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Missouri and Illinois
- Drunk driving accidents: In Missouri, just under eight percent of boat accidents in 2008 had alcohol as a contributing factor. In Illinois, 13 percent of boating accidents had alcohol as a contributing factor, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Boating while intoxicated is just as illegal as driving under the influence. Keep your distance from a boater who is visibly consuming alcohol or who is operating the craft erratically.
- Careless or reckless boating: One doesn't have to be intoxicated to recklessly operate a craft. Speedboats and personal watercraft such as Jet Skis are tempting to operate at high speeds, but if the operator disregards the safety of other craft in the area by speeding or weaving, he or she may be charged with negligence.
- Distracted boaters: Just as cell phone use is a common cause of road accidents, so too is "texting while boating" a more frequent cause of on-the-water accidents. Erratic movements often signal operator inattention.
- Operator inexperience: New boat operators, or boat operators without proper training and certification, may cause accidents by failing to comply with unfamiliar boating regulations.
- Equipment failure: Poorly designed or manufactured safety equipment or boat components can contribute to drownings and propeller accidents. Read instruction manuals carefully and conduct practice sessions with safety equipment.
- Poor signage: Poor or nonexistent markers or signage in marinas or on public waterways can contribute to boating collisions.
We at the Hoffmann Law Firm hope you can enjoy the waterways of Missouri and Illinois without ever encountering any type of accident, let alone a serious incident that results in major injury. In the sad event that you or a family member is hurt in a boat accident, however, we encourage you to contact us for information about your legal rights.
To schedule a free consultation, call 314.361.4242 or contact us online. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Because Helping People Recover Financially After a Serious Injury Is All We Do…
The Hoffmann Law Firm
Missouri and Illinois Boating Accidents Lawyer
