Gillette Boat Accident Lawyers
Injured on a Boat on a Campbell County Lake or River?
Our home state of Wyoming has hundreds of tranquil lakes, rivers, and creeks that fishermen and boaters love to explore. However, everyone who gets out on the water should remember to be careful. Boaters, in particular, need to watch out for nearby swimmers, fishermen, and jet skiers who can be seriously injured or killed in an accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident caused by someone else, reach out to the team at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. Our Gillette boating accident attorney can investigate and determine who is responsible for your injuries. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and will fight to get you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (307) 257-7800.
What Are Some Common Boating Accidents in Wyoming?
Compared to car crashes or truck accidents, there are only a handful of boating accidents in Wyoming each year. Sadly, when these accidents occur, the victims can suffer long-term injuries or even die due to a single mistake. The most common types of boating accidents include:
- Collisions between boats
- Boats hitting fixed objects or rocks
- Boats running aground
- Boats colliding with swimmers, floaters, or jet skiers
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Fires aboard boats
- Slip and falls
- Drownings
Victims may suffer:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Amputations
- Paralysis and nerve damage
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Multiple broken bones
- Vision loss
- Death
When Are Boat Owners Responsible for Injuries?
Boating accidents are often caused by negligent boat operators, or owners who violated local or state laws. Before heading out on the water, boat owners must register with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), have required safety equipment like life jackets, and only allow their boats to be operated by trained and focused operators. Allowing a passenger to operate a boat while intoxicated puts everyone on the water at risk.
According to the WGFD, the most common boating violations in Wyoming are:
- Not having life jackets for everyone on board
- Not having throwable flotation devices
- Not having a fire extinguisher
- Not having a sound-producing device such as an air horn, bell, or whistle
- Operating a boat without proper registration
- Ignoring local buoys or markers
- Allowing someone under the age of 16 to operate a boat
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Reckless operation, such as speeding, dangerous turns, or other careless behavior
Any one of these actions can put other boaters, passengers, swimmers, and fishermen in danger. Operators must report all accidents to the WGFD and local authorities. There is no excuse for causing a boating accident, and negligent operators should be held accountable for their actions. More importantly, if you are injured due to a reckless boat operator, then you deserve full compensation for your injuries.
Getting Compensation for Your Trauma
In order to receive compensation after a boating accident, you need to prove that another person’s negligent action caused your injuries. Typically, this means showing that another boater caused the accident by acting recklessly, such as by speeding or boating under the influence (BUI). The best way to prove this is through an in-depth investigation by the local authorities and WGFD. It is important to report any boating incident to the WGFD as soon as possible so they can begin looking into the operator’s actions.
In addition, the legal team at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., can also look into your accident and investigate the operator. We can work closely with the WGFD to confirm the details of your case, but we can also speak to witnesses, collect photos or videos of the accident, and review the operator’s background for a history of accidents. Once we have collected evidence and shown who was responsible for your injuries, we can negotiate with their insurance company to get you compensation. You have four years in Wyoming to file a personal injury claim against a negligent boat owner or operator, but you should not wait to contact a skilled trial attorney.
Call a Campbell County Boat Accident Attorney at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., Today
Our Gillette personal injury lawyers are dedicated to serving their neighbors throughout Campbell County. When we take on a new client, we work tirelessly to get them full compensation for their injuries and losses. You will not only get the experience of our attorneys, but also the support of our full team. If you or someone you love was injured by a negligent boater in Campbell County, reach out to Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., at (307) 257-7800 to get a free case evaluation.
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