Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Boat Accident?

Summer is here, and that means many Missouri residents will hit the state’s lakes and rivers on boats and other personal watercraft in the coming weeks and months. Like all vehicles, boats must be driven safely and carefully to avoid accidents. Some people underestimate the prevalence and severity of boat accidents, and it’s important to remember that watercraft can be extremely dangerous to occupants and other boaters when accidents occur.
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a boat accident, you may be facing expensive medical bills and lost wages due to injuries that put you out of work. Filing a compensation claim for a boat accident may be confusing, especially if you’re unsure of who caused it.
At Cofman Townsley, our St. Louis boat accident lawyers have many years of experience building boat accident claims, and we know which parties are often held liable, including:

• The negligent boat driver—Whether another boat crashed into the vessel you were on, or the boat you were on overturned or collided with another object, the liable party may be a boat operator. We can collect evidence that helps us determine which boater is responsible.
• An unruly passenger—Passengers can be held liable for boat accidents and injuries when their behavior distracts drivers or prevents them from driving their boats in a safe and controlled manner.
• The owner of the boat—Boat owners may be considered responsible for accidents if they loan their boats to unqualified drivers or allow inexperienced, intoxicated, or underaged people to drive their boats.

No matter who caused your boat accident, you need experienced legal representation on your side. Get the help you deserve today—call us for a free consultation.