A Guide to Navigating Legal Issues After a Boating Injury

Posted on April 21, 2023 by admin

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident in Indiana, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. You have medical expenses and hospital bills piling up while you recover, leaving you quite unsure of how to get the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, there is legal recourse available if you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence on Indiana waters. This guide will provide information about what steps should be taken when filing a boat accident claim, as well as tips on finding a qualified Indianapolis boat accident lawyer who can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the civil lawsuit process.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Boating Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

Water Sport and Boating Accidents on Indiana Lakes

Indiana is home to numerous beautiful lakes that offer a perfect opportunity for invigorating water sports and boating. Among the most popular and frequently visited lakes, Lake Wawasee (formerly Turkey Lake) is a must-visit for boating enthusiasts. It is the largest natural lake in the state of Indiana, with over 3,000 acres of crystal-clear water, perfect for boating. For a more serene experience, Lake Monroe is another prized destination that offers an idyllic retreat for visitors from around the state. Also, for those with an interest in fishing on the tranquil waters, Morse Reservoir is a popular spot for anglers. Geist Lake is a smaller, but just as popular lake for boating, water sports, and dockside activities. All of these lakes offer stunning views, vibrant boating scenes, and endless aquatic fun in the Midwest. However, water sport accidents and boat accidents do take place at times due to persons failing to use reasonable care, and when they do, victims deserve justice.

What to Do After a Serious Boating Accident:

► Get Medical Treatment for Your Boating Injuries

First and foremost, it’s important to seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. This will ensure that any injuries you have sustained are treated in a timely manner, minimizing the potential for long-term damage. Additionally, seeking immediate medical care can help support an insurance claim or any other legal action taken in the future. If you wait to seek treatment to see if you can just get better with time, the insurance carrier for the at-fault party will try to argue you were not injured since you did not immediately seek medical care.

► Clarify Which Insurance Carrier to File a Claim With

After attending to your health, and when you are medically able to do so, consider filing a boat accident claim with your insurer or another third party who may be responsible for the incident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in determining who should be held liable in this situation. In some cases, it may even be necessary to take legal action against more than one person or entity involved. It is important to remember that all claims must be filed within a certain time period – typically 2 years from the date of the accident – in order for them to be valid.

► Hire a Seasoned Boat Accident Lawyer

When selecting a boat accident lawyer, it’s essential to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about local and state maritime laws and personal injury law. Look for a personal injury litigator who has handled boating accident cases before and understands the nuances of legal action taken in this type of situation. It may also be helpful to choose an accident lawyer with easy access to relevant medical experts or investigators whose help could prove invaluable in documenting your case.

► Maintain Your Boating Accident Records

In addition to finding a qualified lawyer, there are other steps you should take after being injured in a boating accident. These include keeping records of any medical bills or treatment associated with the incident, gathering eyewitness accounts, and collecting evidence of any property damage caused by the accident. By staying organized and diligent throughout this process, you can be sure to have all of the necessary documents at hand when it comes time to file a claim or take other legal action in your case.

Talk to a Boat Accident Attorney to Learn Your Rights to Compensation

Being injured in a boating accident is a traumatic experience and understanding your legal rights may seem daunting. However, if you find an experienced Indiana boat accident attorney and take appropriate steps in filing a claim against those responsible for the incident, you can ensure that justice is served on your behalf. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies or taking legal action against another party, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from qualified personal injury boat attorneys. With the right guidance and preparation, you can be sure to get the compensation you deserve for your injury.

Were you or a loved one victimized in a serious boating or water sport incident on an Indiana body of water? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury consultation with a seasoned bo a t accident lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent injured victims and personal injury clients all throughout the state. We even represent Indiana residents injured in other states and residents of other states who are injured in Indiana. Meet with us over the phone, video conference, or in person at our Indy office.

How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Verdict After an Indiana Boating Accident

Posted on September 29, 2020 by admin

With the exception of this week’s forecast, recent weather has been very permitting for outdoor activity, which is why so many boaters are still enjoying the lake life around Indiana. But not all boat days end in sun tans and good memories; some boating days end in severe injury. If you were just injured in a boating accident in Indiana, it is vital that you seek professional legal counsel right away. An accomplished personal injury law firm with a team of attorneys who specialize in Indiana boat accidents is the right hire to represent your injury claim.

But who can you trust to deliver such results? The answer is The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers — Indiana Boating Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. for Boating Accident Claims in Indiana

Boating accidents are typically very serious, as they tend to involve extremely vulnerable and exposed victims, heavy motorized boats, high speeds, and deep waters. This combination can be deadly in the case of a boat collision, or being hit or runover by a vessel. Boating accident victims in the past have suffered a vast range of severe injuries, such as orthopedic fractures and breaks, traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s), spinal cord injuries, serious burns, lacerations, amputations, and even wrongful deaths and drowning.

Due to the severe injuries suffered by boating accident victims, the cost of medical care is typically much higher than an average personal injury case, which in turn means that the amount of damages for the victim and their immediate families also tend to be higher. Hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, property damages, pain and suffering, and more, are all examples of possible damages you can collect as an Indiana boating accident victim.

Common causes of boat accidents include, but are not limited to:

🛥 BUI’s (Boating Under the Influence)
🛥 Inattention
🛥 Distracted Driving
🛥 Inexperienced Driving
🛥 Speeding
🛥 Ignoring Wake Zones
🛥 X-Large Wakes
🛥 Turning Too Sharply
🛥 Recklessness
🛥 Dangerous Weather
🛥 Failure to Wear Life Jackets
🛥 Negligent Boat Maintenance

Getting Started Doesn’t Cost You a Thing

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation to learn your eligibility to pursue legal action against a wrongful party in a boating accident. We never collect lawyer fees upfront, nor do we charge hourly, require retainers, or surprise you with hidden fees. Our Indiana personal injury attorneys work on contingency, which means that you do not owe us a dime unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you! You can get started on your path toward financial recovery and justice, without paying a single penny. Initial consultations are not only free, we can perform them over the phone, via online conference, at your home or in person at our Indianapolis personal injury law office.

Learn More About Your Claim From a Trusted Indianapolis Accident Lawyer

Our esteemed Indiana personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek will work hard so you can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a serious boat accident. Not only do we represent injured people throughout the State of Indiana, we never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. Contact us today at 317-881-2700 to get your case in motion.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

How to Find a Skilled Indiana Boating Accident Attorney

Posted on May 15, 2020 by admin

As Spring continues to get warmer, more and more people are putting their motorized boats in the water. Here in Indiana, there are various lakes, ponds, and rivers that are well-suited for boating, including large bodies of water like Geist Lake, Raccoon Lake, and Morse Lake. Although the lake life is truly wonderful, accidents are known to happen. Whether in a fishing boat, speed boat, or pontoon, no one is fully protected from sustaining injuries in a boating accident. In more serious accidents, fatalities can even occur. If someone sustains serious injuries, it is vital to find a skilled Indiana boating accident attorney to represent you in your injury claim and ensure you receive the full and fair settlement you deserve.

Trust the seasoned personal injury lawyers at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to fight for your rights as an Indiana maritime accident victim.

Indiana Boat Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. represents maritime accident victims all throughout the state of Indiana. We set ourselves apart from other law firms by remaining open and available to our clients. With one simple phone call or email, you can be scheduled in for an initial consultation that we will educate you on everything you need to know about being injured in a serious accident. See our blog, “How a Personal Injury Consultation Will Ease Your Mind After an Accident” to learn why your initial meeting with your maritime accident lawyer is so beneficial and important.

Our Indiana Maritime Accident Attorneys are Standing By

Our practice is firmly dedicated to helping accident victims defend their rights to full and fair compensation for their damages and losses. Our experienced Indiana personal injury lawyers have successfully represented boating accident victims, as we retain extensive knowledge of all Indiana maritime laws and boat accident laws, and stay current on all changes. Moreover, we will retain a boating expert witness to help with your case. The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. will work hard to recover the appropriate settlement for those negligently injured on the water.

Common Boating Accidents That Happen in Indiana:

🛥 Swimmer Collisions
🛥 Dock Accidents
🛥 Drunk Boating Accidents
🛥 Accidental Drownings
🛥 Watercraft Collisions (Jet skis, etc.)
🛥 Propeller Accidents
🛥 Flooded or Sunken Boat Accidents
🛥 Fires and Explosions
🛥 Tubing/Water Skiing Accidents
🛥 Marina Accidents
🛥 Kayak/Canoe Accidents

Boating Accident Damages and Losses

There are various types of damages and losses a victim can suffer as a result of a serious boating accident. Common damages awarded to personal injury victims include compensatory, nominal, and punitive damages such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of future earnings, physical disablement, lost ability to work, and more. See our blog, “What Will Personal Injury Compensation Cover?” to learn which types of damages you can recover in a personal injury boating accident claim.

How to Start Your Boating Accident Claim in Indiana

Call our office today at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your Indiana boating accident claim. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys are ready to listen to your case and determine the best strategy for pursing a claim after being seriously injured in a boat accident. At your free initial consultation, you can have your case heard and evaluated without any payment obligations. Contact us to get started in your financial recovery, today.

Recent Missouri Duck Boat Accident May Have Been Caused By a Design Flaw

Posted on July 23, 2018 by admin

Could the fatalities that resulted from a recent duck boat ride accident in Missouri been prevented if certain safety recommendations had not been ignored?

Indiana Boat Accident Lawyers
317-881-2700

Duck Boat Accidents

What originated as a form of supply conveyance in Normandy during World War II, has now evolved into a popular tourism loop all along the coasts of the United States. From Boston to Seattle, and everywhere in between, duck boat rides have been around for decades, providing views of a city’s skyline from land and sea in the form of land-to-water amphibious vehicular rides.

But throughout the years of their operation, accidents and fatalities have not been a stranger to the industry. In fact, nearly 40 victims have lost their lives in duck boat accidents in the United States over the last 20 years. This number includes a 2010 duck boat accident that killed 2 victims in Philadelphia after colliding with a barge on the Delaware River, another 2015 accident in Seattle that killed 5 students, and many more like them.

The Miss Majestic Tragedy

In May of 1999, a tragic duck boating accident in Hot Springs, Arkansas took the lives of 13 victims aboard the Miss Majestic. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the cause of the accident was deemed to be a result of inadequate maintenance of the vessel. Three years following the tragedy, the NTSB issued a report suggesting a wide range of safety recommendations and precautions for duck boat operators.

Among the long list of recommendations, canopy removal was one of them since it prevented passengers from escaping the vessel, especially if wearing a life preserver jacket. Another notable recommendation was adding extra buoyancy protection to prevent the boats from sinking in the case of a flood or leak. Unfortunately, many of these safety recommendations have been ignored for the past 2 decades. This has been made blatantly apparent by the most recent duck boat accident that tragically took the lives of at least 17 victims in Branson, Missouri last week.

July 19th Missouri Duck Boat Accident

The company, Ride the Ducks Branson, sent a traditional, canopy-style duck boat into Table Rock Lake, which eventually capsized after being caught in a serious storm that produced 5-foot waves and 60 mph winds. Although there were life vests for everyone on board, once the boat began to sink, passengers were unable to escape.

According to NTSB Member, Earl Weener, 16 passengers and 1 crew member died from drowning. Many onlookers and authorities believe this to be a result of a disregarded design flaw. Duck boats are narrow and sit very low to the ground; these features, coupled with their overhead canopies, could be the reason why so many victims have lost their lives. Jim Hall, a former NTSB chairman during the 1999 accident, stated, “”I don’t think those vehicles were designed for the recreational use they’re being used for (…) they’re not safe.”

Duck Boat Regulations

The U.S. Coast Guard, one of the agencies that regulates the duck boat industry, admits that they set some degree of parameters on the vessels, like certificates of inspection and certified route authorization, but not much else. As for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), who also regulates their travel on the road, they had no official statement regarding any duck boat bans or federal regulations that may be in the works now that so many accidents have surfaced. There are currently no federal requirements for duck boats. Although the NTSB can give recommendations, they do not have any regulatory authority to enforce them

Settlements for Victims

On road and water, duck boats have proven to be dangerous and negligent in nature. Not only are they too wide for roads and lack the same degree of maneuverability as standard vehicles, they are too narrow for rough waters and pose safety hazards with their snare-like canopies. It seems as though courts and juries agree; after all, the 2010 Philadelphia duck boating accident lead to an injury settlement of $17 million.

Indiana Boat Accident Victims

For the Indiana family who lost their loved ones in the recent Missouri duck boating accident, and for all other boat accident victims, The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is here for you.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

One of our own seasoned personal injury lawyers, Ralph Hoover, has one of the largest boating accident verdicts in the state. We will work around the clock to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a boat accident, or suffering the loss of your loved ones in a wrongful death boat accident. Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation. We never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

Category Archives: Boat Accidents