Utah has some of the best boating in the country thanks to the Utah State Parks Boating Program. Ranking sixth in the United States for amount of boatable water per capita, Utah has over 66,012 registered boats statewide.

While boating is enjoyable, many people do not realize that boats can be just as dangerous as cars and trucks. When boats are not handled properly, accidents can happen and potentially injure passengers and swimmers.

If you were harmed in a boating accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, a Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates can help you navigate the legal waters and recover monetary compensation for your injuries and damages.

Boating Accidents Can Happen to Anyone

Boat accident victims can suffer minor to serious injuries in a Salt Lake City boat accident. Anyone operating a boat needs to take the precautions necessary to keep passengers safe.

For example, operating a boat with excessive speed or driving under the influence of alcohol can easily result in the boat crashing into a pier or colliding with another vessel.

In addition, defective boat parts could cause a boat to lose control due to a malfunctioning motor or other problem.

Your Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer will help you determine exactly what caused your accident and who was responsible for it.

Utah Boat Accident Causes

Like motor vehicles, boats have to follow federal and state rules and regulations. Waterways have traffic lanes, speed limits, and right-of-way rules that apply to all watercraft. When boat operators neglect these rules, they put their own passengers at risk, as well as anyone else on the water with them.

The Boat Owners Association of the United States reports that 50 percent of all boating accidents are due to alcohol consumption. Other common causes of boat accidents are listed below:

  • Distracted driving
  • Improper lookout
  • Boat operator inexperience
  • Excessive speed
  • Defective boat parts

Common Salt Lake City Boating Accident Injuries

Lakes and waterways in Utah can be dangerous when safety precautions aren’t taken seriously. In 2014, there were 4,064 boating accidents according to the US Coast Guard, a 10.6 percent increase from 2013. Of these accidents, there were 610 fatalities and 2,678 injuries and millions of dollars lost in property damage.

Falling overboard into the water is common in boat accidents. In 2014, 78 percent of boating fatalities were caused by drowning, and 84 percent of those who died were not wearing life jackets at the time.

A Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer from our office will have experience handling cases that involve a wide array of boating accident injuries:

Compensation for a Utah Boat Accident

Boating accident injuries can be devastating to those involved, causing physical, emotional and financial harm. Your Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Of course, your medical bills will need to be covered by your settlement. This includes any future procedures and equipment your injuries might require.

As your recovery may result in time off from work, we’ll also need to calculate how much money you’ve lost because of this. Other expenses will include property damage, caregiver expenses, and physical therapy—just to name a few.

Your Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer will also help you arrive at a dollar amount for your noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, a decreased quality of life, lost sexual function, and any damage done to your marriage and friendships.

Utah Statute of Limitations

You have a finite amount of time in which you may file a personal injury claim for your boating accident. In Utah, this statute of limitations is four years from the date of your injury.

This may sound like a great deal of time, but your Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer will need this time to collect evidence, speak with any witnesses, and investigate the accident. For the strongest case possible, you’ll want to act immediately.

Contact an Experienced Salt Lake City Boat Accident Lawyer

At Craig Swapp & Associates, it is our priority to protect your legal rights and recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Our attorneys have the skill and knowledge needed to investigative your accident and determine how your case should proceed.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, call a Salt Lake City boat accident lawyer today at 1-800-404-9000 or contact us online by submitting the form at the bottom of this page.