Lake of the Ozarks Boating Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a boating accident on the Lake of the Ozarks, MO? You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. An experienced Lake of the Ozarks boating accident lawyer at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight to recover every dollar available.

Since 2002, we’ve been dedicated to fighting for accident victims across Missouri. Over the years, we’ve recovered over $70 million in life-changing settlements and verdicts.

Our lawyers are always available to discuss your legal options. Call our law offices in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, to schedule a free consultation today.

How Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Boating Accident in the Lake of the Ozarks

How Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Boating Accident in the Lake of the Ozarks

Unfortunately, it often takes much more than a simple insurance form to recover fair compensation for your injuries. You’ll have to prove what caused the accident and identify everyone who was responsible. Then, you’ll have to fight with the insurance company to establish the value of your claim.

Our Lake of the Ozarks boating accidents lawyers can help. At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases. We’ve been rated by Super Lawyers and earned a perfect-10 rating on the Avvo lawyer rating service.

You can count on us to:

  • Investigate to determine causation and establish liability
  • Calculate the fair value of your case
  • Defend you if you’re blamed for causing the accident
  • Negotiate with the insurance company to recover the maximum compensation you deserve

You’re dealing with enough if you were injured. Call our Lake of the Ozarks boating accidents attorneys to create an attorney-client relationship today.

How Common Are Boating Accidents on the Lake of the Ozarks?

How Common Are Boating Accidents on the Lake of the Ozarks?

Lake of the Ozarks has a shoreline of more than 1,100 miles. The lake itself covers about 93 square miles. While Lake of the Ozarks is a great place for boating and recreation, it’s also a hot spot for boating accidents.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 152 recreational boating accidents in the state of Missouri in 2020. A total of 14 people were killed in fatal boat accidents.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 77 boating accident injuries for 2020. Reports show that at least 50% of those injuries happened on Lake of the Ozarks.

What Causes Most Boating Accidents in the Lake of the Ozarks?

Lake of the Ozarks

Boat owners have a duty to navigate carefully when operating a vessel on the lake. Like any at-fault driver in a car accident, they can be held financially responsible if their careless or reckless behavior causes an accident.

Before you can recover compensation, however, you have to understand what caused your accident.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, some of the most common causes of Missouri boating accidents include:

  • Operator inattention
  • Excessive speeds
  • Inexperienced boat operators
  • Alcohol use
  • Drug use 
  • Failure to keep a proper lookout
  • Violation of navigational rules
  • Sharp turns
  • Failure to vent
  • Poor visibility
  • Inadequate onboard lights
  • Overloading
  • Equipment failures 
  • Machinery failures
  • Hazardous waters and bad weather
  • People on the gunwale, bow, or transom
  • Fuel or vapor ignition

Our Lake of the Ozarks boating accident attorneys handle all types of injury claims, including those involving:

  • Falls overboard
  • Slip and fall accidents aboard the vessel
  • Flooding or swamping
  • Collisions with other vessels or fixed objects
  • Sinkings 
  • Fires and explosions

You may not know what caused your accident. You can count on our experienced lawyers to get to the bottom of it. Just call our law firm to schedule a free case review to learn more.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Boating Accident in the Lake of the Ozarks?

Most accidents happen because someone was negligent. Someone is negligent when they fail to act with reasonable caution given the circumstances.

There are four elements you have to prove to establish negligence:

  • A legal duty of care
  • The responsible party breached that duty
  • The breach caused your accident
  • You sustained damages, or injuries

While most personal injury claims are based on negligence, it’s also possible that your case could involve strict liability. If a defective boat component was responsible, you may be able to hold the manufacturer strictly liable without proving negligence. 

Common Boating Accident Injuries in Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Boating accident injuries can be just as serious as those sustained in motor vehicle accidents on land. In fact, they can sometimes be even more severe.

Our lawyers will fight to recover fair compensation for all of your injuries. We often represent clients who have suffered:

Don’t let your injuries prevent you from getting the legal advice you deserve. We’re ready to start fighting for you while you focus on recovering. Just call our legal team to schedule your free case evaluation today.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Boating Accident Victims in Missouri?

A serious injury can haunt you for years–and the cost of medical treatment can be shocking. Fortunately, Missouri personal injury laws allow accident victims to seek compensation for all of their losses.

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

In other words, if you can prove that someone else caused your injuries, you’re entitled to pursue fair compensation for all of your economic and non-economic damages.

Contact a Lake of the Ozarks Boating Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Were you hurt while enjoying a day on the water? Call a Lake of the Ozarks boating accident lawyer at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today. We offer free initial consultations, so there’s no risk in learning about your legal rights.