Watercraft Accident Lawyers in St. Joseph, Missouri

Legal Support for Victims of Boating and Watercraft Accidents

Have you or a loved one been injured in a boating accident on Lake Contrary, the Missouri River, or another waterway near St. Joseph? Watercraft accidents can cause serious injuries that change lives in an instant. Whether you were hurt while enjoying a day on a pontoon boat, racing on a jet ski, or riding as a passenger on a friend’s speedboat, these accidents often lead to confusion about who’s responsible and how to get compensation.

Many victims don’t realize that watercraft accidents are governed by a complex mix of state and federal laws. Determining liability can be challenging when accidents happen on public waterways, at private docks, or at commercial marinas. An experienced watercraft accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and recover what you’re owed.

Don’t navigate these legal waters alone. Our legal team has the knowledge and experience to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Call us now to speak with our legal team for free. We’re ready to listen to your story and explain your options.

Types of Watercraft Accidents We Handle

Our attorneys have experience with a wide range of water-related accidents and injuries:

• Boat Collisions: Crashes between two or more vessels, often caused by operator inattention or lack of experience

• Jet Ski Accidents: High-speed personal watercraft crashes that frequently result in severe injuries

• Propeller Injuries: Devastating injuries caused by contact with boat propellers

• Falls Overboard: Accidents resulting in drowning or near-drowning incidents

• Wake-Related Injuries: Injuries caused by a boat's wake throwing passengers or hitting other vessels

• Marina and Dock Accidents: Injuries occurring on docks, piers, or while boarding vessels

• Intoxicated Operator Incidents: Accidents caused by boat operators under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Reckless Operation: Injuries resulting from speeding, dangerous maneuvers, or ignoring navigation rules

• Equipment Failures: Accidents caused by defective boat parts or inadequate maintenance

No matter what type of watercraft was involved or how your injury occurred, our attorneys have the expertise to handle your case effectively.

Who Is Responsible in a Water Accident?

Determining liability in watercraft accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility:

Watercraft Operators

Boat, jet ski, and other watercraft operators have a duty to:

• Follow all navigation rules and safety regulations

• Maintain a proper lookout for other vessels and hazards

• Operate at safe speeds for conditions

• Avoid alcohol and drugs while operating watercraft

• Ensure passengers wear appropriate safety equipment

Rental Companies

If you were injured on a rented boat or jet ski, the rental company may be liable if they:

• Failed to provide proper safety instructions or training

• Rented to an inexperienced or underage operator

• Provided faulty or poorly maintained equipment

• Failed to warn about known hazards or dangerous conditions

Boat Owners

Even if the owner wasn’t operating the vessel at the time of the accident, they may share liability if they:

• Allowed an inexperienced person to operate their watercraft

• Permitted intoxicated operation

• Failed to maintain the vessel properly

• Did not provide necessary safety equipment

Manufacturers

If a defective part or design flaw contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for:

• Faulty engines or steering mechanisms

• Defective life jackets or safety equipment

• Design flaws that make the vessel unsafe

• Inadequate warnings about potential hazards

Property Owners

Marinas, dock owners, and waterfront property owners may be liable if:

• Unsafe dock conditions contributed to a fall or injury

• Inadequate lighting created hazardous conditions

• They failed to warn about known underwater hazards

• Improper maintenance led to structural failures

Our legal team conducts thorough investigations to identify all potentially responsible parties. We gather evidence including witness statements, photos, accident reports, weather conditions, and operator qualifications to build a strong case for compensation.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Watercraft accident victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances and severity of their injuries:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency medical treatment

• Ambulance or airlift transportation

• Hospital stays and surgeries

• Medications and medical equipment

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

• Future medical needs

Lost Income

• Wages lost while recovering

• Reduced earning capacity

• Lost benefits and opportunities

• Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job

Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries

• Emotional distress and trauma

• Anxiety about returning to water activities

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Property Damage

• Repair or replacement of your watercraft

• Personal property damaged in the accident

• Rental costs while your vessel is being repaired

Water-related accidents often cause serious injuries including:

• Traumatic brain injuries from impact with water or vessels

• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis

• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries

• Drowning or near-drowning resulting in oxygen deprivation

• Severe lacerations from propellers

• Burn injuries from boat fires or explosions

Our attorneys work with medical experts to fully document your injuries and their long-term impact, ensuring your compensation reflects all current and future needs.

Why Hire a Watercraft Accident Lawyer?

Watercraft accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge and experience:

Complex Jurisdiction Issues

Water accidents may involve:

• State laws for inland lakes

• Federal maritime laws for navigable waterways

• Special regulations for protected waterways

• Different rules depending on where the accident occurred

Insurance Challenges

Many boat owners:

• Carry insufficient insurance coverage

• Have policies with significant exclusions

• May be completely uninsured

• Have coverage that's unclear about liability

Evidence Preservation

Water accidents present special challenges for evidence:

• Accident scenes cannot be preserved like road accidents

• Witnesses may be difficult to locate

• Weather and water conditions change rapidly

• Physical evidence may be submerged or lost

Legal Expertise

Our attorneys bring:

• Knowledge of both state and federal boating laws

• Experience with maritime insurance policies

• Relationships with marine accident experts

• Understanding of watercraft operation and safety requirements

Call to let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. Focus on your recovery while we handle the complex legal process.

We Handle All Types of Injury Cases

Our law firm is dedicated to helping injury victims throughout St. Joseph with a wide range of legal services:

If you were injured in a collision with a passenger vehicle, our car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and fight for fair compensation.

Motorcyclists face unique challenges after an accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyer understands these issues and works to protect riders’ rights.

Were you injured while using a rideshare service? Our uber accident lawyer knows how to handle the complex insurance issues these cases often involve.

If you were injured in a fall on someone else’s property, our slip and fall lawyer will work to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Animal attacks can cause serious injuries and trauma. Our dog bite lawyer knows how to pursue these claims effectively.

In the tragic event that you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, our wrongful death lawyer provides compassionate representation during this difficult time.

For life-altering injuries requiring long-term care, our catastrophic injury lawyer has the experience to secure the substantial compensation you’ll need for future medical expenses.

Don't Wait to Protect Your Rights

After a watercraft accident, time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and there are strict deadlines for filing claims. Many watercraft accident cases have shorter statutes of limitations than typical personal injury cases, especially if government-owned vessels or facilities are involved.

• Act quickly to preserve critical evidence

• Identify and interview witnesses before memories fade

• Work with experts to document the accident scene and your injuries

• File all necessary paperwork on time

• Handle all communications with insurance companies

We understand that recovering from a watercraft accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our free consultation gives you the opportunity to understand your legal options without any financial risk or obligation.

Call us today to speak with a dedicated watercraft accident lawyer who puts your recovery first. Let us help you navigate the legal process while you focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do After a Boating Accident?

First, ensure everyone’s safety and seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Report the accident to local authorities and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division if it involved injury, death, or significant property damage. Document the scene by taking photos of all vessels involved, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other parties involved. Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Keep all medical records and receipts for accident-related expenses. Then contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn't Wearing a Life Jacket?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if you weren’t wearing a life jacket, though it may impact your case. Missouri follows a “comparative fault” rule, which means your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Not wearing a life jacket doesn’t automatically disqualify your claim, especially if another party’s negligence primarily caused the accident. Our attorneys can help demonstrate how the other party’s actions were the main cause of your injuries despite any safety oversights on your part. Each case is unique, so it’s important to have an experienced watercraft accident attorney evaluate your specific situation.

Who Is Responsible in A Jet Ski Collision?

Responsibility in a jet ski collision depends on the specific circumstances. Potentially liable parties include: the operator who acted negligently by speeding, operating too close to other vessels, or failing to follow navigation rules; the jet ski owner who allowed an inexperienced person to operate their watercraft; rental companies that provided inadequate training or faulty equipment; manufacturers if the jet ski had a defect that contributed to the accident; or even other watercraft operators who created dangerous conditions. Often, multiple parties share responsibility. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Watercraft Injury Claim?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including watercraft accidents, is five years from the date of the accident. However, this deadline can be much shorter in certain circumstances. If your accident occurred on federal waters or involved commercial vessels, federal maritime laws might apply with different time limits. Claims against government entities (like state-operated ferries or boats) often have notice requirements as short as 90 days. Additionally, evidence disappears quickly in water-related accidents, so it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and build the strongest case.

What if The Boat Operator Was Intoxicated?

If your accident was caused by an intoxicated boat operator, you may have a strong case for compensation. Operating a watercraft while intoxicated is illegal in Missouri (BWI – Boating While Intoxicated) and creates a presumption of negligence. In these cases, you may be entitled to additional punitive damages meant to punish particularly reckless behavior. The intoxicated operator may face both criminal charges and civil liability. Our attorneys can help coordinate with law enforcement, obtain chemical test results, and gather witness testimony about the operator’s condition. We’ll use this evidence to build a compelling case that clearly demonstrates the operator’s negligence and maximizes your potential compensation.