St. Joseph, Michigan Boating Accident Lawyer

St. Joseph, Michigan, offers ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation on the water for visitors and residents alike. Whether fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or taking a rental boat out for a leisurely afternoon, there is no shortage of activities on the city’s lakefront and waterways. 

But not everyone is an experienced sailor or boat operator. Not everyone at a vessel’s helm acts responsibly, follows applicable safety rules, or maintains their boat appropriately. And not everyone is prepared for the shifting and sometimes volatile conditions that can arise on Lake Michigan. 

The above can and do result in boating accidents that cause serious injuries and even fatalities. When a vessel’s owner or operator’s negligent and reckless actions lead to such losses, victims can hold those parties responsible and seek compensation that can help them recover. 

At Sommers Schwartz, we represent those who suffer because of others’ irresponsibility on the water. We know the upheaval that follows a severe injury or loss of a loved one. We understand the physical, financial, practical, and emotional challenges faced by injury victims and fight tirelessly to get our clients the resources and compensation they need and deserve. 

Causes of Boating Accidents

Michigan has a robust set of safety laws that apply to operating watercraft on the state’s lakes and waterways. These laws, along with local St. Joseph ordinances, prohibit a broad range of conduct, including speeding, disobeying no-wake zones, and operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Of course, boaters, like vehicle drivers, do not always comply with the laws designed to protect themselves and others. 

Whether violating the law or not, a wide range of negligent acts or omissions can lead to a boating accident, including: 

• Inexperienced boat operators
• Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Negligent boat maintenance
• Defective boat equipment
• Inadequate boat maintenance
• Excessive speed
• Distracted boating
• Operating without a license

Types of Boating Accidents

Sommers Schwartz represents boating accident injury victims no matter the cause, nature, or degree of their injuries. This includes seeking compensation for those injured in:

• Propeller Accidents 
• Run-over Accidents 
• Overboard Accidents
• Drowning Accidents
• Slips and Falls on a Vessel
• Crew Member Accidents
• Water-skiing Accidents

Boating Accident Injuries 

In the wake of an accident, the individuals on the boat may suffer injuries. In some boating accidents, individuals in the water or on another vessel can sustain injuries.  

The most common injuries sustained in boating accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Head injuries
• Brain injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Amputations
• Disfigurement
• Drowning

Injured in a Boating Accident in St. Joseph? Call Sommers Schwartz Today for a Free Consultation 

If a boat accident in or around St. Joseph, Michigan, has caused injuries or the loss of a loved one, Sommers Schwartz can help. With experience, fierce advocacy, and a deep understanding of the unique issues involved in boating accidents, our personal injury attorneys will fight to get you what you deserve after an accident on the water. Contact Sommers Schwartz today at (866) 942-0101 for a free consultation to discuss your case.