Boat Accidents

Sandusky Boat Accident Attorneys

Seek Legal Help After a Boating Accident on Lake Erie

Boating in Ohio is a way of life for most residents. Along with the excitement that this activity can bring, it can also bring disaster. With more man-made lakes than any other state in the U.S., boating accidents are a regular occurrence.

Boating and personal watercraft accidents on Lake Erie and in other bodies of water in northern Ohio are often devastating. At even slow speeds, when two boats collide, all passengers aboard are put in extreme danger.

It is not uncommon for a boat accident to result in serious injuries including the following:

In some cases, a boat accident can result in capsizing, which can be a risk for drowning.

Murray & Murray in Sandusky, Ohio represents victims of accidents resulting from recreational boating, commercial shipping, and personal watercraft or jet ski usage on waterways in the area.

Most of our boat accident cases involve crashes on or around:

  • Lake Erie
  • Sandusky Bay
  • Kelley's Island
  • Put-in-Bay
  • The Sandusky River
  • The Maumee River
  • The Cuyahoga River
  • Other nearby bodies of water

Call (419) 664-3711 to speak with a team of attorneys who genuinely care about your future and wellbeing.

Understanding the Causes of Boating Accidents in Ohio

In many cases, a drunk boater can be found at the center of a boating accident case. Having just one beer can make it significantly more difficult to safely steer a boat, after all. Dram shop liability may offer additional sources of compensation if a marina pub served an obviously inebriated boater alcoholic drinks before that same person caused or was involved in a serious boating accident.

Other factors that may have contributed to or caused your boating accident include:

  • Lack of proper navigation lights on a boat
  • Lack of training by a boater
  • Poor boat maintenance
  • Speeding or reckless boating

Proving Negligence in Northern Ohio Boating Accidents

Boat crash with large boat - boating accident

Proving liability in a boating accident can be more complicated than for a motor vehicle accident case. This is because factors such as natural phenomena of a storm or wave will need to be taken into consideration.

A thorough examination of your case will need to be conducted in order to sort out the variables involved. Our goal is to build a case aimed at proving that the other party is liable for your injuries. Schedule your consultation with our team at your earliest convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents

Which Boating Accidents Are Legally Required to Be Reported in Ohio?

According to Ohio law, boaters are required to report a boating accident under any of the following circumstances:

  1. If a person is killed or goes missing - Must be reported within 24 hours
  2. If a person is injured or requires more than first aid medical attention - Must be reported within 5 days
  3. If there is property damage in excess of $500 or if a boat is lost - Must be reported within 5 days

For more information about reporting a boating accident in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Boat Collision in Sandusky

Ohio law (ORC 1547.10) requires boaters to do several things following a boating accident:

  1. Stop immediately if it is safe to do so; do not leave the scene of the accident
  2. Provide the other boater with your contact information and the contact information of the boat owner, as well as the boat's registration number
  3. If the other party involved in the accident is unable to take down the information themselves you are required to call law enforcement and remain at the scene until they arrive
  4. If the boat was unoccupied at the time of the accident you are still required to leave contact information attached to the vessel in a visible place

If you are witness to or are involved in a boating accident in Ohio, you are also required to render assistance to the other vessel following the accident if at all possible. You can read more about this in ORC 1547.59.

Contact a Sandusky Boat Accident Lawyer to Start Your Claim

In an initial meeting with a Sandusky boat accident lawyer from Murray & Murray, we can discuss your case and determine possible ways to find proper compensation for losses and injuries. For example, did you know that if the person who hit your boat was uninsured or underinsured, your own homeowner's policy may cover your accident? We use all available channels to find the optimal outcome for your personal injury claim.

Contact our Sandusky attorneys today for a free consultation on your maritime injury case.

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