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Minnesota Boating Accident Lawyers
Accomplished advocacy for all types of watercraft accidents
Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” There are also more than 6,000 rivers and streams. The state enforces specific rules for owning and operating a boat in Minnesota. At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our trial lawyers hold boat operators, boating companies, and boating manufacturers accountable when they cause an accident on any type of boat or watercraft. Our Minnesota boating accident lawyers work with investigators and experienced boat operators to show who is liable and why they should be held accountable. We demand compensation for any injuries survivors suffer and file wrongful death claims if a boating accident is fatal.
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How can we help you?
- Where do boating accidents happen in Minnesota?
- What causes boating accidents in Minnesota?
- What different types of boating accidents do you handle in Minnesota?
- What injuries do boating accidents cause?
- Who do you hold liable for Minnesota boating accidents?
- What is the value of my boating accident claim?
- How much time do I have to file a boat accident claim in Minnesota?
- Do you have a Minnesota boating accident lawyer near me?
Where do boating accidents happen in Minnesota?
Minnesota has too many lakes, rivers, and streams to mention them all. There are different destinations if you own your own boat or if you want to rent one. Some of the more popular destinations for boating in the state include the following:
- The St. Croix River
- Lake Minnetonka
- Gull Lake
- Mille Lacs Lake
- Lake Vermillion
Other boating destinations include:
- Otter Tail Lake
- Lake of the Woods
- Deer Lake
- Lake Superior
- Lake Elmo
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in 2024, in Minnesota, there were nine boating fatalities and 53 non-fatal boating incidents. The non-fatal incidents included collisions with another watercraft, collisions with a fixed object, and capsizing.
What causes boating accidents in Minnesota?
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, we have 50 years of experience showing how and why boating accidents happen. Some of the common causes of boating accidents include:
- Negligence and recklessness by a boat operator. No matter the size of the boat, operators should understand what navigation routes/paths they can take, operate at safe speeds, be aware of their surroundings, avoid distractions, stay a safe distance away from other boats and swimmers, and take other safety precautions.
- Inexperience. Each type of boat has different operating requirements. Drivers should understand how to operate in all types of weather and be ready to handle any dangers.
- Lack of compliance. Boat owners and operators need to understand the Minnesota boating laws and regulations, including:
- Licensing requirements.
- The required equipment for the boat.
- Operator requirements including permit requirements for operators under 21.
- Navigation rules, which include rules for passing, what to do when two boats meet each other, crossing at right angles, the right of way, water markers, Minnesota’s move-over law, capacity regulations, how to handle other activities (such as wake sports and tubing), and avoiding areas marked for swimming.
- Personal watercraft. There are additional rules for operating jet skis and wave runners.
- Boating while intoxicated (BWI). Just as driving a car while intoxicated is dangerous, operating a boat while intoxicated is also dangerous. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher is illegal. There are also consequences for refusing a breath test.
- Bad weather. Many boating accidents happen when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Rain, clouds, fog, and wind can all make boat operation difficult. Operators should understand what precautions to take in bad weather and when to get back to the dock area and stop boating.
What different types of boating accidents do you handle in Minnesota?
Our Minnesota boat accident lawyers handle all types of boat accidents, including the following:
- Collisions with other boats
- Collisions with swimmers and anyone outside of a boat
- Drowning accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Accidents while getting onto or off a boat
- Cruise ship accidents
- Capsized boats
- Water ski accidents
- Grounding accidents
- Parasailing and sailing accidents
- Canoe accidents
- Kayak accidents
- Racing boat accidents
- Houseboat accidents
- Speedboat accidents
- Pontoon accidents
What injuries do boating accidents cause?
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, we handle all types of injuries from boating accidents, whether the accident is due to a collision with someone or something outside the boat, or while someone is on the boat.
Common boating accident injuries include:
- Drowning.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones/fractures.
- Loss of limb/traumatic amputation.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries.
- Nerve and muscle damage.
- Tissue, tendon, and ligament damage.
- Injuries due to handling any boating equipment including electrocution and burns.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
Who do you hold liable for Minnesota boating accidents?
Our Minnesota boating accident lawyers file personal injury and wrongful death claims against everyone responsible for your accident. The defendants may include one or more of the following:
- Boat operators – whether or not the operator charges a fee
- The owner of the boat
- A manufacturer of a defective boat part or defective safety equipment
- A business that rents boats
- A boat touring company
What is the value of my boating accident claim?
Our Minnesota boating accident lawyers work with your doctors to verify what injuries you have, the medical care you will need, and how your injuries are affecting everything you do, including daily activities and work activities. We can work to obtain compensation for your current and future:
- Medical expenses of every type.
- Income loss, including wages, other income sources, benefits, and permanent disability compensation.
- Pain and suffering of every type.
- Property damage.
- Scars and disfigurement.
- Emotional trauma.
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures.
- Loss of bodily function.
- Loss of consortium.
We file wrongful death claims if a loved one drowns or dies in some other way due to a boating accident.
How much time do I have to file a boat accident claim in Minnesota?
You must file your personal injury or wrongful death claim within six years from the date of the accident. Some shorter timelines may apply if a governmental agency is involved. We strongly recommend that you contact us immediately so that we can start collecting information and evidence.
Do you have a Minnesota boating accident lawyer near me?
Yes. We meet clients in Waite Park, at our office located at 1505 Division Street, and our office at 701 Xenia Ave. S., in Golden Valley. We conduct consultations by phone and through online video platforms like FaceTime and Zoom. Our lawyers can also meet clients away from the office if they are not mobile.
We’re prepared to answer your questions and fight for all the compensation you deserve.
Speak with Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC today
Our lawyers are ready to help you now. We’ve earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and the Minnesota legal community for our dedication to our clients and our strong record of recoveries. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs.