Summer is the season to use a boat and spend time on one of the many lakes in Minnesota. Residents of Fairmont enjoy convenient access to the city’s five interconnected lakes: George, Sisseton, Budd, Hall, and Amber. However, it is important to drive your watercraft safely to prevent collisions and avoid injuries.

Many common injuries from Fairmont boating accidents are caused by negligence, a legal concept where someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. If you or a loved one has been hurt while on a boat, you may be entitled to compensation. A compassionate boating accident attorney from Maschka Personal Injury can help with your claim. Although based in Mankato, we are committed to helping residents across Southern Minnesota seek compensation after serious accidents.

The Dangers of Boating

Boats are heavy vehicles that can travel at high speeds, generating significant force in the event of a collision. Boat crashes can be more dangerous than car accidents, given the absence of safety features, such as seat belts or airbags, and the risks associated with water exposure.

Drowning

Many injuries commonly sustained from Fairmont boat crashes involve water-related dangers, including drowning or near-drowning. A collision can capsize a boat, throwing passengers into the water, where some may struggle if they are not strong swimmers. While life jackets provide support, accidents can happen quickly, leaving little time to put one on if the occupants were not already wearing life jackets. Even if near-drowning victims are rescued promptly, there is a chance that their brains could be damaged by oxygen deprivation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Orthopedic Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can also occur if a person’s head strikes a part of the boat or impacts the water forcefully. Other possible injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue damage, and lacerations.

Due to the added risks associated with water, it is essential for boat operators to handle their boats responsibly to protect themselves and their passengers. Failure to do so can serve as the basis for a claim against the responsible party. If you have sustained injuries caused by a negligent boat operator, an experienced attorney can assist you in seeking compensation.

The legal team at Maschka Personal Injury is dedicated to guiding clients through the claims process and ensuring they have the information and support they need during this challenging time.

Liability and Compensation

Motorboat operators have a duty of care to other boaters and passengers alike. Failing to meet this duty and causing harm to someone else can be considered negligence.

Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol is a clear violation of one’s duty of care. Other examples include:

  • Excessive speed
  • Reckless behavior
  • Driver errors due to inexperience
  • Failure to follow safety regulations, such as having an adequate number of life jackets

Breaching the duty of care is key to a negligence claim because it can indicate who was ultimately responsible for causing the accident. If you or a loved one has sustained typical injuries caused by motorboat collisions in Fairmont, you may be able to recover financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress with the help of a lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury. When you need legal guidance, we are here to help.

Consult Us About Typical Injuries Caused by Fairmont Boating Accidents

Many of the common injuries from Fairmont boating accidents can be avoided with reasonable care. Failing to exercise reasonable care can be the basis for a claim to recover compensation.

If you have been hurt in a boat crash, talk to a compassionate lawyer from Maschka Personal Injury to learn about your legal options. When you hire us for your legal representation, you can rest assured that you will work with compassionate, competent, hard-working, and honest attorneys. Call us to schedule a meeting with a member of our team and get started on your claim.