You can sue after a boat accident if the vehicle operator is negligent and you are injured or suffer property damage due to their actions. Following a boating accident, meet with a Kansas City personal injury lawyer. Tell your attorney about your accident, and they can determine if you can receive compensation from any liable parties.
If a boating accident is fatal, a Kansas City wrongful death lawyer can help you deal with the incident’s aftermath. Your attorney is empathetic and compassionate. They can describe how you can sue after a boating accident and handle your legal matters as you and your loved ones support one another during this emotionally taxing time in your lives.
Can You Sue Following a Boat Accident in Missouri?
You have the right to sue a liable party after a boat accident in Missouri. Contact a Kansas City personal injury attorney to get started. Your lawyer can find out who is to blame for your accident and injuries and submit your compensation request promptly.
Suing someone after a boat accident does not guarantee you will be compensated for your losses. It is your responsibility to prove that a party was negligent and that their actions led to your accident and injuries. Your attorney can explain what legal negligence is and what its role is in your case.
Your lawyer will encourage you to pursue economic and non–economic damages in your boat accident lawsuit. They can position you to recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other quantifiable and subjective losses. Your attorney can provide insights into when to accept a personal injury settlement if a liable party offers one.
When to Sue After a Boating Accident
Request legal help immediately after your boating accident. Based on the Revised Statutes of Missouri Section 516.120, you have five years from the date of a boating accident to sue a liable party.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit will not be extended—if this window closes, you are solely responsible for your accident-related losses.
Trust your attorney to gather evidence on your behalf. You can use accident scene photos, witness statements, and other proof to support your argument. If you have plenty of evidence, the defendant is likely to encounter challenges as they try to dispute your argument.
If the defendant offers to settle, review their proposal with your lawyer. Getting a settlement proposal does not mean you are required to approve it. If a settlement offer is less than what you want, decline it and continue with your litigation.
Tips to Help if You Sue Someone After a Boat Accident
Choose a personal injury lawyer who has a track record of helping clients achieve great case results. Ideally, your attorney has experience with boat accident cases. They can share tips to assist you during your legal proceedings, such as:
Receive Medical Attention
Go to a doctor, undergo a medical evaluation, and treat your boat accident injuries. As you get medical treatments, track the costs associated with them. Your lawyer can add your medical bills to your collection of evidence.
Report Your Accident
Notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) about your boat accident within 48 hours if anyone is hurt or killed or if property is damaged. MSHP will investigate the incident and put together a report, which you can include in your body of proof.
Connect With Witnesses
Reach out to anyone who saw your accident. Witnesses can submit statements detailing the incident. These statements can strengthen your argument and boost your chances of receiving full damages.
Do Not Speak to a Liable Party About Your Accident
Allow your lawyer to discuss your boating accident with a liable party or anyone else. Remember, what you say about your accident can be used against you. If you speak about your accident, you risk saying something that indicates you are liable.
Stay Off of Social Media
Share updates regarding your boat accident recovery with family and friends via phone and video calls, emails, and texts. Do not post content about your recovery on X, Facebook, or other social networks. Otherwise, a liable party could try to utilize your social media posts in their argument.
In addition to these things, stay in contact with your lawyer throughout your case proceedings. Your attorney can answer your questions about comparative negligence laws in Missouri and other legal topics. They help you make informed legal decisions every step of the way.
Hire Personal Injury Lawyers Who Fight for Boat Accident Victims
You wonder if you can sue after a boat accident caused by someone else. Find out by consulting with personal injury attorneys who understand what boating accident cases entail. Your lawyer can walk you through your legal options and, if warranted, file a personal injury lawsuit for you.
Foster Wallace is a Missouri personal injury law firm that has recovered over $1 billion for our clients. We will advocate for you and protect your legal rights as you seek compensation from anyone liable for your boating accident. Schedule a case consultation with us.
