We help wrongfully injured people by telling their story to achieve maximum compensation.

Experienced Boating Accident Attorneys in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Boating accidents on Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes or Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and Great Lakes waterways can turn a day of recreation into tragedy. Collisions, capsizing, propeller strikes, or falls overboard often result from operator negligence, intoxication, inexperience, or failure to follow safety rules – leading to drowning, traumatic injuries, or fatalities.

Both states see hundreds of boating incidents annually, with alcohol a factor in many serious cases.

At Justice Served Coalition, our dedicated Boating Accident Attorneys serve clients throughout Minnesota (including Lake Elmo, Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, St. Louis Park, Maple Grove, Blaine, Roseville, St. Cloud, Hudson, WI and the Twin Cities metro) and Wisconsin.

We investigate complex watercraft cases and fight aggressively against negligent operators, rental companies, or manufacturers to secure full compensation.

Call 952-545-2700 today for a free consultation. We speak six languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Italian, and French. Virtual meetings available.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Many incidents are preventable and stem from:

• Operator inattention or distraction
• Boating under the influence (BUI)
• Excessive speed
• Inexperience or lack of training
• Failure to follow navigation rules
• Overloading or improper weight distribution
• Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
• Hazardous weather conditions

Alcohol use is a leading factor in fatal boating crashes.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

• Collisions with another vessel or fixed object
• Capsizing or swamping
• Falls overboard
• Propeller strikes
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Skiing or tubing accidents
• Grounding on shallow areas

Common Types of Boating Accidents

• Collisions with another vessel or fixed object
• Capsizing or swamping
• Falls overboard
• Propeller strikes
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Skiing or tubing accidents
• Grounding on shallow areas

Common Injuries from Boating Accidents

Due to high speeds and water impact, victims often suffer:

• Drowning or near-drowning
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Lacerations from propellers
• Hypothermia
• Internal injuries
• Burns from fires or explosions

Long-term rehabilitation is frequently required.

Boating Accident Laws in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Both states regulate watercraft under specific boating laws, with negligence principles applying to injury claims:

• Operators must exercise reasonable care and follow safety regulations.
• Boating while intoxicated (BWI/BUI) carries strict penalties and strengthens civil claims.
• Rental companies and owners may share liability for unsafe vessels.

Federal maritime law may apply in some cases involving larger vessels or navigable waters.

Both Minnesota and Wisconsin follow the rule of modified comparative negligence. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault, though your award will be reduced proportionally to your share of responsibility. Many victims worry that they might be partially at fault and hesitate to pursue a claim -but you do not need to determine negligence on your own.

Our Experienced Attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and accurately assess fault. Even if you believe you may share some responsibility, it is worth contacting us for a free consultation. We will honestly evaluate your situation and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.

What to Do After a Boating Accident

1. Ensure safety and seek medical attention immediately.
2. Report the incident to authorities (required in both states for injuries or significant damage).
3. Document the scene (photos, witness statements).
4. Obtain operator and vessel information.
5. Preserve life jackets, equipment, or damaged items.
6. Contact an Attorney at our office before speaking to an Insurance Company.

Why Hire a Boating Accident Lawyer?

These cases involve unique regulations, multiple parties, and aggressive defenses from insurers. Our Experienced Attorney will:

• Navigate state and federal boating laws
• Investigate with marine experts if needed
• Prove operator negligence or intoxication
• Pursue all liable parties (operators, owners, renters)
• Fight for full economic and non-economic damages

Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and wrongful death benefits.

Statute of Limitations

• Minnesota: Generally 6 years from accident.
• Wisconsin: Generally 3 years from accident.
• Maritime claims: May have shorter deadlines.
• Act quickly – evidence on water disappears fast.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact Justice Served Coalition for skilled representation. We’re here to guide you through recovery and justice.

Call 952-545-2700 now.

Justice Served!