St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you or a loved one injured in a boating accident in St. Louis, MO? You may be entitled to recover compensation from the parties who caused the accident. An experienced St. Louis boating accident lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our team of lawyers has over 100 years of experience between us. Over the years, we’ve helped accident victims and their families recover over $100 million in settlements and verdicts.

We’re here to help you stand up and protect yourself. Contact our law offices in St. Louis, Missouri at (314) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Boating Accident Claim in St. Louis 

How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Boating Accident Claim in St. Louis 

When a day on the water leads to an injury, your life can change quickly. You may soon be stuck with sky-high medical bills. Some victims can’t work to make ends meet while they recover. Seeking fair compensation can help you cover these and other losses.

Unfortunately, it can be tough to hold the responsible parties accountable. An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help you stand up to the insurance company.

At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. We’ve also been listed as among the Best Lawyers in St. Louis by St. Louis Magazine.

When you hire our AV-rated attorneys, we will:

  • Gather evidence to support your claim
  • Locate all responsible parties
  • File a claim with the insurance company
  • Calculate the fair value of your personal injury claim
  • Work with experts who can strengthen your case
  • Negotiate for the maximum settlement deal possible

Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys have devoted our entire practice to helping accident victims like you. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help with your case.

How Common Are Boating Accidents in St. Louis, MO?

In 2021, 4,439 boating accidents were reported to the U.S. Coast Guard across the United States. 658 people were killed, and at least 2,641 people sustained injuries in those accidents. In total, boating accidents in 2021 caused about $67.5 million in damages.

Boating in Missouri is more popular than most would think. Frank Holten State Recreation Area near East St. Louis, Horseshoe Lake State Park, and the nearby Lake of the Ozarks all make Missouri a popular boating destination.

In the state of Missouri, 159 boating accidents were reported in 2021. Sadly, 28 people were killed in those accidents, double the 14 boating accident fatalities that were reported in Missouri in 2020.

Our lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers handle all types of boating accident cases, including those involving:

  • Open motorboats
  • Cabin motorboats
  • Pontoon boats
  • Fishing boats
  • Sailboats
  • Jet skis
  • Kayaks and other personal watercraft

If you were injured in an accident on the water, contact our law firm right away. We offer a free consultation so you can get the legal advice you deserve.

How Much Is My St. Louis Boating Accident Claim Worth?

Before agreeing to an insurance settlement, you should understand how much your personal injury claim is worth.

The value of your case will depend on:

  • The severity and nature of your injuries
  • Whether you will suffer any permanent or long-term disability
  • Whether the injury disrupts your lifestyle or prevents you from working
  • How the injury will impact your future
  • The cost of your medical treatment and other expenses
  • Whether you share any blame for the accident

The details matter when it comes to calculating how much your personal injury case is worth. Our lawyers will carefully evaluate the facts of your case to determine your case value. We’ll even bring in experts to help with more complex issues.

Our Lawyers Will Fight To Recover Damages To Cover All of Your Losses

Your “damages” are the losses you incur because of the accident and injuries. There are three primary types of damages available under Missouri personal injury laws: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Your economic damages are your financial losses. Common examples include:

Non-economic damages are your personal losses, such as:

Punitive damages don’t represent a specific loss. Instead, Missouri courts may award punitive damages as punishment for intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence. These damages tend to be available only in cases involving especially shocking behavior.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Partially Responsible for Causing a Boating Accident in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence law. Injured parties can recover damages from someone who was also responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced to account for your share of the blame.

For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you’re still entitled to take home 80% of your settlement.

Our St. Louis Boating Accident Attorneys Will Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Injuries

Boating accident injuries can be severe.

At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we often represent clients in cases involving:

If you were injured because someone was careless, our St. Louis boating accident attorneys can help you hold them accountable. Contact our law firm to schedule a free case review to get started.

What Are the Common Causes of Boating Accidents in St. Louis, Missouri?

Boating accidents happen for all different reasons. Like car accidents, they often occur because someone was careless or reckless.

Some of the most common causes of boating accidents in St. Louis include:

  • Operator inattention
  • Careless or reckless boating
  • Failure to keep a proper lookout
  • Inexperienced boat operators
  • Excessive speeds
  • Violation of navigational rules
  • Alcohol use
  • Operating the boat under the influence of drugs
  • Sharp turns
  • Congested or hazardous waters
  • Poor weather conditions and limited visibility
  • Occupant behaviors
  • Mechanical failures
  • Overloading
  • Slippery surfaces

Similarly, there are many different ways that people can get hurt on the water.

Our lawyers in St. Louis handle all types of boating accident claims, including those involving:

  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Collisions with other vessels
  • Collisions with fixed objects
  • Falls overboard
  • Grounding
  • Capsizing
  • Flooding
  • Fires and explosions
  • Sinking

It’s important to establish the cause of your accident. Our lawyers in St. Louis have been fighting for clients like you for decades. We’re well-prepared to help you prove your case. Just give us a call to learn more about your legal options today. 

How Do I Establish Liability After a Boating Accident in St. Louis, MO? 

Most accidents happen because someone was negligent. Boating accidents are no different. To recover compensation, the victim must prove that the at-fault party failed to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances.

To prove negligence, you must prove each of the following four elements:

  • The at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care
  • They made some type of mistake and breached the duty of care
  • The breach was the direct and proximate cause of your accident
  • You sustained damages, whether in the form of physical injuries, financial losses, and/or emotional distress

Boat collision cases can quickly become complicated because state, federal, and even maritime laws may govern your case. You may think you know why your accident occurred but lack the evidence to prove it.

Our lawyers have the resources to conduct a full investigation. You can count on us to dig deep to find the strong evidence you need to maximize your case value. We’ll review United States coast guard or water patrol reports, search for evidence from the boat, interview witnesses, and more. All you have to do is call to get started.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit After a Boating Accident in Missouri?

The statute of limitations provides a deadline for taking legal action after an accident. Each state has its own deadlines. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is five years in most cases. If you don’t file a personal injury lawsuit within five years of the accident, you won’t be able to recover damages from the person responsible.

Depending on the facts, you could have less time to sue for damages. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. Our lawyers are always available to discuss your case, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a free case evaluation.

Contact a St. Louis Boating Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

Injured parties have been counting on our team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for decades. We’d be happy to stand up and protect you too. Just call today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis boating accident lawyer.

Our personal injury law firm in St. Louis also provides:


Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in St. Louis, MO

Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis
319 N. 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444

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