Utah’s numerous lakes and reservoirs make boating a popular summer activity. However, this recreational pastime can sometimes end in tragedy. Boating accidents in Salt Lake City, Utah, result in some of the state’s most egregious injuries. These injuries are often due to preventable causes. When a negligent boat operator causes harm, victims deserve to have someone on their side. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Salt Lake City, Utah, Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers are here to assist you.
We have extensive experience handling boating accident cases in Utah. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of Utah’s maritime laws and boating regulations. From dealing with insurance companies to gathering critical evidence, our team will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (801) 851-1202 to schedule a free consultation with a Salt Lake City boating accident lawyer.
How Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Boating Accident in Utah
When navigating the aftermath of a boating accident, you want an attorney who understands the unique laws governing Utah’s waterways. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers have the experience and skill to tackle even the most complex cases. Utah does not require formal boating safety training for all operators. Unfortunately, this contributes to a high rate of boating accidents in the state.
When you hire Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers, we will help with your boating accident by:
- Thoroughly investigating the cause of your boating accident
- Identifying all responsible parties who may share blame for your injuries
- Working with expert witnesses to strengthen your legal claims and arguments
- Negotiating with the at-fault party or their insurance company to recover compensation
- Representing your interests at trial, if that becomes necessary
With more than a century of combined legal experience, we have recovered thousands of millions in compensation for our clients. We are ready to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve for your boating injuries. Contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.
How Common Are Boating Accidents in Salt Lake City?
According to recent statistics, Utah has relatively high boating accident rates. There were 51 total accidents and three deaths in 2023. Accidents mostly occur at Lake Powell, Bear Lake, and other popular boating locations near Salt Lake City. If a negligent boat operator caused your injury, you need an advocate who knows how to navigate Utah’s maritime laws and regulations.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Salt Lake City
While boating can be a safe and enjoyable activity, negligence on the water often leads to accidents. Here are some of the most common causes of boating accidents in the Salt Lake City area:
- Boating under the influence (BUI). Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of accidents on the water. Just like on the road, boating while impaired is illegal and dangerous. Impaired boating can lead to reduced coordination and delayed reaction times.
- Speeding. Even in ideal conditions, excessive speed can result in collisions or capsizing. Speeding not only reduces the operator’s ability to react to hazards but also increases the severity of any collision that might occur.
- Operator error. Inattention, inexperience, and failure to keep a proper lookout can lead to severe accidents. Utah does not require formal boating safety requirements. This means that many operators lack the experience needed to avoid dangerous situations.
- Lack of safety equipment. Utah law mandates that all boats carry essential safety equipment. This includes life jackets and fire extinguishers. A lack of functional safety equipment can lead to severe injuries or fatalities if an accident does occur.
No matter what caused your boating accident, Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Types of Boating Accidents in Salt Lake City
Boating accidents in Salt Lake City, Utah, can involve different types of vessels and situations. Common types of boating accidents include:
- Collisions between two boats
- Accidents involving personal watercraft (PWC) and larger boats
- Striking a fixed object, such as a dock or pier
- Falling overboard and injuries caused by propeller strikes
- Carbon monoxide poisoning on houseboats and other enclosed watercraft
Our boating accident lawyers are prepared to help no matter how your boating injuries occured.
Utah Boating Laws and Negligence
Utah’s boating laws are designed to ensure safe operation and reduce the risk of accidents. The State Boating Act requires boat owners to register their vessels, carry safety equipment, and comply with all operating regulations. Utah follows a negligence-based system in personal injury cases. This means that if a boater’s recklessness or carelessness led to an accident, they could be held financially responsible. Meaning they will pay for any injuries or damages they cause.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in a boating accident is four years from the date of the crash. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation. It is essential to act quickly.
To make sure you preserve important evidence, like documentation and eyewitness statements, contact Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. We will get to work immediately to make sure evidence is preserved, and your case is on solid footing.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Boating Accident?
At Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers, we will work to recover compensation that reflects the full extent of your boating injuries. You might be able to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses for both current and future treatments
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage to cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged boats or other property
- Loss of consortium if your injuries have negatively impacted your close relationships
If a boater acted with gross negligence or intentional recklessness, you might also be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are in addition to your economic and non-economic losses. Punitive damages are awarded to deter similar bad behavior in the future. Although punitive damages are rare, you should still consult with a boating accident lawyer to find out whether you can claim them in your case.
What If I’m Being Blamed For the Boating Accident?
It is a frequent strategy for boat operators or their insurance companies to blame the victim for their injuries. Utah’s modified comparative negligence standard provides you with some protection. Under Utah law, even if you are partially to blame for a boating accident, you can still recover damages. As long as you are not more than 49% responsible, you will still recover.
However, if you are more than 49% liable for a boating accident, you will be barred from recovering damages. If you are less than 50% liable, your damages will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of liability. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 25% liable, your overall recovery will only be $75,000.
Our experienced Salt Lake City boating accident lawyers can help defend you against victim-blaming. We will protect your legal interests while still pursuing your claim for compensation. Don’t be intimidated by insurance companies because we won’t be. We won’t settle for less than you deserve.
How a Salt Lake City Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help
Building a strong case in a boating accident requires a deep understanding of Utah’s laws and boating accident investigations. Here’s how we handle these cases:
- Collect evidence. We start by gathering key evidence, including police reports, photographs, and witness statements. Our boating accident lawyers also consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to establish a clear picture of what occurred.
- Determine negligence. Proving negligence is essential in any boating accident case. We will work to show that the at-fault party violated safety laws or behaved in a way that led to the accident.
- Communicate with insurance. Insurance companies often attempt to downplay their liability. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Seek a settlement or trial. While many cases settle out of court, Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial. If the responsible party refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can represent you in the courtroom.
Choosing a law firm with a strong track record in boating accident cases is crucial. This will help you maximize your compensation. At Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers, our commitment to our clients and our knowledge of Utah’s boating laws set us apart. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Contact Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers Today For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident in Salt Lake City, Utah, contact Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers at (801) 851-1202. Our experienced Salt Lake City boating accident lawyers will handle every detail of your case. We will be ready to protect you from the initial investigation all the way to a final settlement. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue justice.
