Boating Accidents

By Kosieradzki Smith Law Firm / July 31, 2013

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Actually, according to the Department of Natural Resources there are over 11,842 lakes (10 acres or larger) in Minnesota. Minnesota’s lakes and rivers provide more shoreline than California, Florida and Hawaii combined. As the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources explains, “Minnesota’s waterways are an exciting destination for boaters from all over North America, and for good reason. Whether you want to paddle your canoe down a lazy stream, guide your kayak through a raging torrent, pull the kids on an inner tube behind your boat on an inland lake, or even troll for Coho salmon on the mighty Lake Superior, you can do it all in Minnesota.”

But, these “exciting destinations” are getting busier and busier. With nearly 900,000 registered boats, Minnesota is number one in boats per capita in the United States: there is about one boat for every six people in the state. The number of accidents between 2006 and 2007 increased both nationally and in Minnesota. In the U.S., the number of boating accidents increased from 4,967 to 5,191, the number of injuries rose from 3,474 to 3,673, the financial damages increased by nearly ten million dollars to $53,106,496.

The leading factors in these boating accidents were operator inattention, careless or reckless operation, passenger or skier conduct, and alcohol use. Boat operators and owners owe a duty to use reasonable care to protect their passengers and other users of the waters. Manufacturers and sellers of boats and other watercraft have a duty to sell products that are safe.

If you have been injured in a Minnesota accident involving a boat or other watercraft, you need a Minnesota boating accident lawyer with the skill, experience and dedication needed to tackle the complex factual and legal issues. You can count on and trust the Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm’s experience, commitment and resources to ensure that your rights are protected. If you have been injured in a Minnesota accident involving a boat or other watercraft, contact the Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm online or call our firm at (763) 746-7800, or toll-free at (888) 545-7640, for a free no-obligation consultation.