Boating Accidents FAQ

Minneapolis Personal Injury Attorneys Answer Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents in Minnesota

What are the common types of injuries that occur in boating accidents in Minnesota?

Common injuries in boating accidents include amputations, spinal cord injuries, TBIs, broken bones, and paralysis.

Who is liable for an injury that occurs while driving a boat in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, the captain of the boat and/or the boat owner is generally liable for injuries that occur while they are operating the watercraft.

What damages or compensation can be pursued following a boat accident in Minnesota?

Damages or compensation that can be pursued following a boat accident in Minnesota may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in certain cases.

What duty does the operator of a watercraft have at the time of an accident or incident in Minnesota?

The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident or incident leading to injury or death has specific duties under Section 86B.341 of the Minnesota Statutes. These include immediately stopping at the scene, if possible, and rendering assistance — as well as giving their name, address, and license number of the watercraft to the person injured or the operator or occupants of the other watercraft, or to the owner or occupant of the property involved. The operator must promptly report the accident or incident to the sheriff of the county where the accident or incident occurred. Sheriffs are required to report all accidents and incidents to the commissioner of natural resources, who must periodically transmit a summary of the reports to the commissioner of public safety, and transmit statistics on boating accidents and incidents to the United States Coast Guard.

The operator of a watercraft can be held responsible if that operator’s negligence caused the accident. For example, the operator would be responsible if they failed to engage in proper maintenance, leading to mechanical failure — or if they failed to drive the boat at a safe speed or violated state laws.

How can I file a claim after being injured in a boating accident in Minnesota?

Individuals injured in a boating accident in Minnesota can seek legal representation from experienced boating accident attorneys to help them file their claim and pursue compensation.