Boating Accidents

Seeking Recovery for Victims Injured Due To Boating Accidents in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recreational boating accidents can quickly transform a fun day into a nightmare, but proper safety precautions, including the right safety equipment, can prevent many accidents. Our many lakes and water attract both locals and tourists, and boating accidents remain a perennial risk. Our experienced boating accident attorneys at RSC Law help injured individuals and their families in Minnesota seek appropriate compensation towards their recovery following a boat accident.

Minnesota’s stunning lakes offer an excellent boating experience, in keeping with its “Land of 10,000 Lakes” reputation. Data from the U.S. Coast Guard pinpoint common causes of boating accidents: boat operator distraction, lack of experience, improper lookout, navigational errors, speeding, and equipment failure.
Recent boating accidents in Minnesota include:

• a boating fatality in 2023 in Lake County on the Caribou River, where a 20-year-old Minneapolis man drowned after his 11 ½-foot kayak capsized;
• a boating fatality in 2021 when a boater’s 16 1/2-foot motorboat flooded with water, causing him to fall on Mille Lacs Lake in Mille Lacs County;
• and in 2020, a man drowned after being thrown overboard from a 14-foot motorboat on Lake Minnetonka in Hennepin County.

Have you suffered a personal injury in a boating accident? With 70 years of combined experience, trust the personal injury attorneys at RSC Law to guide you through a boating accident claim to pursue compensation and recovery for damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Boating Accidents in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Boating accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Leading causes include:

• Capsizing: Capsizing incidents involve boats overturning or flipping over, leading to potential injuries or fatalities. In 2021, there were three reported non-fatal boating accidents due to capsizing.
• Collision with a Fixed or Floating Object: Boats colliding with fixed objects such as docks or floating objects like debris can lead to significant damage to the vessel and pose a risk to the occupants. In 2021, there were seven reported non-fatal boating accidents of this nature.
• Collision with Another Watercraft: Collisions between multiple watercraft can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and property damage. The data indicates that there were 26 non-fatal boating accidents involving collisions with another watercraft in 2021.

If you or a loved one have suffered a boating accident in Minnesota, contact RSC Law to assess your options to seek compensation for injuries and losses you have suffered due to the incident.

Boat Accidents and Negligence

Boat accidents often involve some form of negligence: excessive speed, alcohol use, operator error, or disregard for boating safety. Such negligence often leads to serious accidents that can involve serious injuries or wrongful death.
A boat operator who disregards Minnesota boating laws and operates a boat in an unsafe manner could be held liable for damages if these behaviors cause an accident. Examples of failure to operate a boat safely include:

• Drinking alcohol while driving
• Driving at excessive speeds / disobeying speed limits
• Driving with reckless disregard for boat safety
• Creating wakes that can capsize other boats
• Driving too close to swimmers
• Not having a spotter when towing a skier or flotation device
• Not having enough life jackets for passengers
• Failing to have the proper lights after dark, making it difficult to see stationary objects, submerged objects, and other boaters

Even if you were a passenger or partially responsible for the boating accident, you may still be able to recover damages if your responsibility does not outweigh that of the other driver.

Minnesota Boating Laws

Minnesota imposes specific rules and regulations for every boater to follow while boating on the state’s lakes. Boats must be registered with the Minnesota DNR License Center or Deputy Registrar Office. However, the state does not require a watercraft license for the following:

• Non-motorized personal watercraft of 10 feet or less
• Watercraft owned by a person from another state where state laws do not require licensing for that type of watercraft
• Out-of-state boats not within Minnesota for more than 90 consecutive days where that state does not require licensing

Minnesota also enforces specific speed limits for different zones on water bodies, legally requiring every boater to abide by them. It’s a criminal offense to operate a personal watercraft recklessly and endanger other other boat operators and passengers.
To promote boater safety and reduce the incidents of boating accidents, new legislation is forthcoming. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed a bill that requires nearly all Minnesota boaters to complete a boater education course and secure a boater education card before operating a motorized watercraft.

This Watercraft Safety Program takes effect on July 1, 2025, making it mandatory for anyone born on or after July 2004 to take the course. Currently, only persons from 12-17 years of age must pass an online boater safety exam through the Minnesota DNR.

Common Injuries Sustained in Boating Accidents

When boating accidents occur, they can cause a range of injuries, including:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A boating accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through several potential mechanisms:

• Impact with a Fixed Object: If a boat collides with a fixed object, such as a dock or rock formation, the sudden deceleration can cause the occupants to be thrown forward, potentially striking their heads on hard surfaces within the boat or the object itself. This impact can lead to a TBI.
• Collision with Another Watercraft: In the event of a collision between two watercraft, occupants may be thrown from the boat, leading to impacts with the water or other objects. These impacts, especially if forceful, can lead to TBIs.
• Falling Overboard: In cases where individuals are ejected from a boat and subsequently strike their heads as they enter the water or upon impact with floating debris, they risk sustaining a TBI.
• Capsizing: When a boat capsizes, occupants may be thrown into the water or against the interior of the vessel, increasing the risk of head injuries and potential TBIs.

In all these scenarios, the sudden and forceful movements associated with boating accidents can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to various forms of TBIs ranging from concussions to more severe and life-altering conditions.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can be caused by a boat accident when individuals are exposed to cold water for an extended period, especially if they are unable to quickly return to a warm environment. In the event of a boating accident leading to immersion in cold water, the body’s core temperature can rapidly decrease, potentially leading to hypothermia.

Drowning or Near Drowning

A boating accident can cause drowning or near-drowning when individuals are thrown overboard, trapped underwater, or incapacitated due to the impact, leading to difficulty in staying afloat or breathing. In such situations, the risk of inhaling water and experiencing oxygen deprivation increases, potentially leading to drowning or near-drowning incidents.

Electrocution

A boating accident can cause electrocution if the boat comes into contact with a live electrical source, such as faulty wiring or submerged power lines. This contact can cause an electric shock to individuals in the water or on the boat, leading to electrocution.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide exposure can occur due to a boating accident in which exhaust fumes from the boat’s engine accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, such as the cabin or cockpit. In such situations, individuals on the boat might inhale the deadly colorless and odorless gas, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Paralysis

A boating accident can cause paralysis if individuals experience a severe impact, such as colliding with another watercraft or a stationary object. The force of the impact can lead to spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. Additionally, diving into shallow water or hitting submerged objects can also cause traumatic spinal injuries, potentially leading to paralysis.

Puncture Wounds

A boat accident can cause puncture wounds if individuals come into contact with sharp objects or debris in the water, such as broken parts of the boat, fishing equipment, or submerged structures. Additionally, collisions with other watercraft or impact with floating debris can also lead to puncture wounds. It’s important to exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards to prevent such injuries.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can be caused by a boating accident in several ways. An explosion or fire onboard the boat due to fuel leaks, electrical malfunctions, or other factors can cause burns to individuals. Contact with hot engine parts or exhaust systems can also lead to burn injuries, especially in cases of engine failure or maintenance mishaps. It’s crucial to prioritize safety measures and have proper firefighting equipment onboard to mitigate such risks.

Broken Bones

A boating accident can cause broken bones due to the impact of a collision with another watercraft, a fixed object, or the sudden jolting motion of the boat in rough waters. Falls within the boat can also lead to fractures — especially during high-speed maneuvers or unexpected waves.

Amputations

A boating accident could cause amputations in several ways. One common cause of boat accidents involving amputation is incidents involving the boat’s propellers, which can lead to severe injuries, including traumatic amputations and deep lacerations.

Additionally, individuals may have their body parts caught in winches or cables — especially in fishing boat operations — leading to amputations or severe limb injuries. These circumstances emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols and using proper equipment to minimize the risk of such devastating events.

What Compensation is Available for Boating Accident Cases in Minnesota?

A victim who sustains an injury in a boating accident can pursue various types of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of the boat crash and related boating injuries. Such damages in a boat accident case may include:

• Medical Expenses: Potential compensation may cover medical bills related to injuries sustained in a boating accident, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Income: Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to seek compensation for income lost due to the inability to work due to boating accident injuries.
• Property Damage: Damages to personal property, such as the boat or other possessions, may be covered under compensation claims.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may include damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the boating accident.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

These are just some of the potential compensations available for boating accident cases in Minnesota. Seek legal counsel from a personal injury law firm that can listen to the details of your boating accident, explain your options for pursuing maximum compensation, and guide you through your personal injury claim.

Have You Been Injured in a Boating Accident in Minnesota? Contact Robichaud, Schroepfer and Correia, P.A. to Schedule a Free Consultation

If a boating accident caused an injury that required medical help and impacted your ability to live, work, and enjoy your life, seek guidance from the experienced personal injury attorneys at RSC Law. With 70 years of combined experience, we have assisted clients though their boating accident cases. Whether the accident was caused by excessive speed, a lack of safety equipment, alcohol use, or any other type of negligence, we’re here to listen to the details and strategize an approach to pursuing maximum compensation.

We will address the unique circumstances of your case during your free consultation. Call us today at (612) 333-3343 or complete our online form to begin.

We’re here to help.