Boating Accidents

Minnesota Boat Accident Lawyers & Attorneys

As the “land of 10,000 lakes,” Minnesota is well-known for its fishing and water sports.   Many Minnesotans have cabins on a lake or visit a lake at some point each year.  Not surprising then, the DNR reports that Minnesota has the most boats per capita in the nation. 

While fishing and boating is a favorite activity for many Minnesotans, sometimes the unthinkable occurs.  The number one reason for boating accidents is driver inattention.  The number one cause of death in a boating accident is alcohol use.  Statistics show that an intoxicated boater is ten times more susceptible to being hurt or killed in a boating accident than sober boat drivers. 

In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,604 boating accidents that involved 672 deaths, 3,153 injuries and approximately $35.5 million dollars of damage to property.   Perhaps the most frightening statistic is that almost ¾ of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 88 percent were not wearing a life jacket. 

Just as there are safety rules for driving on our Minnesota roadways, there are safety rules for boating, such as speed limits, direction of boating traffic and right-of-way.  Unlike Minnesota motor vehicle laws, however, Minnesota boating laws do not require a driver to pass a test in order to operate watercraft.  In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that 94 percent of the watercraft operators involved in boating-related deaths did NOT have boating instruction. 

It is recommended that you consult an experienced Minnesota boating accident lawyer if you have been hurt on the water due to the negligence of another boater.  The Rochlin Law Firm, Ltd. has successfully handled boating crashes and other watercraft related cases for numerous water-loving clients.  For more information, please contact our firm.