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How a Michigan Boating Accident Attorney Can Assist You
What are the advantages of consulting with a boat accident lawyer after a boating accident? Here are 5 reasons you should get in touch with Michigan’s largest personal injury law firm without delay:
- We have been in operation since 1995. Our boat accident lawyers have the experience you need to handle your case from the initial insurance documentation to the moment you collect the maximum possible for your claim.
- Boating accidents face a statute of limitations. Michigan only allows a limited amount of time for those injured in boat accidents to pursue justice for their losses. Even with the law on your side, you will need to act fast to meet these strict deadlines. Contact a member of our hard-working team to request a free consultation that could set the wheels in motion for your personal injury case.
- Insurance companies would love to capitalize on your mistakes. For insurance companies, paying less money in boat injury claims means making more profit. Missing a deadline, omitting important information, or making an error in your paperwork can cost you big. A knowledgeable Michigan attorney can give you the advice you need to make confident decisions.
- No matter where you are in Michigan, we have you covered. We have law offices conveniently located in Detroit and Southfield, MI. Yet, as the largest personal injury law firm in the state, we provide service throughout Michigan for those injured in boat accidents.
- You have nothing to lose. Our boating accident consultations are free. There is no obligation to hire an attorney. Yet, you can get answers to your questions 24 hours a day about the laws that apply to your rights as a boat accident victim.
Josh and his team were wonderful! Answered all my questions. His team was caring, understanding and professional! I would highly recommend the Mike Morse Law Firm!
Important to Know
Michigan earns its name as the Great Lakes State by bordering four of the five Great Lakes. In addition to these famous bodies of water, Michigan is home to over 26,000 inland lakes and some 120 major rivers.
No wonder boats and personal watercraft are integral to life in Michigan. Yet, sport fishing, charter boating, and recreational water activities are not without risk to your health and safety. Were you or a loved one injured in a boating accident in Michigan?
The experienced attorneys of Mike Morse Law Firm can help you maximize your personal injury claim results. Email or call to set up a free consultation with our Detroit or Southfield office to learn about our outstanding services for victims of boating accidents.
Someone is available for you at Mike Morse Law Firm 24 hours a day. We can respond within hours to let you know if you are eligible to file a legal case.
Contact Us Today Call us today: (855) 645-3946
What to Do When You’ve Suffered a Boating Accident
When a relaxing day on one of Michigan’s lakes or rivers turns into a traumatic crash, knowing your immediate legal obligations is critical to protecting both your physical health and your future financial recovery. Unlike a typical car accident, boating accidents trigger unique, hyper-specific administrative rules under Michigan’s Marine Safety Act that require fast action.
If you are injured because another vessel operator acted recklessly, you must navigate these state-mandated steps immediately:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is your number one priority. Getting checked out by a doctor right away creates an official, undeniable medical timeline that connects your injuries directly to the watercraft accident, preventing insurance adjusters from claiming your pain was caused by something else.
- Report the Incident to Law Enforcement Without Delay: Under Michigan law, the operator of any vessel involved in a crash must immediately contact local authorities, the county sheriff’s marine division, the Michigan State Police, or a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officer.
- Meet Michigan’s Strict DNR Written Reporting Deadlines: Beyond a verbal report to an officer, you must ensure an official Michigan DNR Boating Accident Report (Form PR-9257) is completed and filed. The deadlines are unforgiving:
- Within 48 Hours: You must file a written report if someone loses consciousness, requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid, is disabled for more than 24 hours, or if a tragic fatality occurs within 24 hours of the collision.
- Within 5 Days: You must file if the accident results in a missing person or if total property damage to the vessels or surrounding docks exceeds $2,000.
- Never Admit Fault or Accept a Quick Settlement: Insurance companies for reckless boaters frequently contact victims while they are still recovering, offering small, fast settlements in exchange for a signed liability release. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement until you speak with us.
Failing to meet Michigan’s strict reporting deadlines can result in misdemeanor penalties and give the insurance company an excuse to deny your personal injury claim. While Michigan grants a general three-year statute of limitations to file a third-party lawsuit for your pain, suffering, and excess economic losses, waiting to take action allows vital evidence to wash away. Call us 24/7 at 855-MIKE-WINS so we can lock down your claim immediately.
How We Investigate Boating Accidents and Prove Negligence
Proving fault on the water is significantly more challenging than proving fault on a roadway. There are no skid marks on water, lanes are not painted, and currents can quickly move the final resting positions of the vessels involved. If the other boater denies responsibility or claims the crash was an unavoidable “wave action” or weather issue, we know exactly how to uncover the truth.
At Mike Morse Law Firm, we deploy an aggressive, specialized investigative strategy to prove the other operator breached their duty of care. Here is how our legal team builds an ironclad case for you:
- Extracting Marine GPS and Chartplotter Data: Modern watercraft are equipped with highly advanced navigation systems, GPS units, and fishfinders. We act quickly to subpoena and download this internal telematics data. This allows us to reconstruct the exact speed, heading, and GPS coordinates of both vessels leading up to the second of impact, completely dismantling the other driver’s false timeline.
- Auditing Operator Credentials and History: Michigan law requires anyone born after July 1, 1996, to possess a valid boating safety certificate to operate a motorized vessel. We check whether the operator was legally allowed to be at the helm and look into their history for prior safety violations or reckless operation.
- Investigating Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Alcohol is a leading cause of catastrophic boating accidents in Michigan. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal under state law. We secure police breathalyzer or blood test results to prove the driver was criminally impaired at the time of the crash.
- Analyzing Maintenance and Equipment Logs: We look at whether the vessel suffered a sudden mechanical failure due to poor upkeep or lacked mandatory safety gear, like functional navigation lights after sunset. If the boat belonged to a commercial charter or rental company, we audit their entire operations to establish corporate liability.
- Securing Witness and Marine Patrol Footage: We immediately canvas the shoreline, nearby docks, and other boaters who may have witnessed the crash or captured it on a phone or dashcam. We also obtain all internal investigation files, photos, and body camera footage from the responding county sheriff or DNR officers.
After a major boating accident injury, every minute counts. We are always ready to help. Someone is available to chat or take your call to 855-MIKE-WINS every day of the week, 24 hours a day.
I was needlessly injured in a vehicle accident on I-75 which left me with several injuries some that will alter certain abilities in my life. James Lane and Rima Najor took my case for the Mike Morse law firm and gained a settlement above what I thought I would receive. I highly recommend this firm if you are injured and need somewhere to turn for help.
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What to do After a Boat Accident
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Step 1 Contact Mike Morse Law Firm -
Step 2 Let Us Get to Work -
Step 3 Rest, Recover, Receive Updates -
Step 4 Healing, Compensation, Peace of Mind
Case results
Our Top Case Results
Here are some of our top results for Michigan clients.
- $75,000,000 A unanimous jury verdict for the family of a 21-year-old who died after taking a drug misrepresented to him as Adderall: the largest verdict of its kind in Michigan history. Read the story
- $37,000,000 Insurance offered $30,000,000. A trucking company’s careless hiring and training practices led to a preventable death. The firm turned down $20 million, then $30 million, and settled for $37 million: the largest settlement for a single death in Michigan history. Read the story
- $9,600,000 Insurance offered $1,500,000. A 28-year-old triathlete riding his motorcycle was struck, crushed and dragged by a bus that ran a red light. He lost his dominant hand and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Read the story
- $6,061,440
Who Will Handle Your Boat Accident Case
Meet the attorneys who handle boat accident cases at Mike Morse Law Firm.
Mike Morse Attorney and Founder - Founded Mike Morse Law Firm in 1995; owner of Michigan’s largest personal injury firm
- Named one of America’s 50 Most Influential Trial Lawyers by The National Law Journal and The Trial Lawyer Magazine
- Rated a Top Lawyer by DBusiness and Super Lawyers
Javon Williams Attorney - Thirteen years defending personal injury lawsuits, concentrating in automobile negligence, premises liability and dog bite claims
- University of Detroit Mercy School of Law; represented the school in national moot court competitions
- Voted a top lawyer by his peers from both sides of the aisle
Julia Opiela Attorney - Works to help injury victims in their claims against insurance companies
- One of ten U.S. students selected as a President Clinton Scholar; interned for the U.S. Department of State
- Juris Doctor, Michigan State University College of Law; certificate in Advanced Negotiations, Harvard University
Daresha McCloud Attorney - Practice devoted to representing people injured in auto accidents, slip and falls and dog bites
- Has argued successfully before the Michigan Court of Appeals, and tried a case to verdict in Oakland County Circuit Court
- Juris Doctor cum laude, Thomas M. Cooley Law School; Certificates of Merit in Torts II and Civil Procedure II
Eric Simpson Attorney - Executive Litigation Attorney and member of the Executive Team
- Leads the CAT Team (Catastrophic Injury & Loss Team)
- Michigan No-Fault and personal injury law; licensed in Michigan, North Carolina and Texas
Robert Silverman Attorney - No-fault insurance, automobile negligence, slip and falls and dog bite claims
- Ten years defending personal injury lawsuits for State Farm before representing accident victims
- Juris Doctor magna cum laude, Detroit College of Law; licensed in Michigan and New York
Chris Filiatraut Attorney - Trial lawyer for his entire 23-year career; has personally tried over 100 cases in personal injury and No-Fault
- Several of the largest trial verdicts in the state since joining the firm in 2010
- Has testified before the Michigan Legislature on No-Fault issues
Michelle Baker Attorney - Juris Doctor, Michigan State University College of Law (2016)
- Previously represented insurers defending no-fault, slip and fall and dog bite cases
- Interned at the Michigan Department of the Attorney General, Civil Litigation, Employment, and Elections Division
Matthew Bates Attorney - Litigation attorney with the firm since 2008; auto, truck and motorcycle accidents, dog bites and general negligence claims
- Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star numerous times and to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in Michigan
- Wayne State University Law School, 2008
Perry Schneider Attorney - 20-year legal career in Personal Injury, Real Estate, Michigan No-Fault and Social Security Disability
- Manages the firm’s Social Security Disability Practice Group
- Juris Doctor, Wayne State University; clerked at the Oakland County Circuit Court
Howard Eisenshtadt Attorney - Began his legal career as a No-Fault automobile negligence attorney in Southfield, Michigan
- Settlements for victims of car accidents, motorcyclists, defective products, dog attacks and premises injuries
- Juris Doctor, University of Detroit (1989)
Backed by 6,000+ Five-Star Reviews
4.96,000+ Reviews
Mike Morse Law Firm has been great to work with so far. Amanda was professional, patient, and really clear in explaining the next steps and how everything works. The intake process was smooth, I felt listened to, and the communication has been timely and organized. I appreciate the support during a stressful time and I’m glad to have them on my side.
Mike Morse law firm was great in supporting me after my accident with injuries.I highly recommend them. Everyone was very nice and professional and always kept me updated.
My attorney Katrina could not have been more professional and understanding throughout my two year legal process. Really everyone I dealt with was top notch I would recommend Mike Morse to anyone and everyone 5 stars
Absolutely amazing team of experts treated me like family and left no questions unanswered kept me reassured nd got what I deserved. Would 100 recommend!!
Joshua Shope and Lisa Giordano did a great job explaining the process and fought the insurance companies until funds were received. I’m a satisfied customer.
Great experience!! My first time going through something like this and they made the process smooth. Shout out to Josh, Kenny, Claire, Nichole, Jami, and the rest of staff. Very kind people that understand what you are feeling. They changed the narrative from hopeless to hopeful and I’m grateful there are such people out there to help you!!! Cheers Mike Morse law firm!!!
Mike Morse law firm was fantastic went above and beyond. Charlie kersten was extremely helpful and knowledgeable , friendly and went all in for my case.
I love Mike Morse Law Firm. My team Joshua Farr, Kenny McGrain and Claire Trzasko have been such a great help when it comes to getting things together for my case and explaining everything so I could understand it better. Everyone that I came in contact with was very friendly and also very professional. They are awesome. P.S. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a good attorney.
I've been in contact with The Mike Morse Firm (Mr. Wendt). He has been exceptional with my case. He quick with follow ups and is very patient. This was the first company i called and I can say, IM PLEASED, thus far!
After my accident I was scared, my husband asked did I call the lawyer first person I could think of was Mike Morse, the firm he has is wonderful and veryhelpful. My lawyers was Paul Wheatley and Janieasha Sewell they called and told me things were I could understand better love them. And the front desk ladies new me by my last name they're wonderful also🥰🥰🥰.When Ms.Claire would call me she has a sweet voice made me think of my grandmother 🥰🥰🥰🥰.
Thank you Paul Wheatley and Claire for taking such good care of me. Best decision I ever made. You guys are the best.
I am truly grateful for Jake Yeter and the team working with me after the tragic death of my 7 year old daughter DeSandra Thomas
Awarded. Featured. Trusted.
Boat Accidents FAQs
Have questions about working with Mike Morse Law Firm? We’ve gathered the most common ones to help you understand the legal process and what to expect. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help!
How much does a boat accident lawyer at Mike Morse Law Firm cost?
Nothing up front and nothing unless we win. Mike Morse Law Firm works on a contingency fee, and your consultation is free.
Does Mike Morse Law Firm handle boat accident cases across Michigan?
Yes. The firm has 14 offices across Michigan, from Monroe to Marquette. Call (855) 645-3946 any time, day or night.
What are the Michigan Boating Accidents that Could Qualify For Compensation?
Most boating accidents happen suddenly and without warning. Yet, the cause of an accidental injury can often be traced to specific factors.
Operator inattention
A Michigan boat operator must stay alert at all times to navigate a vessel through waterways, avoiding other watercraft and obstructions. He or she must also respond quickly to changing weather and water conditions to prevent serious injuries.
What might distract boaters and cause a boating accident injury? Potential distracting activities are:
- Using cell phones: Talking, texting, interacting with social media, and searching the internet is especially dangerous on the water. Unlike a motor vehicle on a street with clearly marked lanes and traffic signals, boats tend to move in unpredictable patterns.
- Eating and drinking: Operators need to have their hands free to control a vessel well. Eating and drinking can affect their ability to steer and respond to unexpected obstacles.
- Navigating: Consulting a GPS, map, compass, or another instrument can distract an operator from the boating task at hand. Many seasoned boaters rely on passengers or crew to assist with navigation.
- Doing anything non-essential: Almost any activity can become a distraction. Our Michigan boat accident attorneys can investigate to determine whether non-driving tasks increased your risk of injury.
Excessive speed
Just as on highways and city streets, Michigan watercraft must obey speed limits. Unless otherwise indicated, the maximum speed is 55 mph.
Still, Michigan law requires operators to be careful not to cause injury to others or their property. Operating a vessel at an unsafe speed for the circumstances would be illegal regardless of the limit.
For example, the rate of travel affects the wake created by watercraft. Boaters must avoid making a wake within 100 feet of shoreline, piers, people, rafts, swimming areas, and people.
Reckless operation
A boat has the potential to cause severe injury and even death if mishandled. According to a boating safety handbook, a responsible operator practices basic laws of navigation, including:
- Good seamanship
- A sharp lookout
- Safe speed and distance
Breaking these rules could constitute negligence under Michigan law. Boaters are also prohibited from abusing drugs and alcohol. The legal blood alcohol content limit for boat operators is 0.08. Causing injury or death to another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a felony.
Operator inexperience
In Michigan, you must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft. Teens between the ages of 14 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult, obtain a boating safety certificate, and keep it aboard the vessel during operation.
Children 12 years of age and older can operate motorboats on Michigan waterways under specific circumstances. Anyone who handles a boat or personal watercraft should have the proper training to use water vessels in a safe and legal manner.
Inclement weather
High wind, heavy rain, and fog can affect boat operators’ visibility and ability to steer.
According to the US Coast Guard, the vessels most often involved in fatal boating accidents are pontoon boats, kayaks, and open motorboats.
Water jets (also known as jet skis) are also known to capsize under certain conditions. Even a seasoned boat operator should check the forecast before boating and monitor for rapid weather changes while on the waterways. Keeping USCG-approved (United States Coast Guard) floatation devices on board and heading for the nearest safe shore are always good practices.
Mechanical defects
Some boating accidents occur because of mechanical problems. A Michigan boat accident lawyer can help you pursue monetary damages after accidents associated with:
- Engine failures
- Steering system malfunctions
- Electrical issues
- Cooling system defects
- Gears
- Fuel system failures
Determining who is at fault for a mechanical defect is complex. Boat accident attorneys can pinpoint who is responsible for your injuries.
When accidents happen, you don’t have to suffer alone. At Mike Morse Law Firm, we can make sure you know your rights under the State of Michigan law. For a free consultation, you can always email us or call us toll-free at 855-MIKE-WINS anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to Claim Compensation For a Michigan Boating Accident?
In 2020, the US Coast Guard received reports of 159 recreational boating accidents in Michigan. 29 of these accidents were fatal, and 31 people lost their lives. The one responsible for a preventable accident should compensate for the harm caused to injured victims or the victims’ surviving families.
Devastating boating accidents in 2020 were due to:
- Collisions with submerged, fixed, or floating objects
- Collisions with a governmental, commercial, or recreational boating vessel
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Capsizing or sinking
- Electrocution
- Fall injuries
- Fires
- Explosions
- Flooding
- Propeller strike injuries
- Sudden medical conditions
- Drowning
- Grounding
After a boating accident, you might be eligible for the following compensation:
- Property damage: If your boat or property was hit by another boat, you can pursue money for repairing or replacing your possessions.
- Medical expenses: You could start racking up medical bills from the moment you are transported to the hospital. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for qualifying medical expenses, such as emergency services, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions.
- Lost wages: As you recover from your injuries and undergo medical treatment, you could miss many days of work. Your boating accident lawyer can help you calculate how much you are due in lost wages so you don’t miss out on a penny you deserve.
- Pain and suffering: Your physical injuries after a boating accident could cause you untold misery. You might also be suffering emotionally and mentally as you struggle to cope with the trauma. Our knowledgeable boat accident lawyers can help you pursue financial compensation for your pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death damages: Losing a loved one because of a preventable boat accident is devastating. Life is precious, and our team of boat accident attorneys knows that your family member is irreplaceable. Yet, a wrongful death settlement can cover funeral expenses and lost income, thus lifting the economic burden from your family.
Would you like to learn how to qualify for financial compensation for your injuries and damaged property? A representative of our legal team is available 24 hours a day: Email, call 855-MIKE-WINS, or chat online with us now. You can also stop by our Detroit and Southfield, MI, offices to discuss your legal options.
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