In 2023, there were 245,449 registered boating vessels in Tennessee. During the course of that same year, 163 reportable boating accidents occurred and caused $2,334,075 in damages, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.
If a boating accident caused you injury or harmed someone you love, The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto are here to help. Our firm has focused on fighting for the rights of accident victims for more than 20 years and we’ve been 98% successful in helping our clients recover compensation for losses.
Give us a call today at (865) 691-2777 to schedule a free consultation and learn about the legal advocacy a Knoxville boat accident attorney can offer.
Common Causes of Knoxville Boating Accidents
Boat accidents can occur for many reasons including:
- Equipment failures
- Failure to observe surrounding areas for vessels
- Poor weather conditions
- Inexperienced operation
- Boat operator intoxication
- Excessive speed
- Reckless operation
Tennessee law makes clear “the owner of a vessel may be responsible for any injury or damage done by his or her vessel whether the owner is present or not.” In many situations, vessel owners can be held liable for the consequences of these unsafe behaviors and made to compensate those who are harmed by issues that arise while on the water.
What are Your Rights After a Boating Accident in Knoxville?
If you were involved in a boating accident, you have the right to make a personal injury claim and recover compensation from the vessel owner or operator if you can prove they were negligent or engaged in intentional wrongdoing that was the direct cause of your harm.
You can show negligence both by demonstrating a more reasonable boater would have been more careful or by demonstrating a violation of any safety regulations under the State Boating Act. A regulatory violation can create a presumption of negligence that makes it easier to prove your claim.
A Knoxville personal injury attorney will assist you in gathering evidence including photos from the accident scene, witness testimony, and vessel records to demonstrate if proper maintenance was performed. This can include obtaining information from the Coast Guard or other law enforcement officials who may be investigating the cause of your accident. This can all be helpful in proving how the damage happened so you can make a solid claim.
We can also assist you in gathering documentation to show the extent of your damages, such as medical records or a pain journal, so you can maximize your chances of being “made whole” or compensated fully for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and emotional distress.
You have just a year to pursue your case under Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104 so it’s important you meet the deadlines for filing your case. Don’t hesitate to get legal help so your attorney can guide you as you navigate your rights within the legal system.
Call Today To Learn How Our Boating Accident Attorneys Can Help You
If you or a loved one was hurt in an incident on the water, contact The Lawyers of Brown and Roberto at (865) 691-2777 today to schedule a free consultation with a Knoxville boating accident lawyer who can help you.