Boating Accidents Attorneys in Aurora, Colorado

Recreational boating statistics compiled by the United States Coast Guard indicate that there were 44 boating accidents in Colorado in 2019. Even though Colorado is a landlocked state, there are still great lakes and reservoirs enjoyed by all types of boaters as they explore or speed across the waters. While boating may be enjoyable, boaters are still exposed to inherent risks and dangers. If you or a family member were injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

At Gama Law Firm LLC, we are committed to providing experienced legal guidance and compassionate representation to boating accident victims and their loved ones. As experienced Colorado personal injury attorneys, we can evaluate your situation and explore your options to seek damages for your injuries. Our team will fight to protect your rights and help you pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, or loss.

Our team at Gama Law Firm is proud to represent clients throughout Aurora, Colorado, and the surrounding communities of Denver, Centennial, Parker, and Castle Pines.

Boating Accidents in Colorado

According to Colorado Revised Statute Section 33-13-103, any vessel with a motor or sail operated in Colorado in any public body of water, including motorboats and sailboards, must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife EXCEPT:

• Boats propelled manually, including Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboards, and non-motorized rafts

• Vessels holding a valid marine document issued by the United States

• Foreign vessels temporarily using state waters

• Vessels having valid registration and numbered in accordance with applicable federal or state laws for principal use and not used in Colorado for over 60 consecutive days

• Non-resident racing boats on the day before and the day of and at the site of a division-authorized racing event

Airboats, motorboats, tugboats, wave runners, sailboards, jet skis, watercraft, powerboats, yachts, inflatable boats, and diving boats are all required to be registered.

Types of Colorado Boating Accidents

Even though Colorado is landlocked, there are recreational boating, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the state that permit boating. Some types of accidents that can occur while boating include:

• Collisions with fixed objects

• Collisions with other vessels

• Flooding incidents

• Falls overboard

• Running aground

• Accidents involving a skier or person on a towable object

• Explosions

• Fires

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Liability for Boating Accidents

The following people may potentially be held liable for a boating accident:

• The driver/owner of the boat the injured person was on

• The driver/owner of the other boat involved in the collision

• The manufacturer of the boat

• The manufacturer of any defective flotation device, part, or equipment

• The dock owner

• Anyone operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol

• Any other person who negligently contributed to the accident or your injury

Laws Addressing Boating Accidents

There are federal and state laws that govern boating operations and accidents that occur on navigable and non-navigable waters.

Federal Laws

Common examples of federal laws that govern commercial boating accidents that occur on navigable waters include:

• The Jones Act protecting American citizens working at sea

• The Oil Pollution Act mandating the removal of oil spillage and implementing certain procedures to determine liability and recover damages

• The Death on the High Seas Act allows families of deceased sailors whose death were caused by negligence on international waters to pursue wrongful death claims

State Laws

Colorado state laws that govern boating operations and accidents include:

• Vessels must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before use

• A person under the age of 16 cannot operate a vessel or boat

• Boating accidents that result in injury, death or more than $500 in property damage must be reported

• Upon hearing a fog signal in areas of restricted visibility, boaters should reduce speed to the minimum at which the boat can be kept on course

• If operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to any vessel not under command, any vessel unable to maneuver, a vessel engaged in commercial fishing or a sailing vessel

• If operating a sailing vessel, you must give way to any vessel not under command, any vessel unable to maneuver, and a vessel engaged in commercial fishing

• When two vessels or motorboats are running in the same direction, the one that desires to pass shall give a short blast to indicate its intention to overtake

• When meeting head-on, either vessel shall signal its intention with one short blast and alter its direction

• Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.10-.08%) is illegal

Proving Negligence

To prove negligence in a boating accident, the claimant must show that:

• The defendant or boat operator owed you a legal duty of care

• The defendant or boat operator breached that legal duty of care

• The breach directly caused your injuries

An experienced attorney can review your situation and explore your available legal options to recover damages.

Work with an Experienced Attorney

Getting injured in a boating accident can be an emotional and difficult experience. Such an accident can have a significant effect on your financial, physical, and mental health. Regardless, you don't have to face the challenges by yourself. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a boating accident, hiring an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney immediately is crucial to help protect your rights and pursue compensation.

At Gama Law Firm, our attorneys have devoted their careers to offering outstanding legal services and handling personal injury matters, including boating accident cases. As your legal counsel, we can:

• Fight compassionately to protect your rights and represent your best interests

• Review and investigate every last detail of your personal situation

• Gather all necessary information, evidence, and required documentation

• Establish fault and seek to prove liability

• Determine the full magnitude of your injuries and estimate case-value

• Negotiate a fair financial settlement with the insurer

• File a personal injury lawsuit or take additional legal action, where applicable

Our attorneys will work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you pursue fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and benefits, future medical treatment, or pain and suffering. Having us on your side can enhance your prospects of obtaining a favorable outcome in your personal injury lawsuit.