Nebraska Boat Accident Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Nebraska’s lakes and rivers provide wonderful recreational opportunities for boating enthusiasts. However, these activities can quickly turn dangerous when negligence occurs on the water. Boat accidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. If you have been injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related expenses.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have 55 years of experience representing boating accident victims throughout Nebraska. We know the complexities of these cases and work to obtain the compensation clients deserve.
Common Causes of Nebraska Boating Accidents
Boating accidents happen for various reasons, and understanding the cause is essential for establishing liability in your case. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Operator inattention or distraction while navigating waterways
- Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while operating the vessel
- Excessive speed, especially in congested areas or poor weather conditions
- Inexperienced or untrained boat operators
- Equipment failure due to poor maintenance
- Violation of boating regulations and navigation rules
These types of accidents may result in catastrophic injuries affecting the brain and spinal cord, broken bones, and even drowning. The impact can be life-changing, requiring long-term medical care and affecting your ability to work and enjoy life.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm investigate each case to determine the actual cause and identify all responsible parties. We collect evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony, to build a case proving negligence.
Nebraska Boating Laws and Regulations
Nebraska has specific laws governing the operation of watercraft on its lakes and rivers. Boat operators must adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety of all individuals on the water.
All boat operators born after December 31, 1985, must complete a boater safety course. Drinking alcohol over a BAC of .08 or using drugs while operating a boat is illegal in Nebraska. Additionally, all vessels must carry proper safety equipment, including life jackets for each passenger, and speed limits must be observed in designated areas.
Nebraska law also requires boaters to maintain a proper lookout at all times and operate at safe speeds, taking into account water conditions, visibility, and traffic density. Violations of these safety regulations may be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
When a boater fails to follow these regulations and causes an accident, this negligence can form the basis of a personal injury claim. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm are well-versed in Nebraska’s boating laws and use this knowledge to build compelling cases for our clients.
Types of Boating Accidents in Nebraska
Boating accidents in Nebraska come in many forms, each with unique challenges for victims seeking compensation:
- Collisions between vessels are common, especially in crowded waterways during peak boating season. These accidents often result from failure to maintain a proper lookout or from excessive speed.
- Fixed object collisions occur when boats strike docks, rocks, or submerged objects. These accidents may result from operator inexperience, poor weather conditions, or inadequate marking of hazards.
- Falling overboard accounts for many boating injuries and fatalities. These incidents frequently occur due to sudden boat movements, slippery surfaces, or failure to wear appropriate safety gear.
- Propeller accidents are particularly traumatic, causing severe lacerations and potential limb loss. These injuries often happen when swimmers are near boats with running engines or when passengers fall overboard.
Regardless of the type of accident you experienced, the lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have the knowledge and resources to pursue your case effectively.
Compensation Available in Boat Accident Cases
Victims may be eligible for certain types of economic and non-economic compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case. This compensation can help cover the following:
- Present and future medical expenses, such as emergency treatment and ongoing care
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vessel
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical care and lost earning capacity
In cases involving serious injuries, it’s important to consider both current and future expenses. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm partner with medical experts and financial analysts to estimate the full extent of your damages and ensure the maximum compensation possible for your unique situation.
Why Choose Knowles Law Firm for Your Boat Accident Case
Pursuing a boat accident claim requires specific legal knowledge and experience. At Knowles Law Firm, we offer:
- Dedicated lawyers with 55 years of experience in personal injury law
- An extensive record of obtaining multi-million dollar settlements for clients
- Direct access to your attorney
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service
We are a family business started by James Knowles, Sr., nearly 60 years ago. Our attorneys are members of the Knowles family and understand the hard work that has gone into building our reputation. We answer our own phones and return calls immediately. If something can be done today, then we do it. We don’t wait until tomorrow.
Contact a Nebraska Boat Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you must speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Nebraska law limits the time you have to seek a legal claim, so acting quickly is essential to protect your rights.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact Knowles Law Firm today at (402) 431-9000 or through our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Proving Liability in Nebraska Truck Accident Cases
Establishing responsibility requires understanding all potential factors that contributed to the crash. Our team conducts thorough investigations to identify every liable party.
The Trucking Company’s Responsibility
Trucking companies bear responsibility for their drivers’ actions under the legal principle of vicarious liability. Additionally, companies may face direct negligence claims for their own actions, including:
- Negligent hiring practices and inadequate background checks
- Failure to train drivers properly on safety procedures
- Improper vehicle maintenance or inspection
- Encouraging unsafe practices through unrealistic schedules
- Violations of federal safety regulations
We investigate the company’s safety history, maintenance records, and hiring practices to establish their role in creating conditions that led to your accident.
Other Potentially Responsible Parties
Multiple entities often share liability in truck accidents:
- Truck manufacturers or component suppliers, when defective parts contribute to crashes
- Maintenance companies responsible for vehicle upkeep
- Cargo loading companies, when improper loading affects vehicle stability
- Brokers who connected shippers with unsafe carriers
- Government entities responsible for roadway maintenance
By identifying all potentially liable parties, we maximize the sources of compensation available for your recovery.
Compensation Available for Nebraska Truck Accident Victims
The severe nature of 18-wheeler crashes typically results in substantial damages. Our attorneys fight to secure compensation for all accident-related losses.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Truck accident injuries often require extensive treatment, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Ongoing medical appointments
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Long-term nursing care
We work with medical experts to project the lifetime cost of your injuries, ensuring your settlement accounts for both present and future medical needs.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Serious injuries typically prevent victims from working for extended periods. Some never return to their previous employment. Our attorneys calculate:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity from permanent limitations
- Lost employment benefits
- Diminished retirement contributions
- Vocational rehabilitation costs
We use economic experts to quantify these losses accurately, particularly for cases involving permanent disability or career-ending injuries.
The Knowles Law Firm Advantage in Truck Accident Cases
Selecting the right attorney significantly impacts your case outcome. Unlike general practice firms, Knowles Law Firm brings extensive knowledge of commercial truck litigation to every case.
Our approach includes:
- Immediate dispatch of investigators to accident scenes
- Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- Comprehensive review of driver qualification files
- Analysis of electronic control module data
- Consultation with industry experts
- Thorough examination of company safety practices
- Detailed documentation of accident-related damages
We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on physical recovery. Our attorneys provide direct communication throughout the legal process, keeping you up-to-date and involved in key decisions.
Contact a Nebraska 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
When facing injuries as a result of a devastating truck collision, immediate legal action is essential. Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain strict records for a limited time period. Without quick intervention, critical evidence may disappear forever.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have dedicated their careers to helping truck accident victims throughout Nebraska. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Our extensive experience with trucking regulations and industry practices allows us to build compelling cases even against the largest companies. Contact us today at (402) 431-9000 or through our contact form.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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