Involved in a Boating Accident in Salt Lake City? What Legal Steps Should You Take?
At Waddoups Law, our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys understand that Utah’s lakes and reservoirs offer beauty, adventure, and unforgettable experiences—but they also come with serious risks when others act carelessly. Boating accidents can happen in an instant, often resulting in severe injuries, emotional trauma, or the tragic loss of life.
Whether you were injured on the Great Salt Lake, Lake Powell, Utah Lake, or another body of water, you deserve to understand your rights. Our boating accident attorneys in Salt Lake County are here to guide you through your legal options, support your recovery, and pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
Once you partner with Waddoups Law, you gain the strength of an experienced legal team that has handled over 1,200 mediation/arbitration cases and more than 85 jury trials. Let us help you and your family move forward with confidence, starting with a free consultation.
What to Do After a Boating Accident in Utah
After a boating accident, taking the proper steps can protect your health and strengthen your potential legal claim. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can develop over time, and your case may depend on proper documentation.
Take photos of the scene, boat damage, and any visible injuries.
Collect contact information for witnesses and other parties involved.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Avoid making statements to insurance companies until you speak to an attorney.
Our legal team is prepared to step in immediately, gather evidence, and help preserve your right to compensation.
Understanding Boating Accidents in Utah
Boating accidents in Utah often result from a combination of inexperience, environmental conditions, and negligent behavior. Unlike car accidents, there is usually a lack of lane discipline, and many operators may lack formal training or knowledge of maritime safety laws.
Our Salt Lake City boating accident lawyers have represented individuals harmed in a wide range of boating incidents, including:
Collisions between boats or personal watercraft.
Capsizing or sinking incidents.
Falls overboard.
Grounding accidents.
Accidents involving water skiers, tubers, or swimmers.
Boating under the influence (BUI).
Accidents due to equipment failure or poor maintenance.
These accidents can cause head trauma, spinal injuries, lacerations, broken bones, hypothermia, and even drowning. When negligence is the root cause, our team can help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Get in Touch with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys Call Today! 801.212.9992
Who May Be Liable for a Boating Accident?
Determining liability in a boating accident requires careful investigation. Unlike motor vehicle accidents, which are strictly regulated in terms of insurance and driver licensing, boating claims can involve complex liability questions.
Potentially liable parties may include:
The boat operator.
The boat owner is different from the operator.
Rental companies or charter services.
Equipment manufacturers are responsible in the case of a product defect.
Event organizers or tour operators.
Under Utah law, all boat operators have a legal duty to act reasonably and follow waterway safety rules. If that duty is breached and causes harm, they may be held responsible for your injuries and related damages.
Damages You May Recover After a Utah Boating Accident
Boating accident victims in Utah are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At Waddoups Law, we take the time to understand your injuries, losses, and long-term challenges to ensure nothing is overlooked in your claim.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to recover:
Our Salt Lake City boating accident lawyers will thoroughly analyze your case and build a strong demand package that reflects the full extent of your harm.
Get in Touch with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys Call Today! 801.212.9992
We Handle Boating Accident Claims on a Contingency Basis
We understand the financial stress that follows a serious injury. That’s why we represent boating accident clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we win your case—and even then, we ensure your net recovery is more than our legal fee. That’s our promise and our standard of fairness.
Contact Our Boating Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah Today
At Waddoups Law, our team is here to help you navigate the complex aftermath of a boating accident with experience, dedication, and genuine care. We know your life has been disrupted. Our mission is to help you restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating accident Lawyer
Why do I need a boating accident attorney in Salt Lake City?
Boating accidents involve specific maritime and state laws. An attorney familiar with Utah boating regulations and local courts can better handle investigations, insurance claims, and liability issues unique to watercraft accidents. Handling a case such as this on your own leaves room for error and not getting the maximum amount of compensation.
How long do I have to file a boating accident claim in Utah?
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including boating accidents, is typically four years. It’s best to contact an attorney quickly to preserve evidence and meet all deadlines.
How is fault determined in a boating accident?
Fault is determined through evidence such as witness statements, boating regulations, operator behavior (e.g., intoxication or speeding), and accident reports prepared by law enforcement or the Coast Guard. Your Salt Lake City & Midvale boating accident lawyer can help you build a strong case to show the fault of the other party.
What if I was partially at fault for the boating accident?
Under Utah’s comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation would be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Do boating accidents often involve alcohol-related claims?
Yes, many boating accidents involve impaired operators. If alcohol contributed to your accident, your attorney can pursue additional claims for negligence or punitive damages. It is illegal in the state of Utah to operate a boat while under the influence.
Will my boating accident case go to court?
Many cases settle through negotiations with insurance companies. At Waddoups Law, we are fully prepared to take your boating accident case to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached. Our boating accident lawyers will make sure you feel prepared and understand each step of the process.
How can a boating accident attorney help maximize my compensation?
An attorney can investigate the accident, gather expert testimony, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight in court to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. At Waddoups Law you are not just another case number. We sit down with you to fully understand the aspects of your case to make sure we have all the pieces to build you the strongest possible case.
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$58.5 million
Wrongful Death involving semi-truck
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$13 million
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$1.6 million
Semi-Truck Accident. Disputed Liability
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$1.5 million
DUI Rear-End
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$400,000
Auto Accident husband and wife. Policy Limits
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$310,000
Slip & Fall
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Slip & Fall, fractured arm
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$205,000
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Third-party work injury. Partially amputated fingertip