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.

A partially submerged sailboat washed ashore on a sandy beach after a boating accident.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Report the incident to local authorities or the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.
  • 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.

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:

  • Past, present, and future medical bills.
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress.
  • Property damage.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Wrongful deathdamages for surviving family members.

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.

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.

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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.

Contact our trusted Salt Lake City boating accident attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s discuss what happened, its impact on you, and how we can work together to secure the compensation and closure you deserve.

WE’VE WON CASES WORTH UP TO 58.5 MILLION DOLLARS