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Boating Accidents

According to the most recent Boating Accidents Statistical Report compiled by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, 159 “reportable boating accidents” occurred in Tennessee in 2008. (Such accidents involve either a death or a missing person, a personal injury that requires more than first-aid treatment, or property damage above $2,000.) According to the report, the most common type of boating accident reported in Tennessee was a collision with another vessel, and the most common contributing factor in such accidents was a boat operator’s inattention. 31 accidents involved fire or explosions. 12.5% of the reportable boating accidents involved alcohol or drug use.

Injuries that result from boating accidents may be severe. When a person is seriously injured in a boating accident as a result of negligent behavior, he or she may seek compensation—for the resulting pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, lost wages (and/or loss of earning ability), related property damage (such as damage to the boat), and more. Negligent behavior may include speeding, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or failing to follow all the laws that aim to protect people on Tennessee’s waterways.

Tennessee residents or visitors may also claim compensation if they were injured in a boating accident caused by a defective product or by the negligent maintenance of the boat.

Tragically, in 2008, 20 people were killed in boating accidents in Tennessee. When a person dies as a result of someone else’s wrongful conduct (whether negligent, reckless, or intentional), the surviving family members or the executors of the deceased’s estate may bring a claim of “wrongful death,” seeking compensation for various types of harm suffered by the deceased and his or her family members.

In Tennessee, boat operators who are involved in an accident must notify the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and send in a report of the accident, unless a TWRA officer has already investigated the accident. TWRA officers must investigate all accidents that cause death or significant injuries.

If you or someone you love suffered injuries or lost a family member in a Tennessee boating accident, please contact the Hartsoe Law Firm today. Attorney Mark Hartsoe has been helping clients in personal injury cases for over 27 years. He has the knowledge, resources, and skills to help you pursue fair compensation, and he is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized service to each of his clients.

To schedule an initial consultation regarding a Tennessee boating accident or wrongful death case, please call 865-804-1011, email hartsoelaw@gmail.com, or fill out and submit our online “Contact Us” form.


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