Item: Hartsoe Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers
Rating: 5
Author: Mickey Anderson

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.

★★★★★

I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson

I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder

I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger

I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter

Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar

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