Boating Accident Lawyer in Chattanooga

Boating accidents can be devastating, leaving those involved with serious injuries and trauma. When negligence was involved, our Chattanooga boating accident lawyers can seek the fair compensation you need to cover medical bills and other losses.

The Chattanooga personal injury lawyers at Wettermark Keith have over 50 years of combined experience. If needed, we’re prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.

How Our Boating Accident Attorneys in Chattanooga Handle Your Case

At Wettermark Keith, we are ready to take on every step of the legal process. Our goal is to give you time to focus on healing rather than worrying about your insurance claim. We can:

• Investigate the boating accident to determine where negligence occurred and who is at fault for your injuries.
• Gather evidence and consult with experts to strengthen your case for compensation.
• Handle all communication and negotiation with insurers.
• File all necessary paperwork.
• Advise you on any offers you receive.
• Represent your case in court when necessary.

Our case results include recovering over $1.5 billion for injury victims and their families. We don’t stop at an insurer’s lowball offer. Instead, we advocate for compensation that covers the full scope of your losses.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

The lawyers at Wettermark Keith take on personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. This fee structure means that our fees are only ever taken if we recover compensation for you. If we don’t, you pay nothing.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Chattanooga Boating Accident Case?

Recoverable compensation can cover both the immediate expenses of the accident, as well as the long-term losses you are expected to face. Our lawyers will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our Chattanooga boating accident lawyers may be able to help you recover:

Economic Damages

This is compensation for financial losses. It can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses like surgeries, hospital stays, doctor appointments, physical therapy, medications, and ER visits.
• Lost wages.
• Diminished future earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Mobility aids or assistive devices.
• Housekeeping costs.
• Childcare costs.
• Home or vehicle modifications.

Non-Economic Damages

This compensates for the non-financial losses you’ve suffered. It can include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of enjoyment.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of a limb.
• Scarring.
• Lowered quality of life.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost a loved one in the boating accident, we are so sorry for this tragic loss of life. Our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers can seek compensation for things like:

• The loss of the decedent’s financial support.
• The loss of the decedent’s emotional support and/or parental guidance.
• Medical expenses related to the accident.
• The decedent’s pain and suffering.
• Funeral and burial expenses.

What Is the Timeline for Recovering Compensation After a Boating Accident in Chattanooga?

The Tennessee statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally one year from the date of the accident. However, there are several circumstances that can shorten or extend this deadline. Discuss the expected deadline with your lawyer.

This short timeframe means that it is vital to get started on your case as soon as possible. In addition to filing a personal injury lawsuit on time, early actions can also ensure that key evidence is preserved.

What Proof Do You Need to Recover Compensation in Boating Accident Cases?

In addition to proving your losses, you will also need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused them. To do so, your lawyer will investigate the boat accident and gather evidence.

Potentially at-fault parties include:

• A boating company if you had rented the boat or were on a tour.
• A boat pilot.
• A boating parts manufacturer, if a defective or dangerous part led to the accident.

Negligent actions can include:

• Piloting the boat at excessive speeds or performing dangerous maneuvers.
• Lack of proper staff training.
• Lack of proper safety training.
• Lack of safety equipment on board, or poorly maintained/ faulty equipment.
• Piloting the boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Distraction leading to a failure to maintain control of the boat.

Proving Negligence

To prove the at-fault party (or parties) was negligent, your lawyer will gather evidence. This evidence could include:

• Video footage of the accident.
• Eyewitness statements.
• Past incident reports (if a company was involved).
• Blood alcohol content (BAC) tests.
• Staff records.
• Maintenance records.
• Police or coast guard report from the accident.

Your lawyer may also consult with experts, such as those in boating safety or accident reconstruction.

What Should You Do After a Boating Accident?

If you’ve been in a boating accident, the following steps can protect your health and your case. You should:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for your recovery.
• Report the accident to the proper authorities.
• Contact a Chattanooga boating accident attorney.
• Take photos, if possible, of the accident scene and any visible injuries you have.
• Do not give recorded statements or talk to insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
• Follow medical guidance and do not stop or delay your medical treatment. Insurers may use this against you.
• Avoid posting about the accident on social media. 

Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer in Chattanooga

If you or a loved one was hurt because a boating company or pilot was negligent, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for medical bills and other losses. The legal team at Wettermark Keith is here to help you hold negligent parties financially responsible.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.