Boating Accident Lawyer in KC | Missouri Injury Attorney Tips

As summer arrives and Missouri’s lakes and rivers become filled with recreational boaters, the risk of boating accidents rises significantly. Eric Bartlett, a trusted Kansas City personal injury lawyer with over 28 years of experience, recently shared important insights into boating safety and legal responsibilities on his Injury Law Pod podcast.

In this blog, we highlight key takeaways and offer essential safety tips that can help reduce your risk—and explain what to do if you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident in Missouri.

Why Boating Safety Matters in Missouri

May marks the annual National Boating Safety Week, an initiative supported by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council to encourage safer boating practices. As Kansas City families head to popular destinations like Lake of the Ozarks, Smithville Lake, and Table Rock Lake, awareness of proper boating procedures is more important than ever.

Boating Accident Statistics in Missouri

From 2015 to 2020, Missouri averaged 174 boating accidents annually, with 203 reported incidents in 2020 alone, resulting in 13 fatalities and 77 injuries, according to U.S. Coast Guard data. These numbers underscore the critical need for both safety and legal preparedness while enjoying Missouri’s waterways.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Kansas City and Beyond

Most boating accidents in Missouri stem from preventable behaviors. The most common causes include:

• Alcohol use while operating a boat

• Inexperienced or unlicensed boaters

• High speeds or reckless maneuvering

• Mechanical failures

• Operator distraction or inattention

These factors often result in collisions, capsizing, or serious injuries like drowning or traumatic head injuries.

Legal Liability After a Boating Accident in Missouri

When an accident occurs, multiple parties may be held legally responsible, including:

• The boat operator

• The boat owner

• Boat rental companies

• Product manufacturers (in case of equipment failure)

Victims may be eligible to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or wrongful death. A Kansas City boating accident attorney can investigate liability and protect your legal rights.

Boating Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents

As a Missouri personal injury lawyer, Eric Bartlett emphasizes that prevention is the best protection. Follow these boating safety guidelines:

• Wear a life jacket at all times – one per person is required.

• Assign a sober boat operator – boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal and dangerous.

• Check the weather forecast – avoid going out in stormy or windy conditions.

• Carry essential emergency gear – whistles, flares, navigation lights, and fire extinguishers.

• Complete a certified boating safety course – especially for first-time or teenage boaters.

• Document any accidents immediately – gather witness information, take photos, and report the incident just as you would in a car accident.

Legal Advice from a Kansas City Boating Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know is injured in a boating accident in Kansas City or surrounding areas, consult with a personal injury attorney right away. Even if you signed a waiver at a rental company, it may not fully release their liability under Missouri law.

Boaters should also ensure:

• Their vessel is properly insured and maintained

• They understand Missouri boating laws

• They report any accidents to local authorities

Contact a Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer for Boating Accident Claims

At Bartlett Injury Law, we help victims of boating injuries in Kansas City and across Missouri seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether you were involved in a private boat crash, a rental mishap, or a jet ski collision, our experienced legal team is here to help.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, don’t wait. Contact Northland Injury Law to speak directly with a Kansas City boating accident lawyer and protect your rights.

Stay safe, enjoy the water responsibly, and remember: one careless moment can change everything.