​Sandusky Boat Accident Attorneys
Dedicated Legal Representation for Lake Erie Boat Accident Victims
Boating is a way of life for most Ohio residents. While this activity can be exciting, it can also be dangerous. With more man-made lakes than any other state in the U.S., boating accidents are a regular occurrence.
Boating and personal watercraft accidents on Lake Erie and other bodies of water in northern Ohio are often devastating. At even slow speeds, when two boats collide, all passengers aboard are in extreme danger.
Have you been injured in a boating accident? Call Murray & Murray today at (419) 664-3711 or contact us online to meet with our boat accident lawyers in Sandusky!
Serious Injuries Caused by Boat Accidents
It is not uncommon for a boat accident to result in serious injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Internal injuries
In some cases, a boat accident can result in capsizing, which can be a risk of drowning.
Common Areas for Boat Accidents on Lake Erie and Local Waterways
Murray & Murray in Sandusky, Ohio, represents victims of accidents resulting from recreational boating, commercial shipping, and personal watercraft or jet ski usage on local waterways.
Most of our boat accident cases involve crashes on or around:
- Lake Erie
- Sandusky Bay
- Kelley's Island
- Put-in-Bay
- The Sandusky River
- The Maumee River
- The Cuyahoga River
- Other nearby bodies of water
Understanding the Causes of Boating Accidents in Ohio
In many cases, a drunk boater can be found at the center of a boating accident case. Having just one beer can make it significantly more challenging to steer a boat, after all, safely. Dram shop liability may offer additional sources of compensation if a marina pub served an inebriated boater alcoholic drinks before that same person caused or was involved in a serious boating accident.
Other factors that may have contributed to or caused your boating accident include:
- Lack of proper navigation lights on a boat
- Lack of training by a boater
- Poor boat maintenance
- Speeding or reckless boating
Proving Negligence in Northern Ohio Boating Accidents
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Proving liability in a boating accident can be more complicated than in a motor vehicle accident case. This is because natural phenomena such as storms or waves must be considered.
Your case must be thoroughly examined to sort out the variables involved. We aim to build a case proving that the other party is liable for your injuries. Schedule your consultation with our team at your earliest convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents
Which Boating Accidents Are Legally Required to Be Reported in Ohio?
According to Ohio law, boaters are required to report a boating accident under any of the following circumstances:
- If a person is killed or goes missing - Must be reported within 24 hours
- If a person is injured or requires more than first aid medical attention - Must be reported within 5 days
- If there is property damage over $500 or if a boat is lost - Must be reported within 5 days
For more information about reporting a boating accident in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Boating Accident
Ohio law (ORC 1547.10) requires boaters to do several things following a boating accident:
- Stop immediately if it is safe to do so; do not leave the scene of the accident.
- Provide the other boater with your contact information, the contact information of the boat owner, and the boat's registration number.
- If the other party involved in the accident cannot take down the information themselves, you must call law enforcement and remain at the scene until they arrive.
- If the boat was unoccupied during the accident, you must still leave contact information attached to the vessel in a visible place.
If you are witness to or are involved in a boating accident in Ohio, you must also help the other vessel following the accident if possible. You can read more about this in ORC 1547.59.
Contact Our Sandusky Boat Accident Lawyers Today
In an initial meeting with a Sandusky boat accident lawyer from Murray & Murray, we can discuss your case and determine possible ways to find proper compensation for losses and injuries. For example, did you know that your homeowner's policy may cover your accident if the person who hit your boat was uninsured or underinsured? We use all available channels to find the optimal outcome for your personal injury claim.
Contact Murray & Murray today to schedule a FREE consultation with our boat accident attorneys in Sandusky!
Bad Injury? Great Lawyers!
Ohio Expertise, National Excellence.
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Dennis E. Murray Jr."Placing that final piece to reveal the entire picture is what drew me to this profession. When a client trusts me to tell their story and bring them justice, that gives me the same satisfaction." -
Charles M. Murray"No different than most kids, I dreamt of being a hero as a child—and there was no bigger hero in my life than my father. He often told us stories about the people who were relying on him to resolve their tragedies; I always knew that was the kind of person I wanted to be."
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Margaret M. Murray"I work to be an advocate for my clients and help them in the best and most meaningful way possible. Presenting a case to the court and having the clients understand just how much we care about their very personal and individual claims is very important to me."
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James L. Murray"The relationships with my clients are built through hours of listening and working together. That is what makes my job worthwhile. It is a great thrill when I get to tell clients that we’ve won a case and that they will be able to rebuild or improve their lives as a result of our hard work together."
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Florence A. Murray"Fairness has always been my driving force—knowing that no one ever deserves or wants to be in a situation where they need an attorney. I believe that one of the greatest joys in life is interacting with and helping other people, and it’s this knowledge that I take with me to my practice every day."
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Nolan E. Murray"I treat each case and client as unique and strive zealously to advocate for the very real and personal issues facing them. At Murray & Murray, providing first-rate counsel is not an ambition, it is an expectation."
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Kelly E. Murray"My focus is on providing steadfast support to our clients by leveraging the strength of nearly 100 years of success to ensure that justice is not just an aspiration, but a tangible reality for those we represent."
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Dennis E. Murray Sr."After over 50 years of practicing law, I still remember my first class-action lawsuit for the civil rights of women and persons of color. That’s my dedication—to give 100% effort to every moment that I work on each case."
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William H. Bartle"Working with my clients to prepare for trial and seeing them through the entire process from beginning to the very end gives me as much satisfaction today as it did when I began my career."
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Donna Jean A. Evans"I’ve been involved in many complex litigations for both class action and individual suits, giving my all to each case. It’s why I love my job; it allows me to fight for the victim."
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