Indiana’s lakes and waterways offer countless opportunities for fun and relaxation, but when negligence enters the picture, a day on the water can quickly turn tragic. Collisions, reckless operation, defective equipment, or alcohol use can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a boat or personal watercraft, an experienced Indianapolis boating accident lawyer at Team Green Law can pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.
At Team Green Law, we understand how devastating boating accidents can be. We represent victims and families across Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, and throughout Indiana, helping them rebuild their lives after serious injuries. Our firm is guided by integrity, teamwork, and accountability, values that define how we treat every client.
The Benefits of Working With Team Green Law
Choosing Team Green Law means choosing a team that genuinely cares about your recovery and future. We don’t just handle cases, we stand by people who have suffered an injury through no fault of their own. Our mission is to provide relentless advocacy and compassionate support while ensuring you receive the financial resources you need to heal.
We are proud to offer the Team Green Fair Fee Guarantee, which ensures that we never take more in fees than you receive from your recovery. We also provide free consultations, so you can talk to an attorney without worrying about upfront costs.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling serious accident cases, including those involving boats, jet skis, and other recreational watercraft. When you work with Team Green Law, you gain a trusted partner who will fight to protect your rights, For You, With You.
Understanding Boating Accidents in Indiana
Indiana’s lakes, including Geist Reservoir, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Morse Reservoir, and Lake Monroe, attract thousands of boaters each year. Unfortunately, increased activity also raises the risk of accidents.
Boating accidents can result from a variety of dangerous behaviors or conditions, such as:
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or reckless operation
- Inexperienced or unlicensed operators
- Overcrowded or poorly maintained vessels
- Distracted driving or failure to maintain a lookout
- Equipment failure or defective parts
- Collisions with other vessels, docks, or swimmers
An Indianapolis boating accident lawyer can investigate the cause of your crash and determine who should be held liable for your injuries. Whether the responsible party was another boater, a rental company, or a manufacturer, Team Green Law has the resources and skill to hold them accountable.
Common Injuries in Boating Accidents
Because boating accidents often occur on open water, victims are at risk for serious, sometimes fatal injuries. The absence of seat belts, exposure to propellers, and the potential for drowning make these accidents particularly dangerous.
Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries from impact or near-drowning incidents
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe lacerations or amputations from propellers
- Internal injuries or organ damage
- Hypothermia from prolonged exposure to water
- Wrongful death due to drowning or severe trauma
Recovery from these injuries can take months or years, often requiring extensive medical care, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. An Indianapolis boating accident lawyer can pursue compensation that reflects both your current and future medical and financial needs.
Determining Liability in a Boating Accident
Proving fault in a boating accident requires a thorough investigation and detailed understanding of maritime and state laws. Depending on the situation, several parties may share responsibility for your injuries:
- The boat operator, if they acted recklessly, were intoxicated, or ignored boating regulations.
- The boat owner, if they failed to maintain the vessel or knowingly allowed unsafe operation.
- A rental company, if it provided a defective or poorly maintained vessel.
- A manufacturer, if the accident resulted from a design flaw or equipment failure.
- Another passenger or third party, if their actions directly contributed to the accident.
Your Indianapolis boating accident attorney will examine police and Coast Guard reports, interview witnesses, collect photos, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
Indiana Boating Laws and Negligence
Indiana law requires boaters to operate their vessels safely and responsibly. Similar to drivers on the road, boat operators must exercise reasonable care to avoid injuring others. When a boater fails to do so, by drinking, speeding, or ignoring navigational rules, they can be found negligent.
Boating under the influence (BUI) is one of the leading causes of water-related accidents in Indiana. State law prohibits operating a watercraft with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Violations can result in criminal charges, but they also form substantial grounds for civil liability if someone is injured.
An experienced Indianapolis boating accident lawyer from our firm understands how to use these legal standards to prove negligence and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Compensation for Boating Accident Victims
After a boating accident, victims may face significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disability and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries and scarring.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged watercraft or belongings.
- Wrongful death damages: Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
Team Green Law fights aggressively to recover the maximum amount available under Indiana law. We work with medical experts and economists to evaluate your injuries, ensuring your settlement reflects your long-term needs.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations
If you were injured in a boating accident, it’s essential to act quickly. Indiana law gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation.
Because boating accidents often involve multiple parties and complex evidence, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Early legal action allows your attorney to preserve key evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and ensure your claim is filed correctly.
Get Help from Our Indianapolis Boating Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A dedicated Indianapolis boating accident attorney from Team Green Law can help you understand your rights, investigate your case, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. We offer free consultations and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Take the first step toward justice and recovery today by contacting us. Team Green Law is ready to listen, fight for your rights, and stand by your side every step of the way.
