Denver Boating Accident Lawyer
Were you or a loved one injured in a boating accident in Denver, CO? You may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers can help you file a claim for your medical bills, emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Our Denver boating accident lawyers have decades of combined experience and have secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients. If you hire us to represent you, we’ll work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Call us today for more information at (720) 613 9706. Your initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys is free of charge.
How Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Boating Accident in Denver, CO
Boating accidents can result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Whether your accident occurred on a lake, river, or reservoir, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. However, insurance companies won’t make the process easy; they aim to minimize their payouts.
At Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers, we will fight for you every step of the way. Our Denver personal injury attorneys have received numerous accolades over the years for our legal services, both locally and nationally.
We can help by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly: We’ll gather all relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
- Identifying who is at fault: Determining liability is crucial. We’ll analyze all factors to pinpoint the responsible parties.
- Gathering crucial evidence: Collecting medical records, expert opinions, and any other documentation needed to build a strong case.
- Hiring experts to strengthen your case: We’ll work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and maritime experts as needed.
- Evaluating your damages comprehensively: We’ll assess all your losses, both economic and non-economic, to determine the full value of your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf: We’ll handle all communications to seek a fair settlement.
- Handling all communications and paperwork: You can focus on your recovery while we manage the legal side of things.
- Filing a lawsuit in Denver County if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
Contact our law offices in Denver, Colorado, today to learn more about your legal rights and options. We offer a completely free initial consultation where we can answer all of your questions.
How Do I Prove Liability in My Denver Boating Accident Case?
To successfully recover compensation after a boating accident, you must usually establish that another party was negligent (careless). Common parties that may be liable in boating accidents include boat operators, boat owners, manufacturers, rental companies, or even governmental entities responsible for waterway maintenance.
Proving negligence involves demonstrating that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused your injuries. Examples of negligence in boating accidents include:
- Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless or careless operation of the vessel
- Failure to follow boating laws and regulations
- Inadequate boat maintenance leading to mechanical failure
- Overloading the vessel beyond its capacity
Our experienced attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Is My Denver Boating Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your boating accident claim depends on various factors, such as:
- The severity of your injuries: More severe injuries typically lead to higher compensation
- Extent of medical expenses: Current and future medical costs are considered
- Lost wages and future earning capacity: Income lost due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering endured: Physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced
- Degree of negligence involved: Reckless behavior may increase the value of your claim
- Whether you share any fault for the accident: Your compensation may be affected if you’re partially at fault
Our legal team will work diligently to assess the full extent of your damages and pursue maximum compensation. We may consult with medical professionals, economists, and other experts to accurately calculate your losses.
We Can Help You With Any Type of Boating Accident Case
Boating accidents can occur in various settings and involve different types of watercraft. With decades of experience, our attorneys can assist you with any boating accident case, including:
- Motorboat accidents
- Jet ski and personal watercraft accidents
- Canoe and kayak accidents
- Sailing accidents
- Accidents involving commercial vessels
- Boat rental accidents
- Water skiing and tubing accidents
Even if your boating accident doesn’t fit into these categories, we may still be able to help. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Boating Accident in Denver?
After a boating accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Income lost due to inability to work and potential future earnings
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged personal property
Non-economic damages cover:
- Physical pain and suffering: Discomfort and physical pain resulting from the accident
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement and scarring: Permanent physical changes affecting appearance
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with spouse or family members
Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, such as operating a boat while intoxicated.
What If I’m Being Blamed for My Boating Accident in Denver?
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are not 50% or more responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $90,000. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you to reduce their liability. Our skilled attorneys will protect your rights and work to minimize any allegations of fault against you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Boating Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a boating accident lawyer at Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers won’t cost you anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront: no retainer or hourly fees
- No hourly fees: you won’t be billed by the hour for our services
- We only get paid if we recover compensation for you: our fees come as a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure.
Typically, the attorney’s fee is a percentage agreed upon at the beginning of the case. This arrangement allows you to access quality legal representation without financial stress. It also motivates us to obtain the maximum compensation possible for you.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Denver
Boating accidents often result from negligence or recklessness. Common causes include:
- Operator inattention: failing to keep a proper lookout
- Operator inexperience: lack of training or experience handling the vessel
- Excessive speed: operating the boat at unsafe speeds
- Alcohol or drug use: impaired operation leading to decreased judgment and reaction time
- Failure to follow navigational rules: ignoring right-of-way rules and other regulations
- Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance: equipment malfunctions caused by neglect
- Adverse weather conditions: operating in unsafe weather without proper precautions
- Overloading or improper loading of passengers and cargo: exceeding weight limits or uneven distribution
Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial to determining liability and pursuing compensation.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Boating Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including boating accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s essential to file your lawsuit within this time frame, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Exceptions may apply, such as when the claim is against a governmental entity, which may have shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure all deadlines are met.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Denver Boating Accident Attorneys
If you were involved in a boating accident in Denver, CO, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for damages. Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the process while you focus on your recovery. Our Denver boating accident lawyers have secured tens of millions of dollars for deserving clients. With decades of combined experience, you can trust our ability to handle your case effectively.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options.
