Justice for Boat Accident Victims
Aggressive representation for boating accident victims pursuing compensation for maritime injuries. Serving Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and all of Michigan.
Why Choose HOV Law
Advocates for
Boating Accident Victims
Maritime Law Expertise
Boating accident claims involve a complex mix of state and federal maritime law. Our Ann Arbor attorneys understand the regulations governing recreational and commercial watercraft and use that knowledge to build stronger claims.
Operator Negligence
Reckless operation, intoxication, inexperience, and failure to maintain proper lookout cause the majority of boating accidents. We investigate operator behavior and hold negligent parties accountable.
Catastrophic Injury Focus
Boat accidents produce devastating injuries — drowning, propeller strikes, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. We know how to properly value these life-altering claims.
Water Should Be Fun,
Not Dangerous
When negligent boat operators, rental companies, or defective equipment turn a day on the water into a tragedy, victims deserve aggressive legal representation. We fight to hold every responsible party accountable.
Your Path to Recovery
We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
Free Case Evaluation
After a boating accident near Ann Arbor, contact HOV Law immediately. We'll review the incident, assess your injuries, and explain your legal options at no cost.
Accident Investigation
We work with maritime experts to investigate the cause of the accident — examining operator conduct, vessel maintenance records, weather conditions, and compliance with boating safety regulations.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Boat accident liability can extend beyond the operator to boat owners, rental companies, manufacturers of defective equipment, and even government entities responsible for waterway maintenance.
Maximum Compensation
Whether through settlement or trial, we pursue full compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
Ann Arbor Boat Accident Lawyer — Fighting for Injured Victims
Boating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and even death. Whether you were a passenger, operator, swimmer, or bystander injured in a boating incident near Ann Arbor, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and suffering.
At HOV Law, we represent boat accident victims in Ann Arbor and across Michigan. Our attorneys understand the unique complexities of boating accident claims and pursue maximum compensation from every liable party.
ZERO OUT-OF-POCKET fees. NO WIN, NO FEE.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
- Operator Inattention—Failing to maintain a proper lookout is the leading cause of boating accidents. Distracted or careless operators put everyone on the water at risk.
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI)—Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time — all critical for safe boat operation.
- Excessive Speed—Speeding in congested waterways, no-wake zones, or near swimmers and docks leads to devastating collisions and ejection injuries.
- Inexperienced Operators—Many boating accidents involve operators with little training or experience. Rental companies that fail to properly instruct renters may share liability.
- Equipment Failure—Defective steering systems, engine malfunctions, and faulty safety equipment can cause or worsen boating accidents. Manufacturers and maintenance providers may be liable.
- Hazardous Waterway Conditions—Unmarked obstacles, poorly maintained channels, and inadequate signage can contribute to boating accidents, potentially creating liability for government agencies.
Common Boating Accident Injuries in Ann Arbor
- Boating accidents produce a wide range of injuries, many of which are life-threatening or permanently disabling. Common injuries our Ann Arbor boat accident attorneys handle include:
- Drowning and Near-Drowning—Submersion injuries can cause brain damage, lung injury, and death even when victims are rescued quickly. Near-drowning victims often suffer long-term neurological damage.
- Propeller Strike Injuries—Contact with a spinning propeller causes severe lacerations, amputations, and disfigurement. These devastating injuries frequently require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries—Ejection from a boat, collision impact, or striking underwater objects can cause concussions, skull fractures, and severe TBI with lasting cognitive effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries—High-speed collisions and falls from boats can cause spinal fractures and cord damage, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken Bones and Crush Injuries—Collisions, capsizing, and being struck by the vessel can cause fractures throughout the body, often requiring surgical repair.
- Hypothermia—Extended time in cold water after a boating accident can cause dangerous drops in body temperature, leading to cardiac arrest and organ failure.
Boating Accident Laws in Michigan
Michigan has specific boating safety laws that affect accident liability. Operators are required to follow navigation rules, carry proper safety equipment, and avoid reckless or intoxicated operation. Violations of these laws can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your claim.
The statute of limitations for boating accident injury claims in Michigan is 3 years for personal injury (MCL § 600.5805). However, if your accident occurred on navigable federal waters, different deadlines may apply under federal maritime law. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Michigan follows a Modified Comparative Negligence system: Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will fight to maximize your recovery regardless of any shared fault allegations.
If you were injured in a boating accident near Ann Arbor, contact HOV Law immediately for a free case evaluation. Time is critical — evidence can be lost and deadlines can expire quickly.
Michigan Laws That Affect Your Case
Statute of Limitations
In Michigan, you have a limited time to file your claim: 3 years for personal injury (MCL § 600.5805). Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to compensation permanently.
“Time is your most valuable asset after an injury. Contact a Ann Arbor attorney immediately to ensure your claim is preserved.”
Modified Comparative Negligence
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. You can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Michigan Insurance System
Michigan operates under a No-Fault (PIP required) system. Drivers choose PIP coverage levels; unlimited PIP was historically required but reformed in 2019.
Key Michigan Legal Facts
Local Knowledge: Ann Arbor
Local Waterways & Lakes
- Huron River
- Barton Pond
- Argo Pond
- Geddes Pond
- Ford Lake
Local Courts
- Washtenaw County Trial Court
- Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit Court
Areas We Serve Near Ann Arbor
- Ypsilanti
- Saline
- Dexter
- Chelsea
Ann Arbor Landmarks
- University of Michigan
- Downtown Ann Arbor
- Briarwood Mall
What Compensation May Cover
Under Michigan law, you may be entitled to recover damages for the full impact of your injuries.
Economic Damages
- • Medical bills (past & future)
- • Lost wages & earning capacity
- • Property damage
- • Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- • Pain and suffering
- • Mental anguish
- • Loss of consortium
- • Physical impairment
Other Personal Injury Services in Ann Arbor
Also serving Ann Arbor for Criminal Defense:
Ann Arbor Boat Accidents FAQs
Injured in a
Boating Accident?
You deserve an attorney who understands maritime injury law and will fight for full compensation. Contact HOV Law today for a free consultation with a Ann Arbor boat accident lawyer.