Experienced Michigan Boat Accident Lawyer

Michigan’s thousands of inland lakes and miles of Great Lakes coastline make boating a way of life, but a day on the water can turn tragic in an instant. When a recreational outing on Cass Lake or Orchard Lake results in a serious collision or injury, the legal path forward is often more complex than a standard auto accident. At Davis Law Center, we represent victims of boating negligence, helping families navigate the unique insurance and liability laws that govern Michigan’s waterways.

Why You Need a Specialized Boat Accident Attorney

Unlike car accidents, boating mishaps are not covered by Michigan’s “No-Fault” insurance system. This means your path to recovery—for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—depends entirely on proving another party’s negligence. Whether the crash involved a powerboat, jet ski, or pontoon, our firm has the experience to investigate the cause and hold responsible parties accountable.

If you’ve been injured on the water, don’t navigate the insurance maze alone. Contact Davis Law Center today for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Boating Negligence in Michigan

Proving negligence is the cornerstone of a successful boating accident claim. While accidents on the water are often called “unfortunate,” most are the direct result of a skipper or owner failing to exercise reasonable care. At Davis Law Center, we investigate the specific factors that led to your injury, including:

• Operator Inattention: The leading cause of collisions. Operators have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout at all times.
• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Operating a vessel with a BAC of .08 or higher is a criminal offense in Michigan. We hold intoxicated boaters civilly liable for the devastation they cause.
• Excessive Speed & Wake Violations: Speeding in “No Wake” zones or creating dangerous wakes near smaller vessels can lead to capsizing and serious “ejection from craft” injuries.
• Failure to Carry Safety Gear: Negligence can also be found if a vessel lacked the required life jackets, fire extinguishers, or sound-producing devices mandated by Michigan law.
• Inexperienced Operators: Michigan has specific age and safety certification requirements that, when ignored, lead to disaster.
• Equipment Failure: Negligent maintenance or manufacturing defects in steering and engine systems.

Understanding Liability on the Water

Liability in a boating accident is not always limited to the person at the helm. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible for your damages, including the boat owner. Under MCL 324.80157 (Michigan’s Owner’s Liability Statute), the owner of a watercraft is liable for any injury caused by the negligent operation of that craft, provided it was being used with their express or implied consent. This is critical for victims, as the owner often has the insurance coverage necessary to pay for a claim.

Michigan’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Because boating accidents involve complex maneuvers, insurance companies will often try to blame the victim to reduce their payout. Michigan follows the comparative negligence doctrine. As long as you are not 100% at fault, you can recover economic damages. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages for pain and suffering.

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Sink Your Claim

The defense will often argue that injuries were caused by “unpredictable water conditions” rather than their client’s actions. We know how to counter these arguments with expert testimony, GPS data, and maritime forensics.

How Can Boating Accidents Be Prevented?

1. Wear a life jacket
2. Do not drink and boat
3. Before going out on the water, check the boat out to make sure it is in good working condition and properly equipped.
4. Let someone not boating with you know where you are going, how long you will be gone, and give them phone numbers for local emergency centers and the U.S. Coast Guard.
5. Pay attention to the water and be on the lookout for swimmers, other boats, and objects in the water.
6. Make sure you have a working cell phone or marine radio.

Just like driving a car, it is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations of boating before you go out on the water. Click here for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Handbook of Boating Laws.

Just like car and truck accidents, boating crashes and/or incidents can cause serious injury or death and can have devastating effects on an individual and his or her family. We believe it is important to partner with an attorney who will take the time to get to know you, prepare your case, and maximize recovery so that you are compensated fairly and justly.

Contact Davis Law Center – Your Michigan Boating Accident Lawyer

For a thorough case review of boating accidents on Upper Straits Lake, Union Lake, or throughout Michigan, click here or simply call 248-865-7740 to schedule a free consultation. Remember, no payment is expected up front, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.

Davis Law Center: Your Trusted Partner for Boating Accident Cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, and all of Michigan.