Tempe Boating Accident Lawyer
While Tempe, Arizona, is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, residents and visitors have easy access to nearby waterways, including Tempe Town Lake, Saguaro Lake, and Canyon Lake. Boating, jet skiing, swimming, and other water recreation are popular activities—but they also carry risks. When negligence or reckless behavior leads to a boating accident, the consequences can be life-changing. If you’ve been injured in any boating or personal watercraft incident, a Tempe boating accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe can investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (602) 977-1900 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tempe personal injury attorneys. Our team is available 24/7 to offer top legal representation when you need it most.
Steps to Take after an Arizona Boat Accident
Boating accidents in Arizona can result in fatalities and life-altering injuries. If you are involved in a boating accident, you should:
- Assess the situation and check for injuries
- Call for medical assistance if needed
- Report the accident to the Arizona Game and Fish Department if it involves a death or disappearance, injuries that require more than basic first aid, property damage over $500, or the complete loss of a vessel
Furthermore, you are required to report accidents according to the following timelines:
- Immediately for accidents involving death or critical injury
- Within 48 hours for serious injuries
- Within 10 days for all other reportable accidents
An experienced Tempe boating accident lawyer can guide you through the reporting requirements and take legal action when negligence was involved.
Why Do Boating Accidents Happen in Tempe?
Many boating accidents are preventable and result from poor judgment or disregard for safety. Common causes include:
- Operator distraction
- Alcohol or drug use
- Speeding
- Defective equipment or vessel malfunction
- Inexperienced operators
- Violations of boating laws or safety rules
- Improper lookout
- Lack of safety equipment or precautions
- Electric shock drowning
- Severe weather
- Poor visibility
If another party’s negligence caused your on-the-water accident-related injuries, our Tempe boating accident attorneys are prepared to hold them accountable.
How a Tempe Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help
Compared to other types of personal injury cases, a boating accident claim can become more complex fast. The involvement of multiple boats, rental agreements, or overlapping insurance coverage are just a few reasons why.
That’s why having a skilled attorney from Lerner and Rowe matters. Here are some of the steps we may take to help effectively move your claim forward:
- Gather evidence, including accident reports, photos, videos, medical records, and witness statements
- Review the evidence to determine the cause and the liable party
- Calculate damages, like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies
- Ensure your claim filing follows Arizona guidelines
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Arizona Boating Accident FAQs
Arizona law states that children under 12 cannot operate a motorized vessel with eight horsepower or more unless supervised by an adult 18 or older or in an emergency.
No, but marinas, rental companies, or lenders may require it. You can still file a claim even if you don’t have coverage.
Yes, injured passengers can pursue claims against negligent operators, owners, manufacturers, or other liable parties.
It may be considered in liability arguments, but it will not prevent you from seeking or winning compensation if another party caused the accident.
In Arizona, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Tempe Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me
After a boating accident, you need an attorney who understands Arizona’s boating laws and has the experience to take on insurers and negligent parties. At Lerner and Rowe, our Tempe boat accident lawyers will fight to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
We’re available 24/7, offer free consultations, and work on a “No Fee Promise.” This means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call (602) 977-1900, use LiveChat, or fill out our secure online form to get started. With over $1 billion recovered in the past four years alone for injury victims nationwide, we are ready to fight for you.