Recovering Compensation after a Boating Accident

Recovering Compensation after a Boating Accident

When a fun day on the water turns into an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between injuries, property damage, and insurance headaches, many victims wonder how they’ll recover financially. At Dogan & Dogan, we help injured Hoosiers pursue the compensation they deserve after boating accidents across Indiana’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Whether your crash happened on Lake Monroe, Geist Reservoir, the Ohio River, or one of the state’s many smaller lakes, understanding your legal rights and acting quickly can make all the difference.

Boating Accidents in Indiana: What You Should Know

Boating is a favorite Indiana pastime, but it’s not without risks. Collisions, falls overboard, propeller injuries, and alcohol-related crashes are unfortunately common. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), dozens of reportable boating accidents occur each year, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

These incidents frequently happen because someone failed to operate their vessel safely. Common causes include:

• Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Excessive speed or reckless maneuvers;
• Inattention or distracted operation;
• Mechanical failure due to poor maintenance; or
• Failing to follow state boating laws or right-of-way rules.

When another boater’s carelessness causes harm, you may have a claim for damages.

Establishing Liability in an Indiana Boating Accident

Recovering compensation requires proving that another person or party was negligent. In other words, they failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure directly caused your injuries. Evidence in boating accident cases might include:

• DNR or Coast Guard accident reports;
• Photos or videos of the vessels and crash scene;
• Witness statements;
• Alcohol or drug test results;
• Maintenance and registration records; and
• Weather and visibility data from the day of the incident.

Because every boating environment is different, especially on shared waterways or large lakes, these cases often benefit from professional investigation and early legal guidance.

Compensation Available After a Boating Accident

If you’ve been injured in a boating crash, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, therapy, and long-term treatment;
• Lost income: Wages missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to work;
• Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional toll of your injuries;
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your boat and personal property; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in activities you once loved.

In cases involving extreme recklessness, such as boating under the influence, Indiana courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior.

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Boating Accident Claims

One of the most important things to understand after any accident is how long you have to file a claim. In Indiana, boating accident cases are typically treated as personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries or property damage. If the accident resulted in death, the same two-year period applies, beginning on the date of death rather than the date of the crash. Failing to act within this deadline almost always means losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.

There are limited exceptions (for example, when the victim is a minor or when a government entity is involved), but these circumstances are rare. That’s why contacting an Indiana boating accident lawyer from our firm as soon as possible after your accident is so imperative.

Reporting Requirements Under Indiana Boating Law

In addition to the civil statute of limitations, state boating laws require operators to report certain accidents promptly. Under Indiana Code § 14-15-6-3, an operator must notify the DNR law enforcement division if an accident involves:

• Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid;
• Death or disappearance of a person; or
• Property damage exceeding $750.

These reports help document what happened and can later support your claim for compensation. The DNR generally requires filing within 48 hours for injury or death and five days for property damage.

Why You Shouldn’t Deal Directly With Insurance Companies

After a boating accident, insurance companies may reach out quickly, sometimes within hours, to “check in” or make an offer. But their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. It’s common to hear phrases like:

• “This is the final offer.”

• “You’ll never get more than this in court.”

• “Lawsuits take years, you don’t want to go through that.”

These tactics are designed to pressure injured victims into accepting far less than their claim is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back later for additional compensation, even if your medical costs turn out to be higher than expected.

An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, negotiate on your behalf, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit before the two-year deadline expires to preserve your rights.

How Our Indiana Boating Accident Attorneys Can Help

At Dogan & Dogan, we handle the details so you can focus on healing. Our team thoroughly investigates each boating accident to determine who was responsible and gathers essential evidence before it is lost or destroyed. When necessary, we work closely with accident reconstruction specialists to piece together exactly what happened and strengthen your case. We also take over all communication with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve. Finally, we make sure your claim or lawsuit is filed within every applicable legal deadline so your right to compensation is preserved.

Our Indiana boating accident attorneys understand how stressful life can feel after a boating accident. Medical bills, lost income, and the uncertainty of recovery can weigh heavily on you and your family. We want to relieve that burden, protect your interests, and fight for the full compensation you deserve under Indiana law.

Talk to an Indiana Boating Accident Lawyer at Dogan & Dogan Today

Recovering compensation after a boating accident isn’t just about filing paperwork; it’s about getting your life back on track. Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations gives you a limited window to act, and waiting too long can put your rights at risk. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries on the water, you don’t have to handle it alone.

For trusted legal help and a team that knows Indiana law inside and out, contact us online. Our attorneys at Dogan & Dogan are here to review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.