Boating Accident Attorneys in Morristown

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Representing East Tennessee Victims Hurt On the Water in Boat Accidents

The waterways of Tennessee provide hours of enjoyment for boaters. Tennessee has nearly 60,000 stream miles and about 540,000 lake acres, so it is no surprise that more than 250,000 boats are registered here. Boating opportunities abound at numerous lakes in East Tennessee, but the state’s lakes and rivers can also prove dangerous to those injured in boating accidents. Boat operators don’t always follow the rules, and alcohol often plays a deadly role.

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We Stand Up for Justice, Integrity & Accountability

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Our Morristown personal injury attorneys at The Terry Law Firm understand the tragic repercussions suffered by victims and families hurt on the water. Spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and drowning are among the results of shipwrecks. If you have been hurt in a vessel collision, we will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Tennessee Boating Safety Act

If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of a nautical mishap, negligence may be to blame. Reckless boaters fail to adhere to the Tennessee Boating Safety Act, overseen and enforced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Key provisions of this law of the Tennessee Boating Safety Act include the following:

  • Boaters must not operate any sail or powered vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – and any boat operator asked to take a blood alcohol test must comply or risk the loss of license.
  • Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to operate a powered boat unless accompanied by an adult ready to take control if necessary – there are exceptions for low horsepower outboard motors and completion of a boating education course.
  • Reckless operation of a boat that endangers life, limb, or property may be punishable with a fine and jail time.
  • Boat owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by their boats, even if they are not present at the time of the accident.
  • Any boating accident must be reported to the TWRA and any accident involving medical treatment or a missing person must be reported within 48 hours.
  • Boat operators involved in an accident are required to provide assistance as needed.
  • Boat operators involved in accidents involving serious injury or death may be charged with a felony.
  • Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, must adhere to the same rules as any other boat – and they must be registered.
  • Any boats carrying passengers for hire must obtain a license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Passengers on boats operated within certain areas below a dam must wear a life jacket.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Medical Bills & Other Expenses

Boaters who fail to follow the rules and cause harm must be held accountable. If you have been harmed by a negligent, reckless, or intoxicated boat operator, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. If you have lost a loved one due to a nautical mishap, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

To learn how our Morristown boating accident lawyers can effectively represent you, call us at (423) 586-5800 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

Personal Injury

What is the Statute of Limitations in Tennessee for Personal Injury Claims?

Tennessee is very unique in that the statute of limitations in Tennessee is much shorter than in other states. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Tennessee is generally one (1) year. There are exceptions to the one (1) year statute of limitations. 

In Tennessee, one exception to the statute of limitations is the discovery rule. The statute of limitations in Tennessee does not start to run until a person knows or should have known about an injury. 

There is currently a provision in the Tennessee Code regarding extending the statute of limitations where persons have criminal charges brought against them and they caused or contributed to an injury. In these cases, it is possible that the statute of limitations may be extended to two (2) years. At this stage, there has been no ruling from the Tennessee Supreme Court on exactly how this statute should be interpreted; therefore, we recommend filing cases within one (1) year.

The statute of limitations in property damage cases in Tennessee is three (3) years and the statute of limitations for a breach of contract in Tennessee is six (6) years. It is important to note that breach of implied warranty of merchantability, which are theories that are often used in product liability cases, carries a six (6) statute of limitations.

What is a Contingency Fee?

At The Terry Law Firm, clients are welcome to come to our Morristown office, our Sevierville office, or our Greeneville office for a free consultation. This is true for virtually any type of case. 

In personal injury cases, in particular, The Terry Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis which means that The Terry Law Firm does not receive any compensation, nor are you required to pay anything, unless we are successful on your behalf. 

Our general fee in personal injury cases (like most firms) is one-third (1/3). The Terry Law Firm advances all costs and expenses in the case until the matter is resolved. If we are not successful for a client in a personal injury case, then they are not required to pay anything. 

Can The Terry Law Firm Help If I Was in an Accident in Another State?

The Terry Law Firm regularly handles cases for clients who have been involved in out-of-state accidents. We have handled cases as far west as West Texas and South Dakota. We have had cases in eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. It is a regular part of The Terry Law Firm’s business to handle cases outside of Tennessee.

Handling a case outside of Tennessee does not cost the client any more than it would if we were handling a case in Tennessee. In fact, the client will likely notice very little difference in a case handled outside of the state versus one handled in the State of Tennessee.