Boating Accidents
Boating Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana
When someone’s negligence turns a day on the water into a life-changing injury, you deserve a team that treats you like family.
At Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, we know that boating accidents aren’t just “summer mishaps.” They cause serious, painful injuries that ripple through every part of life, with medical bills, lost work, long recoveries, and stress on the family. When that happens, you need more than a law firm. You need people who show up, listen, and fight for you as if it were their own case.
That’s exactly who we are.
We don’t hand you off to a paralegal. We don’t rush you through appointments. Our attorneys work directly with you, stay available to you, and fight with heart — because your fight is our fight.
“Feeling comfortable and knowing how or even if to pursue a personal injury case is very difficult. Dustin & the entire team at Ladendorf Law were compassionate, patient, ethical, and professional. I’m so glad I had them every step of the way.”
Why Choose Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler for a Boating Accident Case?
Your Fight is Our Fight
Bigger firms talk about compassion; we practice it. When you walk through our doors, you get real people who care about what you’re going through and guide you through every step. At Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, working with us means:
- You Work Directly With Your Lawyer
The attorney you meet on day one is the same attorney who stands beside you during negotiations or at trial. No being shuffled around. No being left in the dark.
- Deep Experience With Indiana Boating Laws
Boating accidents involve layers of state, federal, and maritime regulations—life jackets, wake zones, alcohol restrictions, rental boat liability, and more. We understand how to investigate these cases, preserve key evidence, and build a strong claim from day one.
- A Track Record of Standing Up to Insurance Companies
Boating insurers often try to shift blame onto the victim or minimize the seriousness of injuries. We don’t let them. We pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts.
Common Causes of Boating and Jet Ski Accidents in Indiana
Indiana has many beautiful lakes and waterways, from Geist and Morse Reservoirs in Indianapolis to Lake Monroe in the south and Lake Wawasee in the north. There’s nothing like a summer afternoon on the water — until an accident strikes.
Boating and jet ski accidents often stem from preventable negligence. The most frequent causes include:
- Operator inattention or inexperience
- Boating under the influence (BUI)
- Speeding or creating excessive wake
- Improper lookout
- Failure to follow Indiana boating regulations
- Defective equipment or unsafe rental boats
- Collisions with other boats, docks, or submerged objects
If any of these contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
What to Do After a Boating Accident in Indiana
- Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries aren’t obvious.
- Report the accident as required by Indiana law.
- Document the scene with photos or video, if possible.
- Exchange information with operators, passengers, and witnesses.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers before talking to an attorney.
- Contact a boating accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The earlier our team can get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Compensation after a Boating Accident
Every case is unique, but boating accident victims often recover damages for:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disability
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (for families who have lost a loved one)
We fight to ensure compensation reflects the full impact on your life, not just what insurers want to pay.
Case Study: Injured Child While Tubing on a Private Indiana Lake
A 12-year-old girl and her brother were enjoying a day on a small private lake with their father and a family friend. While tubing behind the boat, the friend operating the boat slowed down and began a wide turn to circle back.
During the turn, the tube crossed the boat’s wake and was suddenly flung toward a nearby wooden dock. The girl struck the dock with her left forearm, suffering a severe laceration and an open fracture of her arm.
She required surgery to repair the fracture, and doctors treated the open wound to prevent infection and long-term complications.
Ladendorf, Fregiatio & Bigler pursued the case based on negligent operation of the boat, particularly given the close quarters of a small private lake where extra care was required. While the accident involved people the family knew and trusted, insurance coverage — not personal blame — was the appropriate avenue for recovery.
The case resolved with a $110,000 settlement, allowing the family to focus on their daughter’s recovery. After fees and costs, the client netted over $75,000 to help cover medical expenses and future needs.
“Matt, Cathy, and the rest of the team at Ladendorf Law are the best! Matt truly cared about my injury and wanted to do everything he could to payoff my medical bills and compensate me for my injury. He really goes to bat for your best interests and treats you like family. It was a great experience to work with such a professional and caring group of people!”
– Andrew B.
“Professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to their clients. Excellent communication and results. Highly recommend!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accident Lawsuits
Do I have a case if the other boat operator was drunk?
Yes. Boating under the influence is illegal in Indiana and is a major factor in many claims. If alcohol contributed to the crash, it can significantly strengthen your case.
What if I was on a rented boat or jet ski?
You may still have a claim. Rental companies can be responsible for unsafe equipment, lack of proper instructions, or negligence in allowing inexperienced or impaired operators to rent vessels.
How long do I have to file a boating accident claim in Indiana?
Most personal injury cases must be filed within two years, but evidence fades quickly. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Indiana follows a comparative fault system. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages.
What does it cost to hire Ladendorf?
You pay nothing unless we win. Our consultations are free, and there are no upfront fees.
Will I have to go to court?
Most boating accident claims settle, but if going to trial is what it takes to protect you and your family, we won’t hesitate. We’re trial lawyers first and foremost.
Does the Guest Statute apply to boating accidents in Indiana?
No, the Guest Statute does not apply in boating accidents in Indiana.
The Guest Statute is a law that says your nuclear family can’t make a claim against you for the negligent operation of your car if they receive injuries while riding with you. However, depending on insurance policy language, members of your household can be, and usually are, excluded from being able to make claims against you on your family policy.
Not sure what applies to you? Give us a call to discuss the particulars of your case.
What if I was injured on a friend’s or family member’s boat? Do I have to sue them?
In most boating accident cases, you are not personally suing your friend or family member. Instead, the claim is typically made against their boat insurance policy, just like an auto accident claim. The insurance exists for exactly this reason: to cover injuries when something goes wrong.
We understand how uncomfortable it can feel to even think about legal action involving someone you care about. That’s why we handle these cases with care, discretion, and respect for relationships. Our goal is not to create conflict — it’s to make sure you’re not stuck paying medical bills, missing work, or suffering long-term consequences because of an accident.
If you were injured on:
- A friend’s boat
- A family member’s boat
- A shared or jointly owned boat
…you may still have a valid claim, and the process is often far less personal than people fear.
When You’re Hurt in a Boating Accident, You Need Someone Who Truly Cares
Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler was built on a simple belief: people deserve honest, hardworking attorneys who show up, stay involved, and fight like family. If someone’s negligence on the water has injured you or someone you love, we’re here to help you get answers, accountability, and the compensation you need to move forward.
Speak With an Indianapolis Boating Accident Lawyer Today
Your consultation is free. Your questions will be answered. And your fight becomes our fight. Contact Ladendorf today to speak directly with an experienced attorney who will fight for you.