In the summer months of Oklahoma, our lakes and waterways are crowded with people taking advantage of the weekend. Where there’s water, there’s boats, and where there’s boats, there’s accidents. Oklahoma contains more waterways than any other state in the country, meaning more room for error that causes serious injuries and death.
Thousands of people are injured in boat accidents every year in our state due to alcohol use, poor judgment, and a lack of attention. Collisions with water obstacles, swimmers, and other boats are also common. These wrecks cause brain and spinal injury, drowning, and other avoidable tragedies.
Whether your injury happened in one of our major boating lakes like Lake Texoma, Grand Lake, or any other waterways, you need an Oklahoma city, OK boat accident lawyer to fight for your rights and take the burden of this injury off your shoulders. If you or a loved one were in a boat accident and need representation, Wandres Law, P.C. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
If you were injured in a boat accident anywhere in Oklahoma, take these steps immediately:
Boat accidents typically put a halt on work, causing lost wages and a pile-up of medical and other bills. Beyond that, the emotional toll it takes on you and your family can be devastating and hard to recover from. You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Our legal team understands boating accident claims and will fight for a fair settlement.
Wandres Law, P.C. boat accident lawyers will aid you with dependable advice and reliable support, whether you were injured in one of our man-made lakes or another waterway in the state. We take all cases on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get a cent unless your outcome is favorable. Call us now for a free, no strings attached consultation for your boat accident.
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident in Oklahoma, our Oklahoma City, OK boat accident lawyer knows that you’re likely dealing with physical pain, stress, and uncertainty about what to do next. After such an accident, it’s common for law enforcement to be involved, especially if there are injuries, property damage, or possible violations of boating laws. Knowing how to communicate with police officers in this situation can help protect your rights and support any potential claims. Call our office for a free consultation.
When speaking with the police after a boat accident, it’s important to keep the conversation focused on the basic facts of what happened. Provide details like the location, time, and conditions when the accident occurred, as well as the actions you took before the incident. Stick to what you remember without speculating about the cause or assigning blame. It’s fine if you don’t recall every detail immediately, as accidents can be disorienting. Police will use your account, along with other evidence they gather, to build an accurate report of the incident.
After an accident, it can be tempting to downplay injuries, but it’s best to be open about any pain or symptoms you’re experiencing. Our boat accident lawyer in Oklahoma City knows that even if injuries seem minor at first, they can develop into more serious conditions later. For this reason, describing what hurts or feels wrong is essential. Let the officers know if you plan to seek medical attention so that they understand the potential seriousness of your injuries. This information can be crucial if you choose to file a claim later, as it establishes a record of the physical effects of the accident.
Emotions can run high after an accident, especially if you or a loved one has been hurt. However, it’s important not to make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Saying things like “I’m sorry” or speculating about what you could have done differently may be seen as an admission of liability, even if you were not at fault. If the police ask questions about the cause of the accident, answer them honestly but avoid speculating or providing opinions. Focus instead on the actions you were taking at the time and let the officers draw their own conclusions based on the facts.
After the police complete their report, make sure to request a copy for your records. In Oklahoma, police reports from boating accidents are typically available a few days after the incident. This report can be useful for your insurance claims and any legal proceedings. It contains key information about the incident, including witness statements, descriptions of injuries, and the officer’s initial observations. Having this document helps you stay informed about what was documented by law enforcement, which can be essential in case of any disputes.
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. At Wandres Law, PC, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious accident. Our team can help you understand your options and guide you in protecting your rights. Speaking with an attorney can give you the peace of mind to focus on healing, knowing that your case is in good hands. If you’re uncertain about your next steps after a boating accident in Oklahoma, feel free to reach out to our OK boating accident lawyer for support and guidance.
Our Oklahoma City, OK boat accident lawyer understands that boat accidents can be overwhelming and chaotic, but what you say immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. Certain statements or admissions can be used against you by insurance companies or other parties. Our team has helped many people win compensation for their claims, including one personal injury case where we helped our client win $225,000 for their injuries. To protect yourself, here are key things you should avoid saying after a boat accident.
Recreational boating accidents remain a significant public safety concern in the United States. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, thousands of boating accidents occur annually, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries, and substantial property damage. These incidents underscore the importance of boating safety and awareness.
The leading contributing factors in boating accidents include operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and machinery failure. Notably, alcohol use is the primary known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for a significant percentage of deaths. This highlights the critical need for sober operation of vessels.
Drowning is the reported cause of death in the majority of boating fatalities. Where the cause of death was known, a substantial percentage of victims were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. This statistic emphasizes the life-saving potential of personal flotation devices and the importance of their use.
Open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats are the types of vessels most commonly involved in reported accidents. These vessel types are popular among recreational boaters, which may contribute to their higher incidence in accident statistics.
After a boat accident, what you say—or don’t say—can make a significant difference in your case. At Wandres Law, PC, we help clients protect their rights and pursue fair compensation. If you’ve been in a boat accident, call us today for a free consultation. Let our trusted lawyer provide the guidance you need to move forward and secure the resolution you deserve. When you have been injured, trust your case to a lawyer you know you can count on. Our firm focuses on service and results. Call our Oklahoma City boat accident lawyer for help today.
Our Oklahoma City, OK boat accident lawyer knows that social media is part of daily life for many of us, but after a boating accident, it’s important to think carefully about what you post. What seems harmless could hurt your case if you’re pursuing compensation for injuries or damages. You may be suffering from broken bones, a brain injury, or a spinal cord injury, and want to ensure you do not post anything related to your case. Attorney Brandy handles all types of personal injury cases, including bicycle, pedestrian, and boating accidents. Trust that our firm can help you.
Posting about the boating accident, even casually, can give the other party’s insurance company or legal team material to use against you. Details about the accident or your injuries may be misinterpreted or taken out of context to undermine your claim. To protect your case, it’s best to avoid discussing the incident publicly.
Our Oklahoma City boat accident lawyer knows that photos shared on social media can sometimes be used to challenge the severity of your injuries. For example, pictures of you smiling or engaging in activities might be used to suggest you aren’t as injured as you claim. Even if these photos were taken before the accident or don’t represent your condition, they can still create unnecessary complications in your case.
Commenting on or responding to others’ posts about the accident can also create problems. Comments might be misinterpreted, and private messages can be requested during the discovery process if your case goes to court. To avoid unintended consequences, we recommend keeping all discussions about the accident offline and private.
While adjusting your privacy settings can limit who sees your posts, it’s not a guaranteed safeguard. Courts and insurance companies may still access your social media activity if it’s relevant to your case. A better approach is to limit your social media use entirely while your claim is ongoing.
Even posts unrelated to the accident can raise questions about your condition or claim. For instance, sharing about attending events or vacations might lead others to question whether your injuries are as serious as stated. It’s better to stay off social media altogether or carefully consider how each post could be interpreted.
Social media activity can unintentionally complicate your boating accident claim. By being cautious and limiting what you share online, you can focus on your recovery and strengthen your case. When you are looking for the best lawyer for your case, don’t hesitate to call our firm. At Wandres Law, PC, we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve and guide you through the process. Attorney Brandy has been nominated a “Rising Star” and knows what it takes to help her clients. Contact our Oklahoma City boat accident lawyer today to learn how we can support you in this challenging time.
If you’ve been involved in a boat accident on an Oklahoma lake or waterway, working with our Oklahoma City, OK boat accident lawyer can help you pursue recovery with confidence and clarity. Our attorneys have experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, giving us a unique perspective that can help us pursue the best possible outcome for you in your case. Below, we explain a few important terms that may come up during the process of our boat accident case. To speak with our attorney, contact Wandres Law, PC today.
Handling a case on a contingency basis means we don’t charge upfront legal fees. Instead, our fee comes from a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you. If we don’t recover compensation, you don’t owe us anything for attorney fees. This approach allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work without adding financial stress at the start.
A formal accident report is required in many boat accident cases, especially when there are injuries or significant property loss. In Oklahoma, the reporting process often involves the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Marine Enforcement Division or another law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the waterway. These reports document key details, including time and location, names of the individuals involved, weather or water conditions, and witness statements. We use these reports to help build your case and support your claim with accurate documentation. If you have not already obtained an accident report, our Oklahoma City boat accident attorney can help you request it.
Soon after a boat accident, an insurance adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. This is a verbal account of what happened, which they may use during their investigation. We strongly recommend speaking with our Oklahoma boat accident lawyer before agreeing to give one. These statements can sometimes be used to dispute your version of events or reduce the value of your claim. When you work with us, we help manage all communication with insurance companies so you’re not put in a position that could affect your case.
An admission of fault is when someone involved in a boat accident says or implies they were responsible for what happened. Even casual statements made at the scene—like apologizing or taking the blame—can be interpreted as an admission. Insurance adjusters and investigators may use these statements to assign responsibility. We advise our clients to avoid discussing fault at the scene and to speak with us first so we can protect your position throughout the process.
A personal injury claim is the formal process we start when seeking financial recovery for injuries from a boat accident. This claim may include compensation for medical bills, time missed from work, long-term care needs, and other direct impacts from the incident. We collect medical records, accident reports, witness accounts, and expert input where needed to support your claim. Each case is different, and we take the time to understand your specific situation to pursue the best outcome possible.
At Wandres Law, PC, we’re here to help if you need to speak with an attorney after a boat accident. Reach out to our team to talk with an Oklahoma City boat accident attorney about your next steps. We have live call answering standing by to listen to your case 24/7.
"I was recommended by my stepmother who used them for an accident and I have a terrible accident, got stuck between 3 bad drivers. Very messy situation and Loren handled it very well and was respectful the whole time despite us being a younger couple. I highly recommending them and will use them again if needed."
Mary Elzo
Local Phone Number (918) 641-4044
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1202 East 33rd Street
Tulsa, OK 74105
3030 NW Expressway
Suite 200 # 392
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
