Michigan ATV, ORV & Boat Accident Lawyers

Trails or waterways — when safety fails, we’re ready.

Crashes on Michigan’s trails, dunes, lakes, and rivers often leave riders and passengers with severe injuries — and complicated insurance questions. While you focus on healing, Liss, Shapero & Mitnick (LSM) moves fast to preserve evidence, identify every liable party, and pursue full compensation.

Free consultation • No fee unless we win
Call 248‑584‑1300 or 1‑855‑LISS‑LAW (855‑547‑7529)
2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 — Serving Metro Detroit and all of Michigan

Why choose LSM?

• Multi‑terrain, multi‑policy experience — we untangle coverage across homeowner, recreational, auto/UM‑UIM, rental, and commercial policies.
• Rapid preservation — spoliation letters for tow records, GPS/telematics (where available), rental waivers, marina logs, and DNR/USCG/MSP reports.
• Technical investigation — accident reconstruction tailored to boats and off‑road vehicles: speed, path, visibility, wake/swell, terrain/surface, and component failure (steering, throttle, tires/wheels).
• Trial‑ready from day one — leverage that improves settlement value.

Cases we handle

• Boating & PWC/Jet Ski collisions (operator inattention, excessive speed, alcohol/BUI, improper lookout, wake/swell impacts)
• ATV/UTV/ORV crashes (rollovers, trail collisions, dune incidents, unsafe crossing of roads)
• Rental & guided tour incidents (poor instruction, defective equipment, negligent supervision)
• Product defects (steering/throttle failure, wheel/tire separations, brake defects, fuel and fire hazards)
• Dock/marina hazards and launch ramp injuries
• Wrongful death on water or trails

Michigan basics — plain English

• Insurance & coverage: Different rules may apply on water vs. land. We look for all available sources: liable operators/owners, rental outfits, homeowners policies, and UM/UIM if another vehicle/boat is involved and inadequately insured.
• Reporting: Serious watercraft crashes typically require DNR/USCG reporting; many trail incidents involve MSP/County Sheriff reports. Don’t worry — we help obtain and review them.
• Comparative fault: If an insurer claims you shared blame (speed, line choice, PFD/helmet), your recovery can be reduced, not erased. We counter with visibility, training, and human‑factors proof.
• Deadlines: Notice rules for government entities and certain claim types can be short. Call us promptly.

Evidence that wins

1. Official reports: DNR/USCG/MSP and local sheriff reports, witness statements, 911 audio.
2. Video/data: marina/dock cameras, GoPros, phone video, GPS tracks or app data, boat or vehicle telematics when available.
3. Scene & equipment: hull/prop marks, impact transfers, helmet/PFD condition, tire/wheel assemblies, steering/brake components, and rental paperwork.
4. Conditions: weather/wind, wave height, current, trail maps, signage, and lighting.
5. Medical & economic: treatment records, life‑care plans, vocational/economic analyses.

What to do after an ATV/ORV or boating crash

1. Get medical care immediately; report the incident to the proper authority (DNR/USCG/MSP or local sheriff).
2. Document: photos/video of the scene, vessels/vehicles, safety gear, and injuries; note GPS location and conditions (weather, lighting, waves/terrain).
3. Exchange info: names, contact, registration/HIN, insurance; identify rental outfit or tour operator if applicable.
4. Preserve equipment: don’t repair or discard damaged items (helmets, PFDs, parts).
5. Call LSM — we’ll secure reports, contact witnesses, and start preservation letters right away.

Injuries we commonly see

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion
• Spinal injuries and paralysis
• Complex fractures, shoulder/knee ligament tears
• Near‑drowning/aspiration injuries and hypothermia
• Severe lacerations/scarring, propeller and degloving injuries
• Psychological trauma (anxiety, depression, PTSD)

Compensation we pursue

• Medical expenses and future care
• Wage loss and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering / loss of quality of life
• Property damage (craft/vehicle and gear)
• Wrongful death damages for families in fatal cases

How LSM builds your case

• Liability mapping: operators, owners, rental companies, event organizers, and product manufacturers.
• Expert network: naval architecture and accident reconstruction, biomechanics, human factors, life‑care planning, vocational/economic experts.
• Clear story: We show decision‑makers the “before and after” of your life and the full impact of the harm.

FAQs: Michigan ATV, ORV & Boat Accidents

Is boating under the influence (BUI) treated like DUI?
Penalties and standards differ, but impairment on the water is illegal and powerful evidence of negligence. We pursue all civil remedies available.

I was a passenger on a rented Jet Ski — can I claim against the rental company?
Often, yes. We evaluate training, supervision, maintenance, and whether waivers are enforceable under the facts and law.

Do helmets or life jackets affect my case?
They may be argued in damages, but they do not automatically bar a claim. We focus on the at‑fault party’s conduct and the real‑world conditions.

Can I bring a claim if a trail or dock was poorly maintained?
Potentially, yes. Government and contractor claims have special notice and immunity rules. Call us immediately so we can evaluate and preserve your claim.

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Liss, Shapero & Mitnick — Integrity, clarity, client‑first.