Rob,

I am a personal injury lawyer in Florida. What city and state are you in? I may be able to refer you to a competant attorney to help you with your claim.

I doubt you'll have much luck going after the rental company. I used to work for a rental company, and the renter signed contracts stating they had full liability once they left the dock until they returned unless the incident was due to a mechanical malfunction of the boat. It also stated very clearly that the renter was not to operate the boat after sunset. I imagine they have covered all these bases as well. Good luck, i've seen lots of renter related accidents and they are never easy to deal with. My only advice is to get a better lawyer, you need a pit bull for this.

janesville wisconson thanks for youre help

Shore Thing,

I am sure you know what you are saying about the insurance not covering after leaving the dock, however as a business what is the point of having insurance????

as what rental co can actully send anything out without any liability ? hell whats next , dening liability cause youre not suppose to get in a accident ? i feel its there boat there liability ! they reserve right to persue the individuals that they choose to rent to , and most of all make damm sure all the equipment is in functioning order / if theese insurance co keep getting away withdenying theese cliams , whats the point of having it .

The owner of the boat (rental company) removed the navigation lights. In your opinion do you see a case of negligence?

Are you kidding? The guy is run over at night by a boater that has illegally removed lights and is stalling him. All boaters should want the knucklehead removed from the water for ever. I am not into law suits for no reason but this is not frivilous.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I am not sure where your city is located but if you are close to Milwaukee then one of my collegues web address is:

http://www.habush.com

best of luck.

WOW, i'm really sorry to hear about your accident.. i'm GLAD your family and yourself made it to shore alive..

where i launch, there is a rental place renting out those duffy 18ft's.. this is my worst nightmare..

i hope it all works out for you really soon.

mike

Probably the biggest name in Milwaukee.

Rob, was this your 29 Fountain? Is it totalled?
What lake were you on?

sorry to hear, don't give up.