Outdoor recreation is a way of life in Maine, but boating, ATV, snowmobile, and other activity-related accidents can have devastating consequences. When a fun day turns tragic, you need experienced legal support to help you recover—physically, emotionally, and financially.
At Garmey Law, we represent people who’ve been seriously injured in a recreational accident caused by the negligence of others. Our attorneys understand the unique complexities of these cases and are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Recreational Accidents We Handle
Boating Accidents
Maine’s lakes, rivers, and coastline see heavy boating activity, particularly in the warmer months. Unfortunately, operator inexperience, alcohol use, excessive speed, and poor maintenance can lead to dangerous—and sometimes fatal—boating accidents. We represent clients who have been injured on personal watercraft, powerboats, sailboats, and other vessels.
ATV and UTV Accidents
ATVs and side-by-sides are popular in rural and wooded areas, but when misused or poorly maintained, they can cause serious harm. We help clients injured due to reckless operation, unsafe trails, or mechanical failures.
Snowmobile Accidents
Snowmobiling is a Maine tradition, but every winter, we see crashes caused by excessive speed, intoxication, poor visibility, or unmarked hazards. If your snowmobile accident was caused by another person’s negligence or a defect in the machine itself, you may have a case.
Other Recreational Injuries
Our firm also handles injuries involving:
- Jet skis and personal watercraft
- Paddleboards and kayaks
- Trail biking and mountain biking
- Campground and trail-related injuries
- Guided or rented outdoor experiences
If you were hurt during a recreational activity due to someone else’s carelessness or a product failure, we want to hear your story.
Who May Be Liable?
Recreational accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Depending on the specifics of your case, we may pursue compensation from:
- The operator of the boat, ATV, or snowmobile
- Equipment rental companies
- Event organizers or tour guides
- Property owners (including private landowners and trail managers)
- Manufacturers of defective recreational equipment
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation. At Garmey Law, we work with accident reconstruction experts and engineers when necessary to build the strongest case possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence—whether it was the operator, another vehicle, or faulty equipment—you may be able to pursue compensation.
Waivers do not always hold up in court, especially if gross negligence or defective equipment is involved. Let us review the document and evaluate your legal options.
Landowners can be held responsible for injuries that occur due to known hazards or failure to maintain safe conditions—even on private trails or backwoods property.
In most recreational accident cases, Maine law allows you six years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
Yes. If alcohol or drug use played a role in the crash, you may have a strong case. We also investigate whether a third party (like a bar or host) may share responsibility.
That depends on the severity of your injuries and other factors like lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering. After a free consultation, we can give you a clearer estimate based on your specific situation.
Contact a Maine Recreational Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a recreational accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Let our experienced team at Garmey Law guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.