Recreational Transportation

Our nation is one of people who work hard, and play enthusiastically, many finding enjoyment in traveling the country in a recreational vehicle or on a motorcycle, exploring hard to reach areas on an all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile, or soaking up the sun on a boat or personal watercraft.

Like other modes of transportation, recreational transportation is subject to federal and state standards and regulations. Our attorneys are well versed in those standards and regulations and are up-to-date on the trends in the industry, having substantial experience defending the various modes of transportation that make up the industry, including:

• All-Terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Boats
• Motorcycles
• Personal water craft (PWCs)
• Recreational vehicles (RVs)
• Snowmobiles

Our attorneys have defended a diverse range of component parts and accessories related to the industry, including helmets, motors, tires, water ski bindings and more. We have extensive experience defending manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, dealers, wholesalers, and others in the industry in a variety of matters, such as commercial litigation, warranty, personal Injury and wrongful death, product liability, property damage, and more.

We currently serve as national counsel for one of the largest retailers of boating, fishing, camping and related outdoor recreational merchandise in the United States and defend litigation in the Midwest for the nation’s largest network of RV retail locations, one of the largest manufacturers of RVs and pontoon boats, and top manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles.

Our attorneys are well-versed in investigating and defending personal injury, wrongful death and property damage incidents that occur from rollovers, fires, explosions, boat ejection and prop strike accidents, and other alleged failures of recreational vehicles and accessories.  We often direct and participate in investigations as soon as possible after an incident has occurred, working closely with our experts to ensure proper documentation of the scene, preservation of evidence, and evaluation of all possible causes of an incident. 

We have a history of successfully defending the industry at trial, in motion practice, and alternative dispute forums.  In addition, our attorneys regularly conduct company safety audits to help clients limit potential exposure and maximize safety for their customers and give frequent presentations on consumer safety and industry practice issues.

Some of our attorneys are actively involved in recreational transportation industry trade organizations, including the American Boat & Yacht Council, a nonprofit organization that develops standards for the design, construction, equipage, repair and maintenance of recreational boats in the United States.