A boating accident on Lake Koshkonong in Milton, Wisconsin left one person seriously injured on the evening of Thursday, June 19, 2025, following a collision between a pontoon boat and a jon boat. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office and emergency responders were dispatched to the Dallman Boat Landing at 11502 North Charley Bluff Road at approximately 5:47 p.m.
According to authorities, nine individuals were involved in the crash—six on the pontoon boat and three on the jon boat. One person aboard the pontoon boat sustained minor injuries, while one individual on the jon boat suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Early reports suggest the pontoon boat ran over the jon boat during the collision, although the full circumstances remain under investigation.
Boating Collision Risks and Contributing Factors
Boat crashes involving vessels of different sizes—such as pontoons and jon boats—can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the significant differences in weight, visibility, and stability. Investigators will likely examine several factors to determine the cause of the accident, including:
- Visibility and line of sight for both operators
- Speed and navigation practices at the time of the collision
- Whether alcohol or drugs were involved
- Boating license status and qualifications of both operators
- The presence and use of required safety equipment, including life jackets and lights
When a larger vessel, like a pontoon boat, strikes a smaller, lower-profile vessel such as a jon boat, the consequences can be devastating for occupants of the smaller boat.
Legal Rights After a Boating Accident
Victims injured in boating collisions may have legal recourse under maritime and personal injury law, especially if negligence played a role. Potential forms of negligence could include:
- Operator inattention or distraction
- Failure to maintain a proper lookout
- Speeding or reckless operation
- Violations of navigation rules
When injuries occur due to another party’s unsafe actions or poor judgment, injured victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospital costs
- Lost income due to time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or rehabilitation
- Property damage to the vessel
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we have experience representing individuals who have been injured in recreational boating accidents. Our maritime injury attorneys understand the complexities of maritime law and are prepared to help clients pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one was harmed in a boating accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance.
📞 Call us at 713-804-9306
We offer free consultations and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.