Boating is a popular activity in South Louisiana. In fact, many residents enjoy spending time on the water with family and friends. However, boating can quickly become dangerous when operators act negligently.
As a result, serious accidents and injuries can occur. At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our New Orleans boat accident attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases.
Injuries in Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can lead to severe or even fatal injuries. Unlike accidents on land, medical help may be far away. Therefore, injuries on the water can become more serious.
In many cases, several factors contribute to boating accidents, including unsafe conditions and operator error.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Fortunately, our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you evaluate your claim and pursue damages.
Boating Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics Report, boating accidents remain a serious concern nationwide.
2020 Executive Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard reported:
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5,265 total boating accidents
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767 fatalities
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3,191 injuries
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$62.5 million in property damage
As these numbers show, boating accidents can have devastating consequences.
Top Causes of Boating Accidents
Several common accident types occur on the water. For example, the most frequent include:
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Collision with another recreational vessel
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Flooding or swamping
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Collision with a fixed object
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Grounding
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Falling overboard
Because of this, safe operation and awareness are critical.
Leading Contributing Factors
In addition to accident types, certain behaviors increase the risk of boating accidents. These include:
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Operator inattention
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Operator inexperience
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Improper lookout
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Excessive speed
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Machinery failure
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Violations of navigation rules
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Alcohol use
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Hazardous weather
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Dangerous water conditions
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Wake or wave impact
Therefore, responsible boating practices are essential to prevent injuries.
Vessels Most Commonly Involved in Accidents
Certain types of boats are more frequently involved in accidents. These include:
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Open motorboats
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Personal watercraft (jet skis)
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Cabin motorboats
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Pontoon boats
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Canoes and kayaks
As a result, operators of all vessel types should take proper safety precautions.
Louisiana Boating Accident Laws and Your Right to Compensation
Boating accidents in Louisiana are not governed by a single set of rules. State negligence law typically applies to recreational boating accidents on lakes, bayous, and inland waterways, while federal maritime law can come into play for accidents on navigable waters or involving commercial vessels and crew members. Louisiana also follows a comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your share of fault reduces the final award.
Victims of a boating accident can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages when a loved one does not survive. Louisiana law currently allows two years from the date of the accident to file most personal injury claims, but maritime-specific claims, including those brought under the Jones Act for injured crew members, can carry different filing deadlines and legal standards entirely.
Because the applicable law depends heavily on where the accident happened and who was involved, an early legal review can prevent a valid claim from being filed under the wrong framework or missing a shorter deadline. Cueria Law Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to help determine which laws apply to your boating accident and what compensation you may be owed.
Speak With a New Orleans Boat Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a boating accident, you do not have to handle your case alone. Instead, you can rely on experienced legal guidance.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. From start to finish, we will stand by your side.
We can:
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Evaluate your case
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Gather evidence
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Handle insurance companies
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Fight for maximum compensation
Call today or request your free case review.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your case.
