Injured in a Boating Accident? Contact Dudley DeBosier.
Many Louisianans enjoy boating on the state’s coast, inland channels, and other bodies of water. But when negligence happens out on the water, devastating injuries can occur. If you were injured in a boat accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and the boat accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier are here to help.
In addition to boat accident injury claims, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers also handle maritime claims for workers who were injured on the job. Whether you were hurt on a recreational or industrial watercraft, contact us today to find out how we may be able to help you. We’re here for you 24/7—just dial (866) 897-8495 or fill out our free consultation form now.
How We Help Boat Accident Victims
When injured in a boating accident, the first thing you’ll want to do is seek legal representation. In Louisiana, the typical statute of limitations on personal injury claims is one year, but we encourage you to contact us right away. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin collecting evidence and building a claim.
When you hire us to handle your boat accident claim, we’ll begin building a claim for you by taking the following steps:
- Compiling written statements from the involved parties and witnesses
- Determining who is at fault for the injuries sustained
- Dealing with insurance negotiations on your behalf
- Photographing and recreating the scene to gather key insights
- Helping to pay immediate medical bills and compiling medical records
The attorneys at Dudley DeBosier have the experience to assist you through your entire claim and get you the compensation you are owed for personal injuries and other claims. We help people who have been injured in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Houma, Denham Springs, and New Orleans. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
Types of Boating Accident Claims
Negligence
A boat operator may be deemed to have operated negligently under numerous circumstances that result in injury, including:
- Hitting waves or wakes at excessive speed or unnatural angles
- Deciding to operate in dangerous weather
- Operating at an excessive speed
- Failing to have adequate safety equipment on board
- Operating a vessel with too many occupants
- Making contact with other boats and vessels
- Overcrowding and/or overloading the vessel
Boating Under the Influence
Under Louisiana state law, a DUI may be given to a boat operator who:
- Is under 21 years old with a blood alcohol concentration of .02 or above
- Is 21 or older with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above
- Is found to be under the influence of any other illicit substance
Any individual registering a blood or breath alcohol level over the legal limit may be subject to fines and jail time.
In Louisiana, boat owners found to have knowingly allowed someone else under the influence to operate their vessel are also responsible for any resulting injuries and damage.
Reckless and Careless Operation
As set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the behavior of a boat operator falls under the category of “reckless operation” if they violate the state’s official Rules of the Road.
This code lays out passing and right-of-way standards, as well as the state laws about boating in certain types of weather, excessive speeds, wake zones, and around dive flags. Failure to follow these regulations may result in a citation for careless operation.
Jones Act and Longshore Claims
Our boat accident lawyers also handle maritime claims for workers who were injured on the job.
Jet Ski Accident Claims
Jet ski injuries can be far more severe than larger boating accidents because of how the rider is exposed. Serious injuries that occur when operating a jet ski are sometimes the fault of the operator but can also be due to faulty rental equipment. If this applies to you, the boat accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier can help discern which party is at fault for injuries sustained through a personal watercraft accident, and whether or not a claim can be brought against the manufacturer and/or the renter of the vehicle.
How Can I Be Compensated for a Boating Injury?
Victims of boating accidents may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. Dudley DeBosier can help you get your due compensation for the following reasons:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Don’t delay after a recreational boat or industrial maritime accident. Call today—we have the knowledge and experience to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Demand Dudley DeBosier
If you suffered injuries in a boat accident because of another person’s negligence, the Louisiana boat accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier are here for you. We know that no two injuries are the same, and we don’t treat them that way. We take the time to understand your unique situation so that we can better serve you and your family. It’s our goal to help you get maximum compensation for what you’ve been through, and we’ll stop at nothing to help you get it. Call us 24/7 at (866) 897-8495 for a free case review. With our No Fee Guarantee®, you pay us nothing—no fees, costs, or expenses—unless we get you money, so don’t wait. Get a free consultation today.
