Lafayette is known for water-centric recreational opportunities, whether on a swamp, a lake, or the Vermilion River. But with so many locals and visitors participating in water activities, the risk of injury increases. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, there are thousands of recreational boating accidents annually in the U.S., many involving serious injuries or fatalities.
If you were hurt in a boating accident in Lafayette caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. At Dudley DeBosier, our legal team understands the unique nature of boating accident cases and is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Boat Accidents Happen in Lafayette
Boating is especially popular across the Acadiana region, from tubing and fishing to airboat rides and kayaking. Unfortunately, no matter how calm the water source seems, boating comes with dangers. Here are some of the most common causes of boat accidents we see in the Lafayette area:
- Inexperienced Boat Operation: A lack of boater education, training, or experience can lead to poor decision-making, mishandling emergency situations, and failure to follow maritime laws.
- Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Boating under the influence is just as illegal and dangerous as drunk driving. Slowed reaction time and poor judgment can easily lead to serious collisions or capsizing.
- Speeding: Speeding may feel exciting, but it drastically reduces a boat operator’s ability to stay safe. High speeds increase stopping distances and limit reaction time, especially in crowded or narrow waterways.
- Being Distracted: From checking maps to talking with passengers, distractions are a leading cause of boat accidents. Operators must always remain focused and alert to spot swimmers, other vessels, submerged objects, or changing water conditions.
- Boat or Equipment Malfunction: Sometimes the operator isn’t to blame. A faulty engine, steering failure, or broken safety equipment can cause accidents as well. In those cases, a manufacturer, rental company, or maintenance provider may be legally responsible.
Common Injuries from Boating
Water can disguise the true danger associated with a boating accident, but injuries sustained on or near boats can be catastrophic. Whether you slipped and fell on a wet deck or were thrown into the water and struck by a propeller, the resulting damage may affect your health and finances for years to come.
Here are some of the most common boating-related injuries we help clients recover compensation for:
- Broken Bones and Fractures: These are often caused by impact with the boat or other vessels during a crash or fall.
- Lacerations: Sharp metal edges, broken glass, or even fishing equipment can cause deep cuts that require stitches or surgery.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can result from hitting your head during a crash or being thrown into the water.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: SCIs may lead to temporary or permanent paralysis and require lifelong care.
- Internal Injuries: These can be life-threatening and aren’t always visible immediately after the accident.
- Amputations Due to Propeller: Propeller injuries are often catastrophic and traumatic, sometimes leading to permanent disability.
- Near-Drowning or Drowning: Even if a victim survives, oxygen deprivation can cause lasting brain damage.
Financial Recovery After a Lafayette Boat Accident
After a serious boating injury, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Between emergency room visits, follow-up care, time off work, and long-term rehabilitation, costs add up fast. If someone else was responsible for your accident, you shouldn’t be the one paying.
Our team will fight to pursue full compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: From surgeries and hospital stays to medications, assistive devices, and any adaptive equipment needed during recovery
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Necessary for regaining mobility and independence after serious injuries
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income if you missed time at work while recovering from your injuries
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: Additional losses if you can no longer return to the same job or level of income as before your injury
- Pain and Suffering: Including physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish
- Property Damage: Covers damage to your boat, personal belongings, or any other property affected by the accident
How a Lafayette Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help
Boat accident cases are not handled like car accidents. They often involve maritime regulations and complex liability issues. These liability possibilities range from operators and rental companies to manufacturers and insurers. That’s why working with a lawyer who understands these complexities is so important.
Here’s how our Lafayette boat accident lawyers can help you:
- Investigate the Accident and Collect Evidence: Evidence may include photos or videos taken at the scene, witness statements, police and incident reports, and testimony from marine safety or accident reconstruction experts.
- Establish Fault and Build a Strong Case: We’ll examine whether the boat operator, manufacturer, or another third party acted negligently—and how that negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Account for All Your Damages: We calculate the true cost of your injuries, including all current and future needs, so you aren’t left paying for someone else’s mistake.
- Negotiate With Insurers: Insurance companies often try to offer quick, lowball settlements. We’ll handle negotiations to ensure your payout reflects your full losses.
- Fight for You in Court if Necessary: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our team has a track record of success in courtrooms across Louisiana.
Contact Dudley DeBosier After a Boat Accident in Lafayette
At Dudley DeBosier, we know Louisiana’s waterways, boating laws, and local courts. That means we’re uniquely equipped to handle your Lafayette boating accident claim from start to finish. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence on the water, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
