Boating is a common way to enjoy Louisiana’s lakes and waterways, especially around Shreveport’s Cross Lake and the Red River, as well as Caddo Lake, Black Bayou Lake, and Wallace Lake.
But unfortunately, with that popularity comes an increased risk of devastating accidents. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were over 4,000 recreational boating accidents in the U.S. in 2022, many resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a boat accident near Shreveport, Dudley DeBosier can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Boat Accident in Shreveport
The moments after a boat accident can be overwhelming and chaotic, and your immediate steps can significantly impact your health and legal case. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a boating accident around Shreveport:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some injuries don’t manifest immediately. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record of your injuries, which can be critical for your claim. Shreveport-area hospitals like Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Willis-Knighton Medical Center, and CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier are equipped to handle boating-related trauma and can provide immediate emergency care.
- Report the Accident to the Appropriate Authorities: Louisiana law requires you to report most boating accidents, especially those involving injury, death, or significant property damage. This includes reporting to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and local authorities such as the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office or Shreveport Police Department, depending on where the accident occurred.
- Exchange Information and Document the Accident Scene: Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with all involved parties. Take photos or videos of the damage, injuries, and the location. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Speak to a Shreveport Boat Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence, identify liable parties, and begin filing a claim. Don’t speak with insurance adjusters or sign anything without legal guidance. It could hurt your case.
Did Negligence Cause Your Shreveport Boat Accident?
Many boating accidents are preventable because they’re caused by careless or reckless behavior. In personal injury law, when someone fails to act responsibly and causes harm, that’s negligence and grounds for legal action.
Common examples of negligence in boating accidents include:
- Inexperienced Boat Operator: Operating a boat requires knowledge of rules, safety procedures, and how to respond to emergencies. When inexperienced drivers take the wheel, the results can be devastating.
- Impaired Boating Due to Alcohol or Drugs: Boating under the influence is just as illegal and just as dangerous as driving drunk. Impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and poor coordination increase the risk of collisions and injuries.
- Distracted Boat Operation: From checking GPS systems to chatting with passengers, distractions can lead to accidents. Boat operators are responsible for staying as focused and aware of their surroundings as motor vehicle operators.
- Speeding or Recklessness: Boating too fast for the conditions or engaging in risky maneuvers can lead to serious crashes, especially in crowded waterways or poor weather.
- Boat or Equipment Malfunction: Sometimes the issue isn’t the driver. It can be the equipment. Mechanical failure, engine problems, or defective safety gear could mean a manufacturer or maintenance provider is liable.
Cross Lake, one of the area’s most popular recreational boating destinations, sees heavy weekend traffic that increases collision risks. The Red River’s commercial vessel traffic also creates unique hazards for recreational boaters.
Injuries From Boat Accidents Can Be Expensive
Boat accident injuries often require more than just a trip to the emergency room. They can have long-term effects on your body, your ability to work, and your quality of life. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Broken Bones: Bones can break in boat accidents due to falls, collisions, or being thrown from the boat.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries often result from blunt force trauma to the head.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can cause partial or complete paralysis and require a lifetime of care.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding or organ damage may not be visible at first but can be life-threatening.
- Lacerations or Amputations Due to Propellers: These injuries can be catastrophic and life-altering, often requiring emergency surgery.
- Near-Drowning or Drowning: Even non-fatal drowning can lead to brain damage and long-term health complications.
The medical costs alone can be overwhelming, but there’s more to the devastation. You may also lose income during recovery or permanently depending on the severity of your injury, experience lasting pain, or need ongoing rehabilitation.
Let Our Shreveport Boat Accident Lawyers Fight for You
At Dudley DeBosier, we investigate accidents thoroughly and build strong, compelling cases to get our clients the full compensation they deserve.
Here’s how we can help you after a boating accident:
Investigate the accident and build a strong case using:
- Photos or videos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Police or incident reports
- Expert testimony from marine safety professionals or accident reconstruction experts
- Knowledge of local waterway conditions, including Cross Lake’s high-traffic areas, Red River navigation challenges, and specific hazards on area lakes
Account for all your damages, including:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your boat or personal items
Negotiate with insurers: Insurance companies are known to offer low settlements or try to shift the blame. We’ll handle the negotiations to make sure your best interests are protected.
Fight for you in court if necessary: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re ready to take your case to trial. We have the experience and resources to stand up to large insurance companies and defense teams in and out of court.
Common Shreveport-Area Boat Accident Locations
Some of the most common Shreveport boating injuries involve accidents on Cross Lake during busy summer weekends, Red River incidents involving both recreational and commercial vessels, steamboat accidents on Caddo Lake, and accidents at popular local spots like the many marinas and boat launches throughout the Caddo Parish area.
Boating accidents can happen in so many different locations in the Shreveport area. When they do, Dudley DeBosier is here to help.
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
Boating accidents aren’t like car accidents, and it’s important to choose a law firm that knows the differences. They often involve different laws, agencies, and safety regulations.
Our team understands the legal complexities associated with boating injury claims and has specific local experience with Shreveport-area waterways like Cross Lake and the Red River, along with local marinas, boat launches throughout Caddo Parish, and the unique boating conditions of our regional lakes.
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident in Shreveport, contact Dudley DeBosier today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
