Skilled & Compassionate Legal Counsel in Louisiana
Boating is a popular recreational activity in Louisiana, especially in the summer. With an abundance of lakes, rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico, there are many opportunities for boating enthusiasts to get out on the water and enjoy themselves.
However, boating can also be dangerous. Like any other motor vehicle, boats can be involved in accidents, and people can be severely injured. Unfortunately, many boat accidents are the result of negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident in Baton Rouge, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The experienced Baton Rouge injury legal team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys can help. Our Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer is committed to protecting the rights of the injured and will aggressively advocate for you throughout the legal process.
To learn how we can assist you, call us today at (225) 999-1111 or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations.
Types of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can involve many different types of boats, such as motorboats, sailboats, and jet skis. They can also occur in many different types of bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean.
Some of the most common types of boating accidents include:
- Collisions with other boats or objects
- Collisions with swimmers or divers
- Collisions with the shore or a dock
- Boat fires
- Boat explosions
- Slip and falls on a boat
- Boat propeller accidents
- Drowning
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Jet ski accidents
Boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from broken bones and head trauma to neck, back, and internal injuries. In the most tragic cases, these accidents can even lead to the loss of a loved one. If you or your family are facing the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a boating accident, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Our wrongful death lawyers in Baton Rouge will review your case with compassion, guide you through every step of the legal process, and fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
Boating accidents can occur for many reasons, but they are often the result of negligence. When someone is negligent, they can be held liable for any injuries that result.
Some of the most common causes of boat accidents include:
- Speeding
- Inexperienced operators
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless or careless operation
- Failure to properly maintain a boat
- Equipment failure
- Defective boat design or manufacturing
- Collisions with other boats or objects
- Collisions with swimmers or divers
- Collisions with the shore or a dock
Boating accidents can also occur when a boat capsizes, sinks, or catches fire. In some cases, the boat’s owner or another party may be liable for these types of accidents due to improper maintenance or failure to warn of hazards.
Who is Liable for a Boating Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, determining who is responsible for your injuries is crucial. Liability depends on the cause of the accident, and multiple parties could be at fault:
- Boat Operator Negligence: If the accident was caused by the boat operator’s careless actions—such as speeding, intoxication, or failing to follow safety rules—the operator may be held liable. If the operator was working for a company, the company could also share responsibility.
- Defective Boats or Equipment:Â If the accident resulted from a faulty boat design, manufacturing defect, or malfunctioning equipment, the manufacturer, designer, or distributor of the boat or part could be liable.
- Boat Rental Companies: If you were injured while operating or riding in a rented boat, the rental company may be liable—especially if they failed to maintain the boat or provide proper safety instructions.
- Dangerous Conditions: If the accident was caused by unsafe conditions on the boat, such as poor maintenance or hazardous equipment, the boat’s owner or the company managing the boat could be held responsible.
- Other Boaters: If another boater’s reckless or careless actions caused the accident, they may be liable for your injuries.
Boating accidents can involve complex liability issues, and multiple parties may share fault. An experienced Baton Rouge boating accident attorney can help investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How a Baton Rouge Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help
The process of filing a boat accident lawsuit can be complex, and you may be going up against a large corporation or insurance company. For these reasons, you must have a skilled and experienced attorney on your side. Our firm will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
A Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the accident to determine its cause and identify all potentially liable parties
- Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring that all filing deadlines are met
- Communicating with the insurance company and negotiating a settlement
- Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Call us today at (225) 999-1111 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable attorney.