If you were injured in a recreational boating accident, get in touch with an experienced Shreveport boat accident attorney. They can help you seek financial compensation for all the harm caused.
Although it may appear that boat accidents in Shreveport aren’t as common, they do happen more often than one might expect. It is important to know about the risks associated with boating and what to do if you are involved in a watercraft accident. An experienced boating accident lawyer can be of great help if you have been injured.
Leisurely boating trips can be put in danger due to accidents involving one vessel or with other watercraft such as yachts, jet skis, kayaks and pontoons. These incidents generally take place because of negligent behavior of the people involved.
If your boating incident was the result of someone else’s negligence, then you are entitled to seek financial recompense for losses incurred. You can get personal injury compensation for any damages or losses you may have faced due to the accident. At Wright & Gray Law Group, we prioritize getting the maximum possible compensation for our clients who have suffered from a traumatic event. This enables them to put their time and energy into healing rather than striving to cover medical costs or other expenses.
With its picturesque Gulf Coast, Louisiana is a great spot for boat trips and water sport activities, but these experiences can also bring about unfortunate accidents. Unfortunately boaters in Shreveport may sometimes experience such traumatic incidents – though if they’re lucky the damage could be minimal or severe. Sadly, there are instances when boaters don’t make it out alive due to an accident.
If you experience an accident while boating in Shreveport, then you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. To make sure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries, it is essential to hire qualified personal injury lawyers from Shreveport. They can identify who is liable and help you collect compensatory damages.
What Is Classified as a Boating Accident?
Boating can be fun and exciting, but it can also lead to accidents if not taken seriously. These mishaps often result from carelessness such as inexperience in boating, reckless driving, mechanical failure, and unfavorable weather conditions. They may also arise from collisions between boats or other objects. By following safety measures, we can minimize the risks of a boating tragedy.
- Commercial vessels
- Fishing boats
- Recreational vessels like yachts are gaining popularity as a form of leisure activity.
Boating can be dangerous. There are different types of boating accidents, such as:
- Flood- and swamp-related incidents are becoming more common and can have devastating effects.
- Accidents caused by boats striking immovable objects are becoming more commonplace. These collisions can have serious and even fatal consequences for both the vessel’s occupants and any objects in the vicinity.
- Grounding accidents
- Skiing accidents
- Yacht accidents
- Fishing accidents
- Marina and dock accidents
- Party boat accidents
Boating accidents can have tragic and lasting consequences, with death even being a possibility in some cases. Such fatalities are considered wrongful due to the negligence of the responsible party, leading to preventable brain damage from extended submersion in water.
Boating Accident Statistics
Despite being less popular than other transportation options, statistics reveal that boating accidents are far from rare. Just in 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard recorded 3,329 boating accidents – a figure that highlights the importance of taking necessary safety measures when travelling by boat. Tragically, 407 people lost their lives due to boating accidents, and 1,764 other were injured in these unfortunate incidents.
Call a Shreveport boating accident lawyer today.
What Are the Causes of Boating Accidents?
Boating mishaps are usually caused by a number of factors. To help prevent them, it is important to be aware of what these factors are. Here, we will list some of the important ones you should keep in mind.
- Operator Error: A boat operator’s negligence or inattention are significant factors that can lead to boat accidents. For instance, a boater may become distracted and act recklessly, resulting in unfortunate events. Therefore, it is important for an operator to remain alert and careful while navigating the waters. Boating accidents due to operator inexperience can happen very easily. Even an experienced boater might get into trouble if he/she faces unfamiliar weather or sea conditions. Such cases are quite common and all boat operators should be aware of this risk.
- Over-Speeding:Even boats can get into accidents if they move too quickly. It is important to respect speed limits on waterways as it gives the boat operator enough time to spot avoid any potential hazards. Needless to say, these accidents can be avoided with proper speed control.
- Faulty Machinery: Boat owners need to regularly care for their vessels in order to make sure that its parts are functioning properly. Failing to do so can lead to problems when out on the open sea. However, it is also possible that the part was defective right from the manufacturer’s side.
- Bad Weather: Poor weather and rough seas can lead to serious incidents involving boats. Unfortunately, a lack of experience can sometimes cause people to take risks, like attempting journeys without first checking the weather conditions. Consequently, if the waters become too hazardous or the weather turns bad, it may be too late to return safely.
Shreveport Boating Laws and Requirements
The statistics of boating accidents in Louisiana are alarming, which is why it’s important to become aware of the state’s boating laws. All boaters in Shreveport must acquaint themselves with the regulations set forth by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Eligible Boat Operators
To become a boat operator in Shreveport, you have to be at least 16 years old. Plus, if you want to operate a motorboat with over 10 hp or a personal watercraft, then you’ll need to complete an accepted boater education course first. Those born after January 1, 1984 are required to have a boater education certificate in order to accompany you on your boat. For persons aged 18 or over, having an approved boater education course can make them eligible for the same.
Rules of the Road
Louisiana’s regulations for vessel operation are clear-cut and come with a hefty penalty if not adhered to. Not following these regulations can lead to a maximum fine of $300 or 30 days in prison. For instance, vessels approaching each other head-on must always keep to the right. Along with that, all boats should respect one another’s right of passage. Meanwhile, motorboats ought to stay on their direct course when overtaking a sailboat.
Along with that, there are a few other necessary regulations to be followed:
- Boat drivers need to be aware of the maximum capacity of their boats and not overcrowd them with too many passengers or goods.
- All ships must not overload their motor or propulsion machinery beyond the recommended power limits for safety reasons.
- For safety reasons, no one should be permitted to sit or ride on the side gunwales of the boat’s starboard or port side.
- It is important to observe and respect the no-entry zones designated for swimming bathing – any boats should stay out of these areas.
- Disposing of oil or any oily residue in rivers is strictly prohibited and against the law.
Who Is Liable in a Boating Accident?
Boating accidents can be a difficult situation to navigate, especially when it comes to assigning responsibility and liability. But in states such as Shreveport that operate on a fault-accident system, it is essential to identify who is accountable for the crash. At our firm, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate every party involved and identify who may be liable.
Boat Operators
As the ones in charge of boats, vessel operators carry the responsibility of passengers’ lives in their hands. Should anything go wrong, it’s likely due to some mistake on their part, which can manifest itself in accidents caused by:
- Failing to equip passengers with life jackets can be a potential hazard and could result in serious consequences. It is essential that everyone onboard is provided with the right safety equipment for a secure journey.
- Refraining from paying attention to a passenger who is not following the safety regulations should be the course of action.
- Operating a boat while impaired by either alcohol or drugs should be avoided at all costs. This kind of behavior puts the safety of everyone on board in jeopardy and can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Disregarding boating laws
Passengers
Yes, a boat passenger can be held accountable if they were negligent. An example might be if someone had to push another person in a potentially hazardous situation and were incredibly careless. If a passenger who cannot swim gets pushed into the water, the person responsible for doing so may be held accountable for any consequences. Consequently, it is essential to take the necessary precautions when handling such cases.
Boat owners of manufacturers, as well as rental companies, could be held accountable if they are found to have played a role in the accident. Victims of boat accidents might sue the vessel owner for entrusting their boats to an unqualified operator. Similarly, the boat manufacturer might be liable where the accident was caused by a defect in production. And lastly, if the rental company failed to maintain the boat properly they could be deemed at fault too.
Recoverable Damages in Shreveport Boating Accidents
In the event of a boat accident, fault parties or insurance companies will be held liable for any damages. You can then reclaim these expenses from those responsible. The recoverable damages may include costs for property damage and medical expenses.
- Medical Bills: Medical costs are the most essential form of damages resulting from a boat accident. This is because, in all likelihood, every boat accident victim will need some form of medical attention.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to an injury caused by someone else, you can get back your lost wages from them. It doesn’t matter if the injury is due to physical or internal causes – you are entitled to recover your wages.
- Property Damages:Water damage is one of the greatest risks when bringing valuable items aboard a ship. Should something unfortunate happen, the responsible party will make sure you are compensated for your loss.
Non-Economic Damages
Many harms resulting from boating mishaps are not visible, yet they are often taken into account by law & awarded monetary compensation. Some of these losses include:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In certain situations, the family of a deceased individual can be compensated for funeral costs. It is important to note that any legal action related to a boating accident or wrongful death must be filed within a period of one year from the incident.
Were You Injured in a Boating Accident?
If you sustained an injury while boating caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be legally entitled to financial compensation.
Wright Gray’s Boating Accident Lawyers in Shreveport Can Help You
If you’ve experienced a boat crash in Shreveport, it may be possible to receive financial damages the responsible party. To achieve that though, you’ll have to find an excellent boating accident lawyer to get the best results. Boating accident attorneys are the best suited to ascertain who is responsible for the mishap. From there, an individual can make a claim for compensatory damages caused by the accident.
At Wright & Gray, we have a deep knowledge understanding of boating accident claims. Contact us today to benefit from our expertise and experience in getting you the financial compensation you deserve resulting from your boat-related losses.
