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Boat Accident

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A Louisiana Boat Accident Attorney

Have you been involved in a boat accident? If so, an experienced boat accident attorney can help you through the process of seeking compensation.

We’ve walked our share of clients through the aftermath of boating crashes, so we understand how overwhelming the situation can be. You can always contact us to discuss your case, but in the meantime it might help to go over some boat crash basics.

I Got In a Boat Crash, What Now?

We’ve already written about what to do after a car accident, but what about a boating accident? In both cases, you’ll want to make sure of three things:

  • Everyone involved is safe and receives necessary medical care
  • The proper authorities and insurance companies are notified
  • You document everything from the beginning

Let’s take a look at the steps in more detail.

The first thing to do after a boating accident is to make sure everyone’s safe. If you’re involved in a boat crash, you’re required to stop your vessel and render emergency aid, or contact emergency medical personnel if necessary.

You must report any boat accident in Louisiana to The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries within five days by sending an official incident report.

Additionally, “If the incident results in death or injury to a person, the disappearance of a person from a vessel, property damage in excess of $500, or complete loss of a vessel, you must immediately notify LDWF’s Law Enforcement Division, the nearest law enforcement agency, or state police.”

Just as you would after a car accident, it’s crucial to document everything you can if you’re involved in a boat crash:

  • Details about what happened: water and weather conditions, location, and direction the vessels were travelling
  • Witness statements and contact information
  • Contact and insurance information of every vessel operator involved
  • Hospital or medical bills for injuries related to the accident

The more documentation you have about the accident, the better your fishing boat accident law firm will be able to build a strong case later.

Any time you’re in a boating accident, your insurance company needs to know. They’ll want the details of what happened so they can determine who’s liable for any damages. This is where documentation and official reports come in handy, as well as contacting a boating accident attorney.

Boat accident cases can be complex. It can be a challenge to prove fault, provide evidence of damages, and collect appropriate compensation. An experienced boat accident lawyer can help you collect evidence to build a strong case and negotiate settlement amounts.

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Boats can be a lot of fun but can also be very dangerous at times. Here at The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, we don’t want anyone to have to go through boat accident injuries by themselves. Our slogan is “In Pain? Call Blaine!” because we make a point of being available 24/7, even on holidays, so that you can get the help you need immediately. It’s our mission to make the biggest difference in our community possible, and it starts with helping those who are most in need. So, if you ever need legal assistance because of a boating accident injury, please don’t hesitate to give one of our boating accident attorneys a call. The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux is here for you.

Louisiana Boating Regulations

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in charge of Louisiana’s boating regulations. It has an extensive number of boating regulations in place which are largely intended to prevent crashes that can lead to boat injuries.

Regulations control things like:

  • Age and experience requirements for operation of motorboats and personal watercraft
  • Vessel rules of the water
  • Personal watercraft operation
  • Operating vessels while incapacitated or intoxicated
  • Interfering with other watercrafts’ navigation
  • Overloading or overpowering a vessel

If you were involved in a boating accident in which the at-fault party disobeyed Louisiana boating regulations, you might be entitled to compensation.

Popular Lakes and Beaches in Louisiana

Louisiana is steeped in natural beauty, and outdoors lovers can enjoy everything from Driskill Mountain in the north of the state to the bayous and wetlands down south. Boating enthusiasts have a long list of Louisiana lakes and beaches to choose from – these are a few of our favorites.

Louisiana Lakes

  • Calcasieu Lake: Located in Southwest Louisiana, especially popular among anglers
  • False River: Located in Pointe Coupee Parish, popular for camping and water activities
  • Lake Bruin: A state park in Northeastern Louisiana known for clear water, excellent fishing, swimming, and boating
  • Lake Bistineau: A state park in Northwestern Louisiana with two boat launches and camping facilities
  • Toledo Bend Reservoir: Located on the Louisiana / Texas border, Toledo Bend is the largest man-made lake in the south

Louisiana Beaches

  • Cypremort Point Beach: Located south of Lafayette near the Gulf of Mexico, this state park is popular for boating, waterskiing, and fishing
  • Grand Isle: A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle is a popular spot for water sports of all kinds
  • Fontainebleau State Park: On the shore of Lake Pontchartrain just north of New Orleans, this beach is perfect for sailing and sunbathing
  • North Beach: Located on the shore of Lake Charles in Southwest Louisiana, this white sand beach is a popular tourist destination
  • Port Fourchon: White sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico – the only surfing beach in Louisiana

Jet Ski Accidents

If you’ve spent much time on the water, you’ll know that boats aren’t the only recreational vessels that can endanger someone’s safety or property. In fact, there were more accidents involving jet skis in 2019 than any other recreational vessel except open motor boats.

there were more accidents involving jet skis in 2019 than any other recreational vessel except open motor boats.

Our boating accident attorneys handle jet ski accident claims in addition to boat crash and boat injury claims. If you’ve suffered a TBI or other injury due to a jet ski accident, contact us for a free consultation.

Hire a Boat Accident Lawyer With No Fee Unless We Win

No one should have to suffer alone after a boat crash. Whether you’re seeking compensation for property damage or trying to get a fair settlement for a boat injury, we can help you gather evidence and put together a strong case.

An experienced boat accident lawyer can help you navigate the tricky waters of boat crash settlements, and we won’t charge you a dime unless we win. To set up your free consultation, contact us today.

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