Boating Accident Attorney in Louisiana

Were you recently injured in a boating accident in Louisiana? If so, The Thibeaux Firm can help you pursue the money you need to pay for your medical care, offset your lost wages, and compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

Our practice is devoted to standing by accident injury victims through thick and thin. Attorney Omar Thibeaux prides himself on delivering personalized service and attention to each client, as well as immense value. Our law firm is home to “The 25% Attorney,” because we only take a 25 percent flat fee in all personal injury cases — not the standard 33 to 40 percent that other attorneys charge. That means when you work with Attorney Thibeaux, more of your recovered compensation stays in your pocket.

Let Attorney Omar support you, be your voice against the insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf as you seek the recovery you deserve. Get started today by calling The Thibeaux Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Louisiana boating accident lawyer.

How a Louisiana Boat Accident Attorney Can Help You

At The Thibeaux Firm, our goal is to ease your stress by handling all aspects of your boat accident case. From the moment you reach out to us, we’ll start working on investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and talking to witnesses. We’ll also handle all communication with insurance companies to ensure they don’t take advantage of you during this vulnerable time.

Working with The Thibeaux Firm means you have someone who knows the ins and outs of Louisiana boating laws. We can identify the liable parties and build a strong case to get you fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Without help from a Louisiana boat accident attorney, you might struggle to prove fault or negotiate a fair settlement, leaving you with less than you need to recover fully.

By choosing The Thibeaux Firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who will fight for your best interests. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

What You Should Do if You Are Involved in a Boating Accident

Being involved in a boating accident is a frightening experience. It’s critical to know the steps to take afterward to protect your health and legal rights.

First, make sure everyone is safe and call for medical help if needed. Your health and safety are the top priority. Next, report the accident to the local authorities and make sure they file an official report. Gather as much information as possible from everyone involved, including names, contact details, and insurance information. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to the boats.

Finally, contact The Thibeaux Firm as soon as possible. Our boat accident law firm can guide you through the next steps and help protect your rights. Remember, taking these actions can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

What Are Common Causes of Louisiana Boating Accidents?

A boating accident can cause severe injuries and significant financial stress, and these effects can last for months or years after the accident. The U.S. Coast Guard reports boating accidents in Louisiana killed seven people in one recent year and left another 69 people with severe injuries.

These accidents happen for many reasons, but operator negligence is often to blame. Here are some common causes of boating accidents:

Operator Inattention – Many boat accidents occur when the operator isn’t paying full attention. Distractions, whether from passengers or electronic devices, can lead to collisions or other mishaps on the water.

Speeding – Just like on the road, driving a boat too fast can be dangerous. High speeds make it harder to stop quickly or avoid obstacles, increasing the risk of an accident.

Alcohol Use – Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to many preventable accidents.

Inexperienced Operators – Boating requires knowledge and skill. Inexperienced operators may not know how to handle challenging situations, navigate properly, or respond to emergencies, leading to accidents.

Poor Weather Conditions – Sudden weather changes can catch boaters off guard. High winds, heavy rain, and rough waters can make it difficult to control a boat and increase the risk of capsizing or collisions.

Mechanical Failure – Faulty equipment or lack of maintenance can cause a boat to malfunction. Engine problems, steering failures, or broken safety equipment can all lead to serious accidents on the water.

Reckless Behavior – Sometimes, boat operators or passengers engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, sharp turns, or jumping waves. These actions can lead to loss of control and accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Accident?

Understanding who might be liable for an accident can help you build a strong case for your boat accident claim. Here’s a look at the potentially liable parties for a Louisiana boat accident:

The Boat Operator – Often, the person driving the boat is liable for an accident, especially if they were negligent, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Boat Owner – If the boat’s owner allowed someone unqualified or unsafe to operate their vessel, they could be liable for an accident.
The Boat Manufacturer – Sometimes, accidents happen because of a defect in the boat or its equipment. In these cases, the manufacturer might be responsible for any injuries or damages.
The Rental Company – If you rented the boat and the rental company failed to maintain the vessel properly or didn’t provide necessary safety instructions, they could be liable.
Other Passengers – In some cases, passengers who were behaving recklessly or interfering with the boat’s operation might also share some responsibility for the accident.

A Louisiana boat accident lawyer from The Thibeaux Firm can assess your situation to determine who could be responsible for your injuries.

What Compensation Can I Recover from a Boat Accident?

Your potential boat accident compensation depends on the extent of your injuries, your medical bills and lost wages, and other losses. What matters is that you make the most of your one chance to claim compensation for your injuries. Our Louisiana boat accident law firm can help you pursue compensation for:

Any past and future medical expenses related to the accident
Any lost income while you heal from your injuries
Any lost future earnings if a boat accident injury or a disability stemming from it keeps you from earning as much as you did before the accident
Your pain and suffering
Your emotional distress
Your diminished quality of life due to a long-term injury or disability
Your damaged personal property, if applicable

What Are the Louisiana Boating Laws?

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has a long list of rules boat operators and boating companies must follow. Some of the most important Louisiana boating laws include:

People born after Jan. 1, 1984, cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat with a motor that has 10 or more horsepower unless they have completed an approved boater safety course. Younger boaters can operate a personal watercraft or motorboat if they are accompanied by someone older than 18 who has passed an approved safety course.
No one under 16 can operate a personal watercraft under any circumstances. It is also illegal for rental companies to let someone younger than 16 operate a personal watercraft.
It is illegal to operate a boat or other vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone found operating a boat with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher can face similar penalties as driving under the influence.
Boat operators and rental companies must make sure their vessels have the required safety equipment. The equipment required depends on the boat’s length, and there are specific requirements for personal watercraft.
All boat operators must maintain reasonable speeds for the given water conditions and must maintain complete control of the vessel at all times.
All vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from any displayed diver flags.
Anyone using a personal watercraft must do so in a “careful and responsible manner.” People using personal watercraft should avoid swimmers, anchored vessels, and fishermen.
Boat operators must comply with posted speed limits and no-wake zones.
When passing head-on, boats must keep to their respective rights.
Boats overtaking a vessel in front of them can pass on either side, but they must yield the right-of-way to the vessel in front.
In narrow channels, boats must keep to the right of mid-channel.
Any boat passing or approaching another vessel must adjust its speed and operations to avoid causing a potentially hazardous wake or wash.

Client Testimonial

“I had gotten in an accident. I was at the red light on Louisiana Avenue turning, and there was a truck that had sideswiped me while I was turning into the turning lane. I hired The Thibeaux Firm because I needed a lawyer and it’s a Black business, so why not support Black law firms? The settlement amount of my case was $40,000. I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident, or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.”

- Brooke H.

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Boating Accident?

Boating accidents may be less common than car accidents, but they are equally capable of causing devastating injuries. Here are some of the most common Louisiana boat accident injuries:

Fatal or non-fatal drownings
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
Broken bones

Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries
Severed or mangled limbs from boat propellers
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions

Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer in Louisiana Today

According to Louisiana law, you have just one year from the date you sustained your injuries to file a boat accident lawsuit. If you file late, you could lose your day in court. It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and give yourself the best chance of recovering compensation for your injuries. The Thibeaux Firm is ready to take your case, defend your rights, and give you “The 25% Attorney” advantage. Call us today to get started.

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