Boating Accident Attorney in New Orleans

Louisiana’s extensive coastline and inland waterways provide many opportunities for fun, relaxation, and commercial enterprise. Unfortunately, people may sustain injuries in boating accidents due to the negligence of others, leading to physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can be difficult to overcome. If you suffered injuries in a New Orleans boating accident, The Thibeaux Firm can help you hold the negligent party accountable as you seek fair compensation.

Attorney Omar Thibeaux has extensive experience as a New Orleans boat accident lawyer and will fully manage your claim. He is known throughout the Pelican State as “The 25 Percent Attorney,” as he charges a flat and fair 25 percent rate in all cases where he recovers compensation for his clients.

Call The Thibeaux Firm today or complete our contact form to discuss your situation in a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

How a New Orleans Boat Accident Attorney Can Help You

Dealing with your injuries and the financial stress of a boat accident can be overwhelming. The Thibeaux Firm can manage your boat accident case, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery.

A New Orleans boat accident attorney from The Thibeaux Firm can investigate the accident to determine who caused it and should pay for your injuries. They will gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case for you. This thorough investigation will identify all the liable parties, which can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Attorney Thibeaux will also handle negotiations with insurance companies. Insurers often try to settle quickly and for less money than you deserve. But Attorney Thibeaux is a skilled lawyer who knows how to negotiate effectively to get you compensation for your accident-related losses.

Without an attorney, you might miss out on significant compensation. You might also face challenges dealing with legal procedures and aggressive insurance adjusters. Hiring a boat accident lawyer can help you avoid these risks, protect your rights, and make the entire process smoother and less stressful. Plus, as “The 25 Percent Attorney,” Attorney Thibeaux will only charge a reasonable 25 percent on any compensation he recovers for your boating accident case. If he doesn’t win, you pay nothing.

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

If you were involved in a boating accident, the first thing to do is report it to the appropriate authorities. In Louisiana, you must report any boating accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. This official report can be crucial for your boat accident claim later.

Next, document everything related to the accident. Take photos of any boat accident injury you sustained, any damage to the boat, and the accident scene, if possible. Gather contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident. They can provide valuable evidence to support your claim. Keep copies of all documents related to your treatment and recovery.

It’s also crucial to keep a detailed account of the accident and its impact on your life. Write down what happened before, during, and after the accident, and note how your injuries affect your daily activities and work.

Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal advice. Insurers may try to get you to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Consult a boat accident law firm before making any statements or accepting any offers.

Finally, get in touch with an experienced boating accident attorney. A lawyer from The Thibeaux Firm can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation for your losses.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Accident?

To recover maximum compensation and achieve justice in a boat accident case, it’s crucial to identify all the potentially liable parties. Depending on how the accident occurred, the liable parties in your case may include:

• Boat Operator – The person operating the boat is often the primary party liable for a boat accident claim. If they were reckless, intoxicated, or distracted, their negligence could make them legally responsible for the harm you suffered.
• Boat Owner – If the boat owner is different from the operator, they could also be responsible for a collision. They must make sure the boat is properly maintained and safe to operate. Examples of boat owner negligence include neglecting maintenance, hiring unsafe boat operators, or not having the required safety equipment on the vessel.
• Boat Manufacturer – Sometimes, accidents occur due to boat or equipment defects. In such cases, the manufacturer of the boat or its parts might be liable for producing faulty equipment that led to the accident.
• Rental Company – If you rented the boat, the rental company might share liability for your injuries. They must ensure that their boats are in good working condition and that renters have adequate warnings about safety procedures.
• Passenger – In some cases, a passenger’s actions can contribute to an accident. For example, if a passenger distracts the operator or interferes with the boat’s operation, they might be partially liable.
• Other Boat Operators – If another boat was involved in the accident, the operator of that boat could be responsible if their negligence contributed to the collision. For instance, boat operators ignoring speed limits can make it harder to control a vessel, which can lead to a collision.

What Compensation Can I Recover from a Boat Accident?

Attorney Thibeaux will use all of his talent and skill to maximize your compensation after a boat accident. With his help, your boat accident compensation could include money for:

What Are the Louisiana Boating Laws?

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, boat owners and operators must follow specific rules to safely operate their vessels. Some vital Louisiana boating laws include:

• People born after January 1, 1984, must complete an approved boater safety course to operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat with a motor of 10 or more horsepower. Younger boaters can operate these vessels if accompanied by someone over 18 who has passed a safety course.
• No one under 16 can operate a personal watercraft under any circumstances. Rental companies are also prohibited from allowing anyone under 16 to operate a personal watercraft.
• Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. If a boat operator has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, they face penalties similar to those for driving under the influence.
• Boat operators and rental companies must ensure their vessels have the required safety equipment, which varies based on the boat’s length. Personal watercraft have specific safety equipment requirements.
• All boat operators must maintain reasonable speeds according to water conditions and maintain full control of their vessels at all times.
• Vessels must stay at least 100 feet away from any displayed diver flags.
• Personal watercraft users must operate in a careful and responsible manner, avoiding swimmers, anchored vessels, and fishermen.
• Boat operators must adhere to posted speed limits and no-wake zones.
• When meeting head-on, boats must keep to their respective right.
• Boats overtaking another vessel can pass on either side but must yield to the vessel being overtaken.
• In narrow channels, boats should stay to the right of mid-channel.
• Any boat passing or approaching another vessel must adjust its speed and operations to avoid causing a hazardous wake or wash.

What Are Common Causes of Louisiana Boating Accidents?

Winning a boat accident case requires you to prove how someone else’s negligent actions caused the collisions and your resulting injuries. Some common causes of boating accidents that involve negligence include:

• Operator Inattention – Many accidents occur when the boat operator is not paying close attention to their surroundings. Distractions, such as talking with passengers or using a phone, can lead to collisions and other mishaps.
• Operator Inexperience – Inexperienced boaters may lack the skills and knowledge to handle challenging situations on the water. This inexperience can result in poor decision-making and increased accident risk.
• Reckless Operation – Operating a boat in a reckless manner, such as by speeding, can reduce the operator’s ability to react to obstacles, other boats, and changing water conditions.
• Boating Under the Influence – Drinking alcohol while operating a boat impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This can lead to serious accidents, as intoxicated operators are less capable of making safe decisions.
• Defective Products – Poorly maintained or defective equipment can cause accidents. For example, neglecting to maintain a boat’s steering system can cause the operator to lose control of the vessel.
• Weather Conditions – Failing to check weather forecasts or heed warnings can cause accidents resulting from rough waters and limited visibility.
• Navigational Errors – Mistakes in reading charts, buoys, and markers can lead to accidents. Navigational errors often occur when operators don’t know the area or fail to follow safe boating practices.

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

Boating accidents in New Orleans often cause devastating injuries, including:

Because boat accidents cause such severe injuries, filing a boat accident lawsuit within the legal deadlines is critical. Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of a boat accident to file a lawsuit, so don’t wait to talk to an attorney.

Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer in New Orleans Today

The sooner you contact a lawyer after a New Orleans boat accident, the sooner you’ll be on the path to recovery. Call The Thibeaux Firm today or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a New Orleans boat accident attorney. Let “The 25% Attorney” pursue the compensation you need at no upfront cost to you.