Ascension Parish Boat Accident Lawyer

Ascension Parish Boat Accident Attorney

Boating is a frequent pastime for those near Louisiana’s coast, and many personal, recreational, and commercial boats operate on bays, channels, lakes, and the ocean. When accidents happen on vessels, they can be very dangerous. Injured individuals may be able to recover compensation, but they have to deal with the complex legal requirements of state and federal laws. An Ascension Parish boat accident lawyer can make this process much easier.

Knightshead Law Firm: Guiding You in Securing Financial Recovery

Boating accidents may happen due to operator negligence or because of an unreasonably dangerous product. Proving that another party is to blame for the accident you were injured in can be complicated, especially when it happened on the water. When you work with experienced and compassionate legal support, it is much easier to navigate a claim and investigate the cause of your accident.

At Knightshead Law Firm, we have supported our community for more than 15 years. We provide essential counseling and representation for personal injury claims, and we challenge insurance providers when they refuse to negotiate fairly. Our firm uses our years of knowledge to help you secure a better settlement.

How Common Are Maritime and Boating Accidents in Ascension Parish?

While Ascension Parish has no direct coastline, the parish is surrounded by many lakes and bays. Boating is a common pastime and form of employment for many, both recreationally and commercially. Accidents can happen on the water just as they happen on the road, although they are less common. In 2023, the Coast Guard reported 94 total boating accidents in Louisiana, seven of which were sadly fatal accidents.

What Are the Causes of Boating Accidents?

Most boating accidents are caused by the negligence or misconduct of the boat’s operator or owner. Negligence can include distraction, improper lookout, or speeding while operating a vessel. These actions break the duty of care the operator has to their crew, their passengers, and others on the water. If their negligence leads to an accident, they can be held liable.

Operators can also cause accidents due to misconduct. Alcohol was the leading cause of boating fatalities in the U.S. in 2023, leading to 17% of fatalities in boating accidents. In Louisiana, alcohol contributed to five boating accidents in the same year, leading to two deaths and four injuries. There are several other reasons why boating accidents occur, including:

• Inexperienced operating
• Lack of needed maintenance
• Equipment malfunction
• Lack of safety equipment
• Improper anchoring
• Overloaded vessel
• Congested waterways
• Inclement and low-visibility weather

Not all of these causes will result in a claim. When a boating accident is caused by dangerous weather, there is not always someone at fault. However, a boat operator may be liable if they fail to take appropriate caution while operating or choose to operate the vehicle in dangerous weather. When you work with an experienced boating attorney, they can look at the specifics of your case to uncover the cause and at-fault party in the accident.

Injuries From Boating Accidents

There are numerous types of boating accidents, from vessel collisions to defective machinery to slip and fall accidents. These accidents can result in many types of injuries, including:

• Bruises
• Cuts and lacerations
• Thermal or chemical burns
• Fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Hypothermia
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Oxygen deprivation
• Drowning
• Loss of limbs
• Wrongful death

After a boat accident, the incident should be reported to the right authorities, and emergency care is important if anyone is hurt. Getting medical care as soon as possible after a boating accident is crucial for your health. It can also serve as evidence in a claim.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Division 7 serves Ascension Parish and is located at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. Their number is (225) 765-2999. If it is an emergency, call emergency services more directly, including these methods listed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

FAQs About Ascension Parish,LA Boat Accident Law

What Should Be the First Action for a Boat Operator Involved in an Accident?

If you are a boat operator or passenger and the boat is in an accident, you should check the well-being of others on the boat. Once the vessel has been stopped where the accident occurred, a boat operator should provide medical assistance to those who need it and work to reduce any hazards or other dangers that the accident created. These steps should only be taken if they can be done without causing a serious hazard.

What Are Boat Operators Required to Do When They Are Involved in an Accident in Louisiana?

Boat operators are required to do several things when they are involved in an accident in Louisiana, including:

1. Stop their vessel at the scene
2. Provide assistance to those injured
3. Mitigate the hazards caused by the accident
4. Report the accident to law enforcement immediately if injury, death, disappearance, or serious property damage occurred
5. Provide identifying information for injured individuals or those with damaged property
6. Report any incident to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries within five days of the accident

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.

When Are You Not Required to Report a Boating Accident?

If no one is injured, killed, or missing, and property damages are below a certain value, you are not required to report a boating accident to law enforcement. However, it can still be useful to do so, as this ensures an accident report about the incident will be filed by a third party. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries requires boat operators to report any crash, collision, or casualty soon after it occurs.

How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim in Louisiana?

How you file a personal injury claim in Louisiana will depend on the type of accident because many accidents are first filed through an insurance company. These injury claims are only filed in civil court if a reasonable resolution cannot be reached. When filing a civil claim, you would submit certain information and documentation in a petition to the court. An attorney can help you understand this process and navigate it successfully.

Get Strong Legal Representation After an Accident in Ascension Parish

Maritime and boating accidents may be less common than other accidents and vehicle collisions, but they can be much more complex. Working with legal representation that understands state, federal, and local laws is crucial. At Knightshead Law Firm, we can help you determine if you have a claim and fight to obtain the compensation you need. Contact us today and schedule a consultation.