Boat Accidents

Louisiana is referred to as the Sportsman’s Paradise, with fishing and boating being integral parts of our recreational enjoyment. Whether bass fishing at Caney Lake in Jackson Parish, water skiing on the Ouachita River in Monroe, catching bull reds along the Louisiana coastal waterways, running a cigarette boat down the Tickfaw River in Amite, or just enjoying a good time at the Tarpon Rodeo in Grand Isle, boater safety should always be a high concern. Unfortunately, all to often, boat operators are negligent, careless, and often times reckless, in the way they operate their water craft.

While boat accidents occurring on navigable water such as the Mississippi River may fall within the admiralty jurisdiction of the court and the application of the national maritime law, many other boat accidents occurring on non-navigable lakes and streams throughout Louisiana fall within the applicable state law. When the boat accident occurs on navigable water, a primary legal concern is whether the owner of the vessel is entitled to limit his liability to the value of the vessel. For this reason, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced boat accident lawyer immediately after a serious pleasure craft accident to determine your legal rights.

Recreational pleasure craft, water skiing, and jet-ski accidents occur most frequently around summer holidays and often involve an intoxicated operator. In order to protect victims of drunk drivers, Louisiana law provides for punitive or exemplary damages for the victim of a boating accident caused by a drunk driver, even when operating a water craft.

If you or a loved one was injured or suffered a wrongful death in a serious boat accident anywhere in Louisiana, including on the Red River, Ouachita River, Tickfaw River, Black Lake, Caney Lake, Cane River Lake, Lake Maurepas, Lake Verret, or elsewhere, contact the experienced Baton Rouge, Louisiana boating injuiry attorneys at Dué Guidry Piedrahita Andrews Courrege L.C. to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION so we can explain your legal rights.