Since we are located near the waters of Lake Pontchatrain, the Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico, we see a variety of individuals injured in boating accidents. There are nearly 13 million boats and personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis and Ski Doos) currently registered in the United States and the popularity of recreational boating increases every year. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured in boating accidents each year, usually as a result of operator negligence. Rules established by the Coast Guard and various state agencies outline the rules for safe boating. What many recreational boat and personal watercraft operators don’t know is that they are subject to the same laws and rules as ocean-going vessels and other commercial operators.
Recreational boat and watercraft operators must follow a wide variety of state and Federal boating laws and regulations that include those dealing with:
- Reckless and careless operation
- Operation of personal watercraft
- Mooring to buoys
- No-Wake Zones
Filing a claim against a negligent boat or watercraft operator is typically far more complicated than an automobile accident claim and may involve the highly specialized application of admiralty laws. Make sure you consult with an attorney with the appropriate knowledge and experience.
