Boating Accident Lawyer Serving New England

A boating accident can turn a relaxing day on the water into a traumatic and challenging experience in seconds. Whether you were operating the boat, a passenger, or someone affected by a maritime incident, the physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain that follow can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else’s negligence on the water, you deserve compassionate support and aggressive legal advocacy.

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How Rob Levine Law Supports Boating Accident Victims

Boating accident claims often involve complex maritime laws and multiple responsible parties, including boat operators, manufacturers, and even government entities. Our experienced boating accident lawyers bring a focused and aggressive approach to every case. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a legal strategy tailored specifically to your needs.

To make legal help accessible, we offer flexible options, including remote and in-office meetings, and we will travel to meet you if necessary. Our pricing is straightforward and transparent. We charge one-third for all personal injury cases, and offer a 25 percent discount for first responders such as police, fire, rescue, and military personnel.

As The Heavy Hitter®, Rob Levine Law has helped over 50,000 clients recover more than $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation. While every case is unique, here are some examples of how our skilled attorneys have fought for clients and secured meaningful results:

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact us today for a Free Fee Guarantee® consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless you win.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Understanding what causes boating accidents is crucial for protecting your rights and building a strong claim. Many boating accidents are preventable, often resulting from negligence or unsafe conditions. Common causes of boating accidents include:

  • Operator Inexperience or Failure to Follow Safety Rules
    • Operating a boat requires knowledge of navigational rules, safety procedures, and situational awareness. Inexperienced operators or those who ignore regulations increase the risk of collisions, groundings, and other accidents.
  • Boating Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
    • Impaired judgment and slower reaction times from alcohol or drug use remain leading causes of boating accidents and fatalities. In fact, boating under the influence is treated with the same seriousness as drunk driving on roads.
  • Equipment Failure or Poor Maintenance
    • Faulty engines, steering mechanisms, or safety equipment can cause accidents. Regular maintenance is essential, and failure to properly care for the vessel may lead to catastrophic malfunctions on the water.
  • Dangerous Weather or Water Conditions
    • Sudden storms, high winds, strong currents, or heavy fog can create hazardous conditions for boaters. Understanding and respecting weather advisories is critical for safety, but accidents can still happen unexpectedly.

In 2023, 75% of boating fatalities involved operators who had not received proper boating safety instruction. This highlights the importance of training and education for anyone venturing onto the water. Additionally, New England averages approximately 230 boating accidents each year, underscoring the need for skilled legal advocacy to support victims after an incident.

What to Do After a Boating Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a boating accident can protect your health, preserve crucial evidence, and safeguard your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention Even if injuries seem minor, get checked promptly to ensure proper care and create important documentation.
  • Document the Scene, Injuries, and Damages Thoroughly Take photos or videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage to support your claim.
  • Collect Contact Information from Witnesses and Other Parties Involved Gather names and contact details of all witnesses and those involved for future statements.
  • Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice Consult your lawyer before speaking with adjusters to avoid inadvertently harming your claim.
  • Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer Promptly to Evaluate Your Claim Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and strengthens your case from the start.

Following these steps ensures you are well-prepared to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To From Those Who Can Be Held Liable

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to recover damages that cover the full impact of your losses. This compensation can include:

  • Medical expenses and future care costs such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work now or in the future.
  • Pain and suffering and emotional distress to account for physical pain and psychological impacts like anxiety or trauma.
  • Property damage, including repair or replacement of boats, personal watercraft, or related equipment.

Successfully pursuing these damages depends on identifying who is legally responsible for the accident. Liability in boating accidents can be complex and may extend beyond just the boat operator. For example, the operator or captain may be at fault if they were negligent, distracted, or under the influence. Other boaters involved in collisions or reckless behavior could share liability. Sometimes defective equipment or poor maintenance points to manufacturers or service providers as responsible parties. Additionally, marinas, rental companies, or event organizers may be liable if unsafe conditions or inadequate supervision contributed to the accident. Even government entities can be held accountable if they failed to properly mark or maintain hazardous waterways.

At Rob Levine Law, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your boating accident to uncover all potentially liable parties. This comprehensive approach is essential to maximizing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Boating Accident Claim

Navigating maritime injury claims requires specialized knowledge, experience, and a firm commitment to client advocacy. With over 25 years of dedicated service, Rob Levine Law’s attorneys bring a proven track record of success in personal injury and boating accident cases throughout New England.

Our aggressive approach means we vigorously protect your rights against insurance companies and negligent parties to help you secure the compensation you deserve. At the same time, we provide compassionate, personalized attention, ensuring clear and consistent communication at every step of your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call Rob Levine Law now at (800) 742-3920 or contact us online for a free consultation. With our Free Fee Guarantee®, you pay nothing unless you win. We’re available 24/7 to support you.

Hear from Our Satisfied Clients

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a boating accident claim?

Statutes of limitations vary by state and claim type, typically ranging from two to three years. Contact Rob Levine Law promptly to protect your rights.

Yes, many New England states follow comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Under these laws, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you, but you are not automatically barred from filing a claim. Our experienced boating accident lawyers will carefully review the details of your case, explain how comparative negligence applies, and work to maximize the compensation you can receive despite any shared fault.

If you were injured while renting or chartering a boat, you may have legal claims against multiple parties, including the rental company, the boat owner, or the operator. Liability depends on factors like negligence, maintenance of the vessel, and whether proper safety instructions were provided. Our boating accident lawyers will carefully investigate the circumstances to identify all responsible parties and protect your rights.

Weather conditions can play a significant role in boating accidents, but liability is not automatically assigned based on weather alone. If an operator ignored weather warnings, failed to take precautions, or operated recklessly in hazardous conditions, they may be held responsible. Conversely, some accidents are unavoidable due to sudden storms or dangerous water conditions. Our team will examine all factors, including weather, to determine liability in your case.

Boating accidents in international waters involve complex jurisdictional issues and maritime laws. While it is often possible to file a claim, the process may require specialized legal knowledge and coordination with authorities or insurers across borders. Rob Levine Law’s experienced maritime lawyers can help navigate these complexities to protect your rights and pursue compensation.

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Office Location

Providence, RI

544 Douglas Ave
Providence RI 02908

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