New Orleans Boat Accident Lawyers

Boating is a way of life in New Orleans. Whether it’s cruising the Mississippi River, relaxing on Lake Pontchartrain, navigating the Intracoastal Waterway, or fishing along the Bayou St. John, our city loves being on the water.

But with so many people taking to the water, accidents happen far too often. When a fun day on the water turns tragic due to negligence, victims are left facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next.

At Douglas & London, our New Orleans boat accident lawyers are here to fight for you. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to hold negligent boat operators and other responsible parties accountable. If you or someone you love was hurt in a boating accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

The Causes of Boat Accidents

Most boating accidents in New Orleans are the result of human error. Common causes include:

  • Operator Inexperience or Recklessness: Many accidents occur when boat operators fail to understand waterway rules or underestimate risks.
  • Alcohol or Drug Use: Operating a boat under the influence impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
  • Speeding: Excessive speeds reduce reaction time and increase the chance of collisions, especially in crowded waterways.
  • Distractions: Talking with passengers, looking at devices, or failing to pay attention can all contribute to accidents.
  • Improper Lookout: A second set of eyes on the water is often critical. Without one, hazards may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

These oversights can lead to devastating injuries, from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to broken bones, lacerations, and even drowning.

What to Do After a New Orleans Boat Accident

The moments following a boating accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take are critical both for your safety and for protecting your legal rights. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a boat accident on Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, or any other New Orleans waterway:

  1. Get to Safety: Make sure everyone aboard is safe. If possible, move to a secure location away from immediate hazards such as sinking vessels, fuel leaks, or heavy boat traffic.
  2. Call for Help: Contact the Coast Guard, local marine authorities, or 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if needed. Prompt reporting is also required under Louisiana and federal boating laws.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries appear minor, get checked by a doctor. Boating accidents often cause head, spine, or internal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious.
  4. Document the Scene: If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the boats involved, visible injuries, weather conditions, and any contributing factors. This evidence can be invaluable in building your case later.
  5. Exchange Information: Collect contact details, insurance information, and vessel registration numbers from all operators involved. If there are witnesses, gather their statements and contact information as well.
  6. File an Accident Report: Louisiana law requires boat operators to file a written report with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for accidents involving injury, death, disappearance, or significant property damage.
  7. Contact a Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Speaking with a New Orleans boat accident attorney at Douglas & London first ensures your rights are protected and that you don’t inadvertently hurt your case.

Taking these steps can help you stay safe, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen your claim for the compensation you deserve.

Getting Compensation After a Boat Accident

A boat accident can leave victims with significant financial and personal losses. At Douglas & London, we help clients pursue compensation for:

  • Medical expenses and hospital bills
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

Our attorneys work to prove negligence, document damages, and negotiate with insurers so you can focus on recovery.

Local Hospitals for Boat Accident Treatment

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident in New Orleans, you may receive treatment at some of the city’s leading medical facilities, including:

Getting immediate medical treatment is essential both for your health and for documenting your injuries in a potential claim.

Why Hire a New Orleans Boat Accident Lawyer?

Handling a boating accident claim without legal guidance can be overwhelming. Our attorneys can:

  1. Investigate the incident and gather key evidence.
  2. Identify liable parties, from boat operators to rental companies.
  3. Handle communications and negotiations with insurers.
  4. Navigate complex maritime and Louisiana state laws.
  5. Represent you in court if necessary.

At Douglas & London, we fight to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Boat Safety and Prevention

While we’re here to protect victims, prevention is always the best defense. Boaters should:

  • Wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Avoid alcohol while operating vessels.
  • Take boating safety courses.
  • Maintain boats and safety equipment regularly.
  • Observe local rules, including no-wake zones and speed restrictions.

Understanding and following New Orleans waterway regulations helps keep everyone safe.

Contact Our New Orleans Boat Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Douglas & London is committed to protecting the rights of injured New Orleanians and their families. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call Douglas & London today to speak with a New Orleans boat accident lawyer and get the help you need.