Boat Accidents

Louisiana's many scenic lakes, rivers and waterways make recreational boating a popular pastime. Unfortunately, there are many boaters who don't follow even the state's basic rules and regulations. Such negligent actions result in a significant number of boating accidents, injuries and drownings each year.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed because of another boater's poor choices, contact our attorneys at Shanklin Sosa Injury Law in Baton Rouge. We have 30 years of combined experience focused entirely on personal injury law.

Here are some of the most common factors that cause or contribute to boating accidents in Louisiana:

• Inexperience and lack of knowledge: Anyone born after 1983 only needs to take a boating safety course to qualify as trained, and people as young as 16 can legally operate a personal watercraft.
• Alcohol consumption: Just as drunk driving causes automobile accidents, drunk boating causes injuries and deaths on the water.
• Overloaded boats: Too many passengers or too many supplies can lead to capsizing and other dangerous scenarios.
• Overpowered boats: It is illegal to use an engine that is too large or powerful for the type of boat.
• Distraction, speeding and reckless operation: Many accidents happen near other watercraft, in shallow waters, near beach swimming areas or during docking.

Our attorneys will investigate the details of your accident and place blame where it belongs: with the at-fault party.