Lake Charles Boating Accident Lawyer

Lake Charles Boating Accident Attorney

Boating accidents can happen to even the sturdiest vessel. Whether you’re out enjoying a cruise or just trying to get to your destination, if an accident happens, you need to call a Lake Charles boating accident lawyer.

At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we can navigate Louisiana’s boating laws, hold those responsible to account, and get you the personal injury compensation you deserve. We can be the advocate you need as you recover your health.

Boating Accidents in Louisiana—What You Should Know

Whether you’re fishing, traveling, doing some off-boat splashing, or just out enjoying the ride, it’s good to know what to look for when you’re out there on the water. Many hazards could appear unexpectedly in the waters, and it is critical to be aware of these in case you encounter one or more of them.

Here are some of the main causes of boating accidents in Louisiana:

• Driver mistakes. Just like driving a car, people can be negligent when operating a boat. Whether it’s speeding, texting, or driving under the influence, human error can lead to accidents on the water.
• Boat problems. Sometimes, boats break, and anything from engine failure to a steering malfunction can cause a major accident.
• Inexperience. If a boat operator doesn’t know what they’re doing, it can lead to mistakes and accidents.
• Bad weather. Strong winds, rain, and sudden storms can quickly cause turbulence in the water.
• Collisions. You don’t just have to look out for other boats. Docks, wildlife, submerged obstacles, and shallows can all cause crashes that result in serious injuries.

Accidents like these can leave you wondering who’s responsible. At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we know how to investigate your case and determine who’s to blame. That way, you can get the compensation you need to cover the resulting expenses, like boat damage and medical bills.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Boating Accident

Boating accidents can become complicated—especially when you’re dealing with drivers, owners of the vessel, part manufacturers, and insurance companies. An experienced boat accident lawyer can explain your legal rights and options, make sure you don’t miss out on any compensation, and handle the legal process of your claim.

At Sanchez Burke, LLC, you can have an advocate investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence, figure out who’s at fault, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.

Compensation for Boating Accidents in Lake Charles

The kinds of compensation you can seek depend on your injuries and what caused the accident. In general, you can recover losses such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost of future care (if your injuries are ongoing).

In certain cases, it might even be possible to go after punitive damages. The court can award these damages if the behavior of the person who is found at fault was very reckless or intentional—like operating the boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

However, fault must first be established, and Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule. If you hold some responsibility for the accident, you are assigned a percentage of fault, and any compensation that you’re given will be reduced by that percentage.

For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault, you could still receive 80% of your damages. It’s very important to make sure you have an experienced boating accident lawyer from Sanchez Burke, LLC, to review your case, determine your level of fault (if any), and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Sanchez Burke, LLC?

After a boating accident, you need someone with deep experience in these claims. At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we treat every case like it’s our own. We can fight for you, no matter how complicated your case may seem. Our team in Lake Charles can listen, investigate, and pursue the compensation you need.

FAQs About Lake Charles, LA Boating Accident Laws

Can I File a Claim, Even If the Boating Accident Happened on Private Property?

Yes, you can still file a claim if the accident happened on private property, so long as the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, wrongful actions, or bad decisions. That said, the laws surrounding accidents on private land can be complicated, and the property owner could also share some responsibility.

What If My Boating Accident Was Caused by a Defective Boat or Faulty Equipment?

If the accident happened because of faulty equipment or a defective boat, the manufacturer, seller, or repair service could be held responsible. This is called a product liability claim; if you suspect a manufacturing flaw, the team at Sanchez Burke, LLC, can investigate the defect, gather evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Will My Boating Accident Claim Affect My Boating Privileges?

In most cases, filing a boating accident claim shouldn’t affect your ability to operate a boat. However, if the accident was caused by your negligence, recklessness, or intoxication, your boating privileges could be temporarily suspended or revoked. If you’re concerned about this, the team at Sanchez Burke, LLC, can explain your rights.

What Happens If the Boating Accident Happened During a Guided Tour or Rental?

If you were injured while on a guided tour or renting a boat, the company providing the service could be held responsible—especially if they didn’t maintain the boat properly or the guide was negligent. In these kinds of cases, you could file a claim against the rental company or tour operator for any injuries caused by their mistakes. At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we can make sure the responsible party is held accountable.

Contact Our Boating Accident Law Firm Today

Whether you’re dealing with injuries, insurance claims, or complicated boating laws, having an experienced lawyer by your side can be critical for getting the compensation you need to recover.

At Sanchez Burke, LLC, we can be your steadfast advocates through your case. From explaining your rights to fighting for the justice you deserve, our team can fight tirelessly to obtain all that you deserve.

Contact us to schedule a consultation today.