What to Do After a Boating Accident in Louisiana

The waters of Louisiana offer plenty of opportunities for fun, but a boating accident can change everything in an instant. Injuries, property damage, and legal complications can follow, leaving you unsure of what to do next.

At Shlosman Law Firm in New Orleans, we understand the challenges that come with maritime injuries. We’ve helped countless victims of boating accidents and know how critical the right steps are after an incident.

This guide outlines what to do immediately after a boating accident, how to protect your rights, and when to seek legal help. Taking action now can make all the difference.

Immediate On-Scene Actions

Safety comes first, but once you’re out of immediate danger, gathering information and reporting the incident properly will be important for any legal claims or insurance matters that follow.

Prioritize Immediate Safety

The first few moments after a boating accident are critical. Taking quick action can prevent further harm and increase everyone’s chances of safety.

• Check for immediate dangers like a sinking vessel, fire, or fuel leaks.
• Make sure all passengers and crew are accounted for. If someone is missing, search the surrounding water.
• Provide first aid for serious injuries, such as stopping bleeding or performing CPR if needed.
• Move the boat to a safer location, if possible, but only if it won’t put anyone at greater risk.

Contact Authorities

Who you call depends on where the accident happens. If you’re in federal waters (offshore or large bodies of water): Contact the U.S. Coast Guard.

On the other hand, if the accident happens in Louisiana’s inland waters, call local law enforcement or the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

When reporting, be sure to provide:

• Exact location (GPS if available)
• Number of people involved and any injuries
• Description of what happened

Document the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, collect as much evidence as possible:

• Turn off engines and electrical equipment to prevent fires.
• Take photos and videos of:
• Damage to all boats involved
• The surrounding water and weather conditions
• Any visible injuries

Having clear documentation can be invaluable if there’s a dispute over what happened.

Post-Accident Procedures

Once the immediate crisis has passed, it’s time to gather important information and take necessary steps to comply with Louisiana law.

Detailed Information Exchange

After any boating accident, you should get:

• Names, addresses, and contact details of everyone involved
• Boat registration numbers for all vessels
• Insurance information (if available)
• Witness contact information – if anyone saw the accident, their testimony could be helpful later

File a Report

Louisiana law requires reporting certain boating accidents to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF):

• If someone is injured or killed, report the accident immediately.
• If property damage exceeds $500: Report within 5 days.

You can file a report online through the LDWF website or by calling local enforcement.

Seek Medical Evaluation

Even if you feel fine, injuries from boating accidents aren’t always immediately noticeable. Common issues like concussions or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away.

• Visit a doctor as soon as possible to rule out hidden injuries.
• Keep records of all medical visits and treatments. These can be crucial if you need to file an injury claim later.

Legal Considerations

Boating accident cases are different from car accidents. Because they happen on water, special laws apply, and who is responsible can sometimes be more complicated than it seems.

Louisiana Maritime Law and Jurisdiction

Louisiana has both state and federal laws governing boating accidents. Where the accident happened can often determine which laws apply:

• Inland waters (lakes, rivers, and smaller waterways) usually fall under Louisiana state law.
• Offshore waters or major navigable waterways likely will be governed by federal maritime law.

This distinction is important because different laws may affect liability and compensation claims.

Liability and Negligence

To recover damages, you must show that someone else’s actions caused the accident. Common causes include:

• Operator inattention or lack of experience
• Speeding or reckless boating
• Alcohol or drug use
• Failure to follow rules
• Lack of required safety equipment

Boat owners and operators have a legal duty to act responsibly. If they fail to do so, they can be held financially responsible for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Need Legal Help After a Boating Accident? Call Shlosman Law Firm

If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Dealing with insurance companies, maritime laws, maritime defense attorneys and injury claims can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an accident.

At the Shlosman Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling boating accident cases in Louisiana. We know how to fight for victims and their families, making sure they get the compensation they deserve.

Call us today at 504-826-9427 for a free consultation or visit us at maritimeaccidents.com to discuss your case.