Las Vegas is a hot and dry desert climate; sometimes, nothing feels better than a day spent on the lake. But with any recreational adventure activity, some risk is involved, and accidents happen. Unfortunately, boating, skiing, and other water activities can have devastating results. Although the state of Nevada has boating regulations that every licensed boater must adhere to, failure can lead to serious accidents. Boating accidents can also be caused by defective equipment and mechanical malfunctions. These accidents may result from failure to maintain the watercraft or product defects.
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a boating accident in Las Vegas, one of the first things you should do is seek professional guidance from a Nevada boating accident attorney. A skilled and compassionate accident attorney can ensure your rights are protected and get you the maximum compensation you deserve if necessary.
Understanding Boating Accidents in Nevada
While accidents usually happen unexpectedly, boating accidents are mainly caused by negligence, failure to adhere to safety regulations, defective equipment, or mechanical malfunctions. In addition, the consumption of alcohol while operating a boat can increase the likelihood of incurring an accident or a fatality.
Boat Accidents Involving Alcohol
Getting behind the wheel of any vehicle while under the influence can have catastrophic consequences. Drinking and boating are just as dangerous as drunk driving and can warrant some harsh penalties. A drunk boater can be charged formally with BUI (Boating Under Influence) for having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher. Not only that, but they can also face civil penalties for accidents and injuries that they may cause.
In Nevada, a drunk boater charged with BUI where no one is seriously killed or injured will most likely be charged with a misdemeanor, which can land you in jail for up to six months with fines from up to $1,000 plus court costs and testing fees. However, if a boater under the influence is involved in an accident that seriously injures or kills someone, you could be charged with a Category B Felony, jail time, and fines become substantially higher. If convicted, jail time could be two to twenty years in a Nevada prison and a fine of $2,000-$5,000.
It is not uncommon for drinking to occur on Nevada’s lakes and rivers. However, there is no excuse for driving a boat while under the influence. If you or someone you loved was involved in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact a Hale Injury Law attorney today.
Boating Regulations for the State of Nevada
The NDOW (Nevada Department of Wildlife) is Nevada’s boating safety, education, and enforcement agency. The boating safety office is responsible for education, safety, and law enforcement. Here are some boating regulations you may not have been aware of:
Key Boating Regulations in Nevada
- You must have one USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board a boat, personal watercraft, or any watercraft that uses a paddle to power it–think paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes. (NDOW states that “85% of fatal canoeing accidents and 48% of kayaking fatalities involved people who were not wearing their life jacket.”)
- All children under 13 must wear life jackets (it is recommended that all passengers on a boat wear a life jacket).
- Nevada boaters born on or after January 1, 1983, must complete a boating education course to operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower on Nevada’s interstate waters.
- People using a paddle craft, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, are required to carry a life jacket and follow the boating rules of the road. Even though you are paddling, you are still a boater subject to many of the same requirements.
Did you know that 70% of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction? Educating yourself about boater regulations and safety rules is smart–it could save your life and prevent fatal accidents.
Seeking Compensation for Boating Accidents
While finding a lawyer might not be your first thought if you are involved in a boating accident, we can’t stress enough the importance of seeking qualified legal representation if you’ve been injured in a boating accident. It should be one of the first things you do after receiving proper medical care for your injuries. And here’s why. Legal representation will help you:
Determine who is at fault. We meticulously review all the details to determine how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Preserve and gather crucial evidence. Memories fade. If there has been an accident, it’s important to interview witnesses quickly when details are fresh, and evidence must be preserved before it is lost.
Get you the compensation you deserve. Attorneys are familiar with the law and can help you understand what you need to do and when. From investigation and evidence gathering to building a strong legal strategy and recoverable damages from medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, a skilled boating accident lawyer can move quickly to protect your rights while you concentrate on recovery.
Why Choose Us?
We’re excited to share The Hale Difference, our gold standard for delivering expert care at Hale Injury Law.
We care about you. Our clients are our number one priority, and as such, you can always expect us to handle your case promptly and with skill and compassion. We’re good at what we do. We have vast experience securing boating accident compensation and settlements that result from boating accidents in Nevada. We can confidently say that we are one of the best boating accident attorneys in Las Vegas because we are:
- Compassionate. We truly listen and care.
- Passionate. We work hard for you. We love what we do and are passionate about getting you the best representation we can give.
- Experienced. Our team has the expertise and skills to get you the compensation you deserve. Even though we see hundreds of personal injury cases yearly, we treat each injury as uniquely as the individual we represent.
- Committed. We are committed to giving our clients individual attention to achieve exceptional results. We can confidently say that our commitment to you will get you more than other personal injury law firms.
Experienced Boating Accident Lawyers In Las Vegas
If you have been injured in a boating accident in Nevada due to someone else’s negligence for any reason why an accident can happen, you need someone you can trust. We have the resources and experience to handle your case promptly and efficiently. We know the law and will use it to get you back on track financially and physically so you can focus on getting well.
If you’re looking for a boating accident lawyer in Las Vegas who has your back, you need Hale Injury Law. We will work to get you the compensation you deserve and get you back to feeling like you again. Contact us today for your FREE consultation!