Hawaii Boating Accident Attorney:
Foster Law Offices represents injured victims of boating accidents on Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. Most boating accident cases involve injuries on tour boats caused by a negligent, or reckless, captain or deck hand.
Hawaii Boating Accidents Occur On Vessels of All Size:
Whether it's for occupation or a mere pleasure cruise, the boating community in Hawaii is extensive; and, as with any endeavor involving a motorized vessel the voyage always carries a risk of injury or death. In many cases, boating injuries occur on smaller, more unstable crafts such as jet skis, inflatable motorboats or small fishing vessels.
These crafts are more prone to the ocean's ebb-and-flow, making rough seas a hazard for passengers no matter the level of ocean experience. But large vessels can also pose a threat. Often, slippery decks, inattentive or reckless captains, loose moorings and the involvement of alcohol can all cause injury to passengers on larger commercial vessels.
Common Boating Accident Claims:
Some common boating personal injury claims include:
- Slip/trip and fall due to defective construction (most common are larger vessels), insufficient maintenance, or rough seas
- Injury due to dangerous recreational practices (charted fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, etc.)
- Boating collisions (with the shore or another vessel)
- Drowning or partial drowning
The dangers of open ocean exploration can be significant and often can cause severe, and in some cases, catastrophic injuries. Such injuries result in corresponding financial losses. Medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity. In cases involving tourists and visitors to Hawaii, a boating accident victim is also forced to cut their Hawaiian vacation short and forfeit hotel, rental car and other non-refundable expenses.
Compensation To Hawaii Boating Accident Victims:
To compensate passengers and others injured in a boating accident, Hawaii personal injury law authorizes a financial recovery if the injured victim can prove negligence and prove that he or she did not "assume the risk" or release any claims related to the negligence. It is important to review any paperwork signed prior to the boating excursion to determine whether the risk of injury was assumed or released by the injured victim.
What Not To Do In a boating Accident:
Surprisingly, a boat captain or crew member may seek a statement from the injured victim on the trip back to land, or may ask a victim to sign an incident report, waiver or release after the accident. We counsel our clients not to sign anything after an accident or speak to anyone who contacts the victim from the boat or an insurance company. There is no legal requirement to provide a statement or participate in the drafting of an incident report.
Contact Foster Law Offices:
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a boating accident in any of the Hawaiian Islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai or Molokai, we are available for consultation. Contact us today at (808) 348-7800 or by completing the "Contact Our Firm" box to the right to retain Jeffrey Foster as your Hawaii personal injury attorney. We look forward to speaking with you.
ALOHA.