Las Vegas may be famous for being an oasis in the desert, but in reality, there are many popular boating destinations within just a short drive of the city. Avid boaters often frequent Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and the Colorado River, for example.
Unfortunately, a day out on the boat has the potential to end in tragedy. According to data collected by the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2023, there were 34 recreational boating accidents reported in Nevada, resulting in the deaths of 8 victims.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boat accident in Las Vegas, it is important to protect yourself with specialized legal representation. An experienced local boat accident attorney from Edward Bernstein & Associates can guide you through each step of the claims process. We are on of the top personal injury law firms in Las Vegas, and here to help you.
Schedule your FREE boat accident consultation today with our online form or call (702) 508-7334 now.
Over $1Billion in Settlements and Verdicts
Don’t Navigate Boat Accident Claims Alone
95% Success Rate
Common Types of Boat Accidents in the Las Vegas Area
A boating accident out on the water or in a marina can take the form of a minor incident to a serious or even fatal collision.
Common types of boat accidents reported in Las Vegas include:
- Collisions with other vessels
- Striking fixed or submerged objects
- Boat grounding or running aground
- Capsizing incidents
- Falls on deck
- Falls overboard
- Boat fires and explosions
- Propeller injuries
- Jet ski and personal watercraft accidents
The type of boat accident can point to the cause of the disaster, which in turn can help an injured victim understand his or her legal rights.
Leading Causes of Boat Accidents Near Las Vegas
Most boat accidents in the Las Vegas area are preventable. They occur when someone involved is negligent, or fails to exercise proper care and caution.
Examples include:
- Operator inattention and distraction
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use (BUI – Boating Under the Influence)
- Navigation rule violations
- Boat equipment or mechanical failures
- Poor vessel maintenance
- Lack of safety gear or emergency preparedness
- Boat overloading
- Weather and water conditions
All top causes of boating accidents can be avoided with proper care by the boat owner and operator. Even weather-related accidents can be prevented by paying attention to the forecast and knowing when it is not safe to go out on the water.
Potential Injuries From Las Vegas Boat Accidents
Boating accidents have the potential to cause severe and life-threatening physical injuries. The mechanics of a boat accident put those involved at risk of drowning, as well as underwater electrocutions.
Many different injuries can come from a Las Vegas boat accident, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft-tissue and muscle injuries
- Lacerations and amputations
- Hypothermia
- Electrocutions
- Burn injuries
- Psychological trauma
The injuries caused by a boat accident in Las Vegas will depend on the nature of the incident. At Edward Bernstein & Associates, we have the ability to handle all types of personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases.
Nevada Boating Laws and Regulations
One of the main causes of boating accidents in Las Vegas is people violating related laws and regulations. State law has boating requirements, such as having a life jacket available for each person on board, no boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speed limits and no-wake zones, and mandatory accident reporting. There are also age restrictions for boat operators (14 and older, with conditions) and a boater education requirement.
Determining Liability in Las Vegas Boat Accident Cases
Pursuing financial compensation for a boat accident in Las Vegas takes determining liability, or identifying the person or party who should lawfully be held responsible for your losses.
Depending on the cause of your accident, this could be:
- The operator of the vessel
- A boat rental company
- A boat manufacturer for defective parts
- The government for inadequate waterway maintenance
- Multiple liable parties
If you choose to hire a Las Vegas boat accident attorney, you can relax and focus on healing from your injuries while your attorney investigates the incident, gathers evidence against one or more parties, files your insurance claim, negotiates for a fair settlement, or litigates your case at trial, if necessary.
Compensation Available for Boat Accident Victims
Someone injured in a boating accident in Las Vegas may be eligible for financial compensation for various losses incurred. Nevada law allows for the recovery of both economic and noneconomic damages in a personal injury claim.
Common types of compensation awarded for boat accidents include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Wrongful death damages for families
Discuss the potential value of your specific case with an attorney at Edward Bernstein & Associates before accepting a fast settlement from an insurance corporation. A lawyer’s goal is to maximize your financial recovery, while an insurer will want to minimize it.
Why You Need a Specialized Las Vegas Boat Accident Attorney
Boating accident cases in Las Vegas involve many nuanced laws. The lawyer you choose to represent you during your claim needs to have knowledge of maritime laws and waterway laws specific to Nevada, as well as experience handling insurance companies that cover water vessels.
Access to marine accident reconstruction and medical experts can also help strengthen your injury claim. Hiring a specialized boating accident lawyer is the most effective way to ensure your case has what it needs to succeed.
Steps to Take After a Boat Accident in Las Vegas
Taking the right actions after a boat accident in Las Vegas could help you build a strong claim and seek justice for your injuries.
If you can, take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you initially feel fine.
- Call 911 for emergency services, if necessary.
- Report the accident to the Nevada Department of Wildlife as soon as possible.
- Document the scene and injuries by taking photos and writing down a description.
- Gather contact information from eyewitnesses and fellow boat passengers.
- Avoid discussing fault with other parties.
- Contact a Las Vegas boat accident attorney promptly.
Once you hire an attorney, he or she can take care of confusing legal processes for you while you focus on your physical and emotional recoveries.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Boat Accident Case
Schedule Your Free Consultation Now!
Injured in a Las Vegas Boat Accident? We Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in a recent boating accident in the Las Vegas area, do not hesitate to contact Edward Bernstein & Associates for a free consultation. We offer the skilled legal representation you need in the aftermath of a boat accident, with years of experience handling these cases in Nevada.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees charged unless we win. Call our local Las Vegas office at (702) 508-7334 today to learn more.