Boating Accident Attorney in Phoenix

Even the most experienced boaters can’t control what others do on the water. The most common causes of accidents include:

• Operators under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI).
• Speeding or reckless maneuvers.
• Inexperienced or underage operators without proper training.
• Failure to follow boating safety regulations.
• Mechanical failure or defective parts.
• Dangerous weather or poor visibility.
• Collisions with docks, swimmers, or other vessels.

Each of these scenarios can lead to serious harm, and each may provide grounds for a legal claim.

The steps you take immediately after a crash can affect both your health and your case:

• Seek medical help right away. Even if injuries seem minor, they may worsen quickly.
• Report the accident to local or state authorities; an official report is a key piece of evidence.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the boats, injuries, and water conditions.
• Collect information. Get contact details for the operator, witnesses, and insurance providers.
• Preserve evidence. Keep medical records, receipts, and damaged equipment.
• Call an attorney. Insurance companies will act quickly to protect themselves; you should do the same.

Anyone injured in a boating accident may have the right to file a claim, including passengers, swimmers, and other boaters. Families of victims can pursue wrongful death claims, while boat owners may seek compensation for property damage. Even bystanders on nearby docks, beaches, or vessels have rights if they were hurt due to someone’s negligence.

Boating accidents often involve multiple parties, making it complex to determine who is liable. Depending on the situation, legal responsibility may fall on:

• Negligent boat operators.
• Rental companies that failed to train or supervise renters.
• Boat or parts manufacturers, when defective equipment contributes to a crash.
• Local or state authorities, if unsafe waterways or poor signage contributed to the issue.

A skilled Phoenix boating accident attorney can investigate all angles and identify every party that should be held accountable.

Arizona law prohibits boating under the influence (BUI), with penalties similar to DUI. Operators can face criminal charges and civil liability if intoxication causes a crash. The state also enforces safety rules, such as requiring personal flotation devices for each passenger. While adults aren’t always required to wear life jackets, failure to do so doesn’t automatically erase your right to compensation; it simply becomes another factor in your case.

Compensation in boating accident claims can cover both financial and emotional losses, such as:

• Medical expenses, including long-term care.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential.
• Property damage to boats or personal belongings.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD or anxiety.
• Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases.

Every case is unique, and damages are calculated based on the specific impact on your life and family.

Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you were partly at fault, you may still recover damages. For example, if both operators contributed to the crash, compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often exploit this rule to minimize payouts, but an experienced attorney can challenge unfair fault assignments.

Not all boating accidents are the same. If you were injured:

• On a private boat, claims typically involve the operator’s personal insurance.
• On a rental boat or jet ski, the rental company may be held liable for failing to implement adequate safety measures.
• On a commercial vessel, such as a tour boat, companies can be held to higher standards of safety and oversight.

Each type of case requires a different legal strategy.

To build a strong case, victims should gather:

• Accident reports filed with authorities.
• Medical records and treatment notes.
• Witness statements.
• Photos or video of the scene.
• Maintenance and rental logs for the vessel.

In some cases, boating accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to recreate the crash and establish fault.

These cases often begin with an investigation into the cause of the accident. Once evidence is collected, your attorney will negotiate with insurers. Many claims settle out of court, but if negotiations fail, the case may proceed to trial. Throughout, Morgan & Morgan works to ensure you’re fully informed and supported at every stage.

Insurance companies and corporations often resist paying out boating accident claims, especially when catastrophic injuries or wrongful death are involved. At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve recovered more than $25 billion for over 500,000 families nationwide. With the resources of America’s largest injury firm and a dedicated Phoenix presence, we can stand up to insurers, rental companies, and manufacturers and win.

And remember: you pay nothing unless we win. The Fee Is Free™.

If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you reach out, the sooner evidence can be preserved and your rights protected. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation and find out how our Phoenix boating accident lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve.