Boating Accident Lawyer in Gulf Shores, AL

The Gulf of Mexico, with its picturesque shores and inviting waters, draws thousands of boaters each year for a variety of boating activities, from leisurely cruises to fishing excursions. However, amid the beauty of the Gulf, boating accidents shatter the tranquility all too often, resulting in serious injuries and, tragically, even fatalities.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s recent data revealed a national decrease in boating fatalities from 2021 to 2022, but the Gulf Shores region remains susceptible to such incidents. In 2022, there were a staggering 636 boating fatalities nationwide, while property damage from boating accidents amounted to $63 million.

Long & Long Injury Attorneys provides experienced representation for victims and their families who are dealing with the aftermath of Gulf Shores boating accidents. Our team includes attorneys who are licensed boaters with a deep understanding of common boating hazards and laws. Share your story with us today and find out what legal options are available to you.

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Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Boat Accident

Boating accidents are different from other motor vehicle accidents, and it takes a skilled attorney to obtain the maximum compensation with a legal claim. When you work with us, you can rest easy knowing your case will be getting the attention and care it deserves. With the experience and legal knowledge needed to give your case its best chance of success, a Gulf Shores boating accident lawyer from Long & Long can make a significant difference after an accident.

We offer free case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to worry about the cost. Our team is devoted to getting you the best outcome so you can recover and get back to living life. Contact us for free to get started today.

Why Choose Long & Long as Your Boating Accident Lawyer in Gulf Shores?

What You’ll Get When You Work With Us

Free consultations
No out of pocket cost to you
Stress-free experience
24/7 access and support
Proven track record of great results

Easy Steps

HIRE LONG & LONG

We take it from here — building your case and fighting for maximum compensation.

FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH

Your only job now is to rest, recover, and let us handle your case.

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We fight hard to maximize your claim.

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“Most people come to us on one of the worst days of their lives and they don’t know what to do. We work injury cases every single day, and we know how to make the legal process as easy as possible for our clients and maximize results.”

- Attorney Earle Long IV

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What Causes Boating Accidents?

Boating accidents can arise from various causes. Chief among these is the influence of alcohol. In Alabama, it is considered a DUI offense to operate a boat while intoxicated. However, the reasons behind boating accidents are diverse, including factors such as:

Water or Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather patterns and adverse water conditions, such as rough seas, strong currents, or sudden storms, can significantly impact a boater’s ability to drive safely.
Operator Error, Distraction, or Inexperience: Inattentiveness, distractions, or the lack of experience on the part of the boat operator can lead to critical errors, increasing the risk of collisions or other accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed on the water can diminish reaction time and escalate the severity of accidents. Speeding is a common factor in boating incidents and can result in serious consequences.
Defective Parts or Machine Errors: Malfunctions or failures in a boat’s machinery, often stemming from defective parts or inadequate maintenance, pose a significant hazard and can contribute to accidents.

Injuries from these types of accidents can vary in severity. Your ability to seek compensation will typically depend on who is liable for the accident.

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Understanding Liability in Boating Accidents

Boating accident claims can be complex, with multiple parties potentially sharing liability. Determining fault may involve investigating the actions of boat operators, manufacturers, or even maintenance providers. In Alabama, the pure contributory negligence doctrine adds a layer of difficulty; this legal principle stipulates that if a victim is found even slightly at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering damages.

If you find yourself facing accusations or being blamed in any way for a boating accident that wasn’t your fault, contact an experienced boating accident attorney in Gulf Shores immediately. Whether dealing with issues of operator negligence, defective equipment, or challenging weather conditions, a skilled legal professional can guide you through the intricacies of a boating accident claim and help protect your rights.

We Can Help After a Boating Accident

When you’re injured in a boat accident, you need a lawyer with boating experience to help you navigate the legal process. At Long & Long, our knowledgeable lawyers are committed to advocating for boating safety and ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve experienced injuries or the loss of a loved one in a boating accident, our team is prepared to stand by your side. Contact a Gulf Shores boating accident lawyer from Long & Long Injury Attorneys today for a free case review. We can help guide you through the complexities of your case and fight for justice on your behalf.

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Alabama Boating Safety

In order to stay safe and avoid accidents, one should take the following precautions when boating in Gulf Shores:

If you own the boat, make sure to inspect it before going for rides and get regular maintenance on it.
Familiarize yourself with maritime laws and regulations, and always travel at a safe speed.
When riding on a boat in Alabama, children under the age of 8 are required to wear a well-fitting and secure personal flotation device (PFD). However, everyone on board should have access to a PFD that fits them at all times.
Anyone driving a boat should have an Alabama boating license. Those aged 12 and older can test for a license, but only those who are 14 years of age or older may operate a boat unsupervised.

Recoverable Damages

Accidents on the water can be especially severe, leading to property damage, serious injuries, and sometimes even the loss of a loved one. If you have been injured in a boating accident by no fault of your own, these are some of the damages you may be entitled to with a boating accident claim:

Medical expenses
Lost wages (both past and future)
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Funeral/burial costs

When you’ve been in an accident while boating, you will likely find the expenses adding up quickly. That’s why the boating accident attorneys at Long & Long offer free initial case reviews and don’t take payment unless we secure compensation for our clients! Wherever you are financially, we are here to offer legal advice and representation if you have a case.

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What to Do After a Gulf Shores Boating Accident

If you are in a boat wreck in Gulf Shores, AL, here are the steps to take immediately after the incident occurs:

1. Call Emergency Responders

The first thing to do after an accident is call 9-1-1. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention promptly. Injuries sustained in boating accidents may not be immediately apparent, and a medical examination can uncover potential issues. After seeing your doctor, be sure to follow the treatment plan they have for you and follow up as needed (especially if your condition worsens over the next few days or weeks).

You should also complete an accident report with law enforcement and be sure to get your own copy. Simply give an accurate and detailed description of what happened without taking or placing blame.

2. Gather Evidence

Collect contact information, insurance details, and boat registration information from all parties involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and vessel identification.
Take photographs of the accident scene, including any damage to vessels, injuries, and relevant landmarks. Documenting the area can provide valuable evidence later.
Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Witness testimonies can be crucial in determining liability.

3. Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer in Gulf Shores

If you are facing any legal issues or are being blamed for the accident, a Gulf Shores boating accident lawyer from Long & Long can help you understand your rights under maritime law and Alabama’s boating regulations. It is important to get this process started as soon as possible, as Alabama’s 2-year statute of limitations on boating accidents will go by fast!

Gulf Shores Boat Accident FAQs

Who can be held liable for my boating injuries?

Numerous parties can be held responsible for your injuries depending on the facts of the case. These include negligent or reckless operators, roughhousing passengers, and manufacturers or maintenance providers who caused a mechanical defect.

How do I file a boat accident report in Gulf Shores, AL?

Boat accidents involving $2,000 in property damage or more than minor injuries must be reported to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. A Marine Police Officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department can help you file the accident report.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case can vary significantly depending on the extent of your injuries and the treatment required. You may also be able to recover compensation for property damage, lost wages, and any permanent disabilities caused by the accident. One of our boat accident attorneys can provide a more detailed estimate during your initial consultation.

Will boat insurance pay for my injuries?

Boat insurance works just like car insurance. It offers liability coverage for personal injuries, property damage, and medical care. Uninsured/underinsured boater coverage is also available in case you’re injured by an uninsured boater or your injuries exceed the limits of their policy.