Honolulu Boating Accident Lawyer | Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm

Honolulu Boating Accident Attorney

Because we are an island state, Hawaii attracts a lot of tourists looking to hit the beach and enjoy many of the watersports our island has to offer. One of those is boating. Although boating can provide hours of enjoyment on the water, boating does not come without its risks and dangers. Many boating accidents are due to negligence, while others are due to weather conditions, and in a lot of these cases, alcohol was involved. Note: operators who are impaired are 10 times more likely to be injured or killed than those who are sober.

There is always an assumed risk with any type of activity, and boating is no different. But with negligence being the main cause of boating accidents, we can limit these accidents by being a responsible boat owner. According to the United States Coast Guard, collisions were the number one type of boating accident in 2020. With drowning being the leading cause of death, the vast majority of these were by people who were not wearing a life vest. Operator inattention or inexperience was the number one contributing factor in these accidents.

Unfortunately, Hawaii has some of the laxest laws when it comes to piloting a watercraft. With a few exceptions, there are no age limits when it comes to piloting a boat. Only watercraft that are defined as “thrill crafts” require the operator to complete a state-accredited safety course and be at least 15 years of age.

No matter how experienced at boating you may be, accidents happen, and these accidents can be severe or even fatal. If you plan on spending time on the water, it is important that you follow all the safety requirements, and laws, and have all necessary safety equipment on your vessel. Be sure the person who is operating the water vessel has the experience and is paying attention to their surroundings. Also, they should not be impaired in any way if they are in control of the vessel.

It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible if you have been involved in a boating accident due to the Statute of Limitations in Hawaii. There is a two (2) year statute of limitations for state claims, but the city and county of Honolulu and the other counties are generally subject to a 6-month deadline. Other claims may fall under federal maritime law which generally has a three (3) year statute of limitations.

Damages for boating accidents may include:

  • Medical bills
  • Future expected medical expenses
  • Lost income and future wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other economic and non-economic damages
  • Punitive damages (in limited cases)

If you have been involved in a boating accident in Hawaii, you should consult with an experienced boating accident attorney who is familiar with maritime law. The lawyers at the Attorneys for Freedom law firm in Honolulu have extensive experience handling boating accident cases and are knowledgeable in maritime law. Our law firm has represented clients in a full range of water-injury-related matters, from boating injuries to wrongful death cases.

Contact the Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm – Honolulu or call our office at 808-647-2423 and get a free evaluation and initial consultation on your boating injury case. Our experienced boating accident attorneys are prepared to assist you.

Hawai’i Office Address:
1003 Bishop Street, Suite 1260 Pauahi Tower
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813
Phone: 808-647-2423

Joe O.
Joe O.
23:31 21 Mar 23
Tony B.
Tony B.
00:19 16 Mar 23
Attorneys for Freedom is super friendly and very relationship oriented. I felt at home the moment I... sat down. My lawyer Andy and paralegal Brittany were awesome. My case was unique and required research that would have been instrumental to navigating my case had it moved to a formal charge. Fortunately, the case sort of resolved without further legal intervention. I would definitely hire them again (I hope I don't need to).read more
Steve P.
Steve P.
16:33 28 Feb 23
I can not say enough about my experience with Attorneys For Freedom and especially Rachel Moss. I... was involved in an extremely stressful situation and I experienced her as very compassionate and open to my concerns. She was able to synthesize and relate the germane issues about the situation with me and I really appreciated that she was open and able to also consult with other attorneys in the office. I found Rachel to be knowledgeable, reliable and available. She (and the firm) get 5+ stars from me and I would recommend her (and A4F) without reservation to others.read more
Morgan V.
Morgan V.
18:59 27 Feb 23
Truly helped us with our case. Definitely would recommend to anyone!
Oscar V.
Oscar V.
23:25 24 Feb 23
I just want to thank Mark and all of his staff for coming through for me. I was thinking that I was... gonna face some time, but he is a man of his word and got me probation like he said he would. Thanks Mark Victor! You gave my life back to me. I would and will recommend anyone going through some kind of legal matters. You and his staff are the greatest . Also I'd like to thank Andrew C. Marcantel for hanging in there with me. I appreciate you all very much. Thanks againSincerely.O. Vegaread more
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