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

David J.
3 days ago
I had the pleasure of having Attorneys on Retainer on my team recently and I'm glad I went the extra step to not only protect myself but also my family in the event of a self defense matter. Mr Howard my attorney and his team handled the situation in a matter of hours to have a possible costly issue resolved in my favor. Attorneys on Retainer and the teams they have for us to protect our interest are 2nd to none. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. Thank you Attorneys on Retainer.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, David. We’re honored you trusted us to protect both you and your family during such an important situation. We’re proud Howard and his team were able to respond quickly and help resolve the matter effectively. Providing strong legal support when it matters most is exactly what we strive for. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your confidence in AOR.
alvin H.
4 weeks ago
In my view AOR is the premier organization for Concealed carry citizens, I have just had another very Professional interaction with one of their representatives Miss Stacy Peterson, Professional staff and Professional Accessible attorneys is their hallmark, after an unpleasant experience with USSCA it is like finding an oasis in a desert! Thank you, Again Marc Victor, for your work and your staff! Sincerely Alvin Hickling
Response from the owner:Thank you for the thoughtful review, Alvin. We’re honored by your confidence in AOR and grateful for your kind words about Stacy and our team. Providing professional support, accessible attorneys, and clear guidance is exactly what we strive for. We truly appreciate your trust and are proud to stand in your corner.
John S.
1 month ago
Because I have had a run-in with my local police in the past about defending the life of a third party, I was concerned about police trying to find a way to charge me when I had to defend myself with a knife last night. I called the Emergency number so that I could avoid a "why didn't you call us" conversation later. After I was connected to Howard Snader, he listened to my account of the event that transpired as well as the incident from my past. He assured me that I did the right thing by calling and he checked in on me this morning to make sure I was still a free man. I let him know that assailant had been arrested last night and he is also on an ICE HOLD.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, John. We understand how stressful and uncertain situations like that can be, especially when prior experiences add additional concern. We’re proud Howard was able to provide immediate guidance, reassurance, and follow-up when it mattered most. Having trusted legal support in critical moments is exactly why we do what we do. We’re grateful for your trust and are glad you’re safe.
Ajay N.
2 months ago
I had to use the service after an incident at work, and Howard was very helpful at guiding me through the process which resulted in a positive outcome. I highly recommend both him and the AOR service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ajay. We’re glad Howard was able to guide you through a difficult situation and help achieve a positive outcome. Providing steady support and clear direction when it matters most is our priority. We appreciate your recommendation and your trust.
Isaac
2 months ago
Attorneys for Freedom is an amazing law firm with very experienced attorneys. My attorney who represented me Howard S. from attorneys for freedom was the most informative and experienced attorney I have ever spoke to & kept me calm and reassured throughout the entire process of my self defense incident here in CA. AOR (attorneys for Freedom) is professional, I highly recommended Howard S. from AOR & am proud to have had the opportunity to have him represent me in my case. I knew from the first few minutes of speaking with him while LAPD was on the scene that he was there to help & defend me at all costs and AOR & Attorneys for Freedom will go above & beyond for they're clients . Take it from me 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, Isaac. We’re proud of Howard and the professionalism and reassurance he provides in critical moments. Situations like yours can be stressful, and we’re glad you felt supported from the very beginning. Your trust and recommendation mean a great deal to us.