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