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Boating Accident Lawyer

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By Rodney Okano, Founding Attorney

Published: May 24, 2025

Experienced Las Vegas Boat Accident Attorney Near You

Just like the road, accidents happen on the water, and when they do, you need to be ready to protect yourself legally and financially.

Navigating a boating accident alone can be challenging, which is why you should contact the experienced boating accident attorneys at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm.

Our Nevada law firm has over 20 years of experience in personal injury law and some of the best Las Vegas personal injury attorneys, making us an optimal choice for those who want to win and obtain the maximum settlement.

Contact a Las Vegas boat accident lawyer from our law firm today at (702) 566-3600 for a free case review.

What Should You Do After a Boating Accident

Taking the right actions after a boat accident can significantly improve your financial and personal recovery as well as strengthen your boating accident case.

Following a boat accident, you should:

  1. Ensure Safety: Attempt to get to land and administer first aid to any injured victims.
  2. Report the Boat Accident: Along with contacting emergency services, under federal and Nevada law, you must report the boat accident to the NDOW if the boat crash resulted in death, disappearance, injury requiring professional medical treatment, or property damage exceeding $2,000.
  3. Document the Scene: Once safe, gather evidence by taking photos of the accident scene, including the boats involved, injuries, equipment, and the surrounding environment.
  4. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the boat operators involved in the accident, and if there are any witnesses, collect their statements and contact information.
  5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe you haven't suffered injuries or your injuries are minor, you still must seek immediate treatment from a medical professional in order to receive official medical records and prevent the worsening of any hidden injuries.
  6. Contact Boating Accident Lawyers: Get a free case evaluation from an experienced boat accident attorney by calling (702) 566-3600 and start your path to recover compensation.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Las Vegas

a small boat in the water with a life preserver on it

Even with numerous boating regulations and laws, boat collisions still occur all too frequently.

Due to the growing occurrence of boating crashes, it's crucial to understand the common causes of these crashes so that you may be able to avoid them or better establish liability if one has occurred.

In Las Vegas, common causes of boating accidents include:

  • Operator inattention or distraction
  • Boating under the influence (BUI)
  • Speeding
  • Lack of a lookout
  • Mechanical mishaps
  • Operator inexperience
  • Overloading or uneven weight distribution
  • Poor and adverse weather conditions

Many boating accidents are the direct result of boat operator error or negligence, so it is essential that you ensure your boat operator is properly trained and prepared to operate the boat.

Types of Boat Accidents Our Firm Handles

Boat accidents in Las Vegas take many different forms, which is why our personal injury law firm specializes in as many different types of these crashes as possible to ensure complete client representation.

Types of boating accident cases our law firm handles are:

  • Collisions with another vessel
  • Collision with a fixed object
  • Capsizing
  • Overboard injuries
  • Propeller accidents
  • Flooding
  • Grounding accidents
  • Fires
  • Jet Ski and personal watercraft (PWC) accidents

Understanding your type of boating accident is crucial to better navigating your injury claim and legal options.

Contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from our firm today to learn what legal options may apply to your boating accident injury claim.

Nevada Boating Laws & Regulations

arafed boat in the middle of the ocean with a motor

Knowing the Nevada boating laws and regulations is crucial to avoiding fines, criminal charges, and accidents.

Boating laws in Nevada are enforced by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, which is also responsible for managing and conserving wildlife species.

Life Jacket Use: NRS 488.193

Under federal law, children under the age of 13 must always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a boat.

In addition to mandatory life jackets for children, NRS 488.193 requires that every boat be fitted with one life jacket per passenger and one throwable type IV flotation device.

Boating Accident Reporting: NRS 488.550

Any boat operator involved in a boating accident must report the accident to the NDOW if there is:

  • A death or disappearance
  • Physical injuries requiring medical specialists
  • Property damage of $2,000 or more

Per NRS 488.550, if a boating crash involves one of the listed factors above, a report must be filed within 48 hours or 10 days if there is only property damage.

Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration Level for Boating Operating: NRS 488.410

According to NRS 488.410, it is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.

In addition, numerous drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine, and heroin are prohibited while being in physical control of a boat.

Watercraft Registration: NRS 488.075

Any motorized boats and sailboats over 12 feet must be registered with the NDOW.

Following registration numbers and validation decals must be displayed on the boat's hull.

What Damages Can You Seek in a Boating Accident Claim

Like any personal injury lawsuit, boat accident claims offer various economic and non-economic damages meant to compensate you for your boat accident injuries and damages.

Knowing the damages available to you is a necessity for securing fair compensation.

Damages you can seek in a boat accident case include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death damages
  • Punitive damages

Boat Accident Statistics: National & Local

Understanding both national and local boat accidents is a good way to gauge the dangers of the water, common causes of boat crashes, and what safety tips to promote.

U.S. Boating Accident Statistics

In 2023, the United States Coast Guard stated that there were:

  • 3,844 boat wrecks
  • 564 boat-related fatalities
  • 2,126 non-fatal boat-related injuries
  • $63 million in damages

Nevada Boat Accident Statistics

With the frequent boating destinations such as Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead, Nevada has collected various statistics, including:

  • Between 2018 and 2022, there were 216 boating wrecks, with 21 of them resulting in fatalities
  • Over $1.5 million in damages has resulted from Nevada boat crashes

Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents

What Is the Most Common Cause of Fatal Boating Accidents?

In the U.S., the leading cause of fatal boating accidents is drowning.

What Are the Nevada Statute of Limitations for a Boat Accident Claim?

The Nevada statute of Limitations for a boat accident claim is two years from the accident date.

Attempting to file outside the filing deadline could result in losing the right to seek compensation through the insurance company and courts.

What Are Common Boating Accident Injuries?

Common boating injuries include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Hypothermia
  • Psychological trauma

What Type of Report Has to Be Filed After a Boat Crash?

After a boating accident, you must file a U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Accident Report (Form CG-3865).

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