Honolulu Attorneys Pursue Boating Accident Claims Throughout Hawaii
Experienced representation from an established, reputable law firm
As a state composed of several islands, Hawaii relies on seafaring vessels for commerce and recreation. Of course, this high use of vessels increases the odds of boating accidents. If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death, Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law is prepared to help. Since 1973, our skilled and dedicated attorneys have provided highly professional legal services leading to positive results. We represent residents of Hawaii, visitors and seamen in claims following boating accidents.
Common causes of boating accidents in Hawaii
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,062 recreational boating accidents in the U.S. that resulted in 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and approximately $39 million in property damage in 2013 alone. The most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Operator error, inattention, inexperience or misjudgment
- Improper lookout techniques
- Alcohol use
- Improperly loading or overloading vessel with passengers
- Boat or equipment failure
- Nonhuman environmental factors, such as weather, rogue waves and rocks
Many of these factors indicate negligence on the part of the boat operator. If negligence caused your boating accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
What to do following a recreational boating accident
The laws governing recreational boating are similar to those regulating motor vehicle traffic. There are rules for speed, right of way and, importantly, operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you experience a boat accident, there are steps you must take:
- Under federal law, the individual in charge of the boat must file an accident report with the State of Hawaii.
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries.
- If another boat or piece of property is involved, exchange contact and insurance information.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Hawaii, you should immediately retain the services of an experienced attorney. If you are a visitor to Hawaii, do not wait until you return home to recover from your injuries. If a lawsuit is necessary, you must file in Hawaii, so it is to your great advantage to have local representation familiar with the islands and the courts.
Representation of merchant marines in Jones Act lawsuits
Seamen who are injured on the job have special protections under the Jones Act. This federal statute, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, allows qualifying workers on vessels to sue their employers. The plaintiff seaman must show that his or her injuries resulted from negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel.
Contact a reputable Honolulu law firm for boat accident cases in Hawaii
For experienced, local representation of your personal injury or wrongful death claim arising from a boat accident, trust Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law. To speak with an experienced and concerned attorney, call at 808.524.1433 or contact us online. We accept accident cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no attorney fees until we recover compensation for you. We are available evening and weekends as necessary, and our staff speaks Japanese, Korean and Tagalog.
