Baltimore Boat Accident Lawyers
Boating accidents in and around Baltimore can turn a day of fun into a lifetime of pain. Whether you were injured in a crash or other incident on the Patapsco River, the Inner Harbor, or out on the Chesapeake Bay, you deserve to be compensated when someone else’s negligence is to blame.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help victims of boat accidents stand up to negligent boat operators, rental companies, and insurance companies who try to avoid responsibility. Boating injury claims involve a mix of state, federal, and maritime law, but our Baltimore boat accident lawyers know how to navigate these complex waters and deliver results.
Injured in a boating accident in Maryland waters? We’re ready to fight for you.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Baltimore
Boat crashes and watercraft accidents happen for many of the same reasons as car accidents—but with fewer rules and less enforcement on the water, the risks are often greater. Common causes of boat accidents include:
- Operator inattention or inexperience
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Boating under the influence (BUI)
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Overcrowded or overloaded boats
- Defective equipment or mechanical failure
- Failure to follow navigation rules
- Lack of safety equipment (life jackets, radios, etc.)
From jet skis and sailboats to fishing vessels and commercial charters, every watercraft carries risks. When the people responsible don’t follow safety rules or act carelessly, the results can be catastrophic.
Injuries We Commonly See in Baltimore Boat Accident Cases
Boating injuries can be extremely serious—especially because help is often far away, and victims may fall into the water after impact. We represent clients who have suffered severe boat accident injuries, including the following:
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Hypothermia
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and lacerations
- Internal injuries from impact or propellers
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Wrongful death
These injuries can lead to long hospital stays, extensive rehabilitation, and permanent disability. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for compensation that reflects your long-term needs—not just your current bills.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Accident in Baltimore?
Liability in a boating accident depends on who owned, operated, or maintained the vessel—and how their actions (or inaction) caused harm. We pursue claims against negligent boat operators, whether they were driving recklessly, impaired, or distracted. We also pursue claims against goat owners who allowed untrained or unsafe individuals to use their vessels, as well as rental companies or tour operators who failed to maintain the boat or warn users of hazards. Boat accident claims may involve manufacturers if a defective part contributed to the accident or even other passengers if their behavior interfered with safe operation. We also pursue claims against commercial boating companies such as ferries, water taxis, or fishing charters when applicable.
When the U.S. Coast Guard or Maryland Natural Resources Police investigate an accident, they may issue citations or collect valuable evidence. We use this information, along with independent investigation and expert analysis, to prove fault and build a strong case.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Boating Accident?
If someone else caused your boating accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover medical expenses, including emergency transport, surgeries, and rehab. You may also be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering and other emotional trauma, including PTSD or anxiety. If applicable to your case, you can be compensated for scarring, disfigurement, or disability, and if a loved one was lost in the accident, a wrongful death claim can deliver compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and financial support, and more.
Don’t let the insurance company downplay your injuries or pressure you into an unfair settlement. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we fight for every dollar you’re owed—because we know what your recovery is truly worth.
What If I Was Hurt on a Commercial or Charter Boat?
If you were injured while aboard a charter boat, fishing tour, or ferry, your case might involve different legal rules. These vessels are often governed by maritime or admiralty law, which can affect critical legal questions like who is liable for the accident, what damages are available, and how long you have to file a claim.
You may also have rights under the Jones Act or other federal laws, depending on your role and where the accident occurred. Our team understands the intricacies of maritime law and is prepared to handle both state and federal claims.
How Long Do I Have to File a Boat Accident Claim in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, if your accident involved a government-owned vessel, special notice requirements may apply. If the case involves maritime law, federal rules and limitations may override state deadlines. It’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and protect your right to recovery.
Why Choose Maryland Injury Lawyers After a Boat Accident in Baltimore?
We’re not just experienced personal injury lawyers; we’re advocates who stand up for injury victims when they need it most. When you hire our firm, you get:
- A team that knows how to win complex boat accident cases
- Access to maritime law experts, accident reconstruction, and medical professionals
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers and defense attorneys
- Personalized, one-on-one attention throughout your case
- No fee unless we win—you don’t pay us unless we recover for you
We handle every case with care and determination, always aiming to secure the maximum compensation available under the law.
Talk to a Baltimore Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you were injured on a friend’s boat, a rental vessel, or a commercial charter, we’re ready to help. Boating accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars—but you don’t have to face them alone.
Call Maryland Injury Lawyers now for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. Let us help you get the justice and financial support you deserve.
