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BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN HAWAII

HURT IN A BOAT ACCIDENT? CALL (808) 740-0633

As a state consisting of a series of islands, and a known vacation and recreation destination, Hawaii is known not just for relaxation but, also for boating and water sports. But, much like other activities, boating does not come without risks.

In fact, along with a rise in the number of participants in boating activities comes a rise in the number of boating accidents and fatalities in Hawaii each year.

A boating accident can cause serious injuries or death. Contact our Hawaii boat accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation!

How Does Hawaii Define a Boat Accident?

To start, it’s critical to define a boating accident. According to the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation for the state of Hawaii’s “Reporting Boating Accidents,” Section I, a “boating accident” is a boat-related accident of any sort involving:

  • A death, injury or disappearance of any individual;
  • Any injury requiring medical treatment or disability in excess of 24 hours or any loss of consciousness;
  • A loss of life resulting from the accident;
  • Property damage (to the boat or property) is equal to or more than $200; or
  • A loss of an actual boating vessel (not including theft).

The state’s report further explains that boating accidents may also include anything on board being towed, or pushed, whether or not the incident is caused by human error, waves or other water occurrences, capsizing, a collision, taking on water, fire or explosions…even if no actual damage to the boat itself or its equipment occurs. In short, “boating accident” is a broad term that includes any number of recreational water vehicle incidents.

Causes of Boating Accidents in Hawaii

There are many causes of boating accidents. In Hawaii, common causes include:

  • Operator error, inattention, inexperience, misjudgment or other; inattention;
  • Improper lookout techniques;
  • Alcohol use;
  • Improperly loading, or overloading of passengers;
  • Actual boat or equipment failure; and
  • Non-human environmental factors.

While a variety of factors may be involved, most accidents are caused by operator inexperience, intoxication or boat malfunctions. In fact, a number of accidents are alcohol-related. As a boater, it’s important to realize that boat operators impaired by alcohol are over ten times more likely to be injured or killed in boating incidents than those who are sober.

Steps Following a Boating Accident

Practicing boating safety is important, but knowing what steps to take in the event of an accident and/or injury is equally crucial.

Federal law mandates that the individual in charge of operating the boat – or if that individual is incapacitated and physically not able to do so him or herself – file a boating accident report with the State of Hawaii when, resulting from an incident that involves a water vehicle or its equipment: there is a death, any individual tied to the vessel disappears in a manner which makes a death or injury a possibility of any sort, any involved individual is injured and requires medical treatment, damage caused (whether to the boat itself or any property involved) equals or exceeds $200 or the boat is destroyed.

Other steps include:

  • Seek immediate medical attention to determine the extent of injuries.
  • If another boater, boat or piece of property is involved, exchange contact and insurance information with the operator and/or owner.
  • Report all incidents promptly.
  • Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine whether you may be entitled to compensation and the next steps to take.

Who to Call After a Boat Accident in Hawaii

Boating accidents can result in various personal injuries including burns, broken bones, neck and spine injuries, and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Hawaii, it’s important that you retain the services of an experienced team of attorneys.

Our Hawaii boating accident lawyers have experience fighting and winning cases securing successful verdicts that grant the compensation to which our clients are entitled. We work closely with our clients to take on whoever may be at fault in boating accident cases. The rights of our clients are our top priority.

Four Decades of Record Breaking Victories

  • $104,000,000 Child Sex Abuse

    We're proud to have secured a landmark $104 million settlement for victims of abuse against Kamehameha School. This ground-breaking case marks a significant victory for the victims, with the school agreeing to settle.

  • $29,400,000 Medical Malpractice

    Physicians at Tripler Army Medical Center failed to order a crucial test that would have detected a twisted gut in a 1-month-old baby, resulting in the loss of 95% of the baby's small intestine and leading to lifelong disability.

  • $15,400,000 Wrongful Death

    The state has agreed to a $15.4 million settlement in a civil lawsuit filed by the families of two hikers who fell to their deaths on a Kauai hiking trail in 2006.

  • $15,000,000 Vacuum/Forceps Injury

    The hospital improperly attempted to deliver a post-date baby using a traumatic second-stage vacuum extraction. This extraction and the delay in delivery resulted in permanent brain damage to the baby.

  • $9,975,000 Brain Injury

    The hospital's failure to monitor an infant's rising bilirubin levels led to bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, resulting in severe and permanent brain damage. A settlement of $9,975,000 was obtained.

  • $9,500,000 Medical Malpractice

    Surgeons at Tripler Army Medical Center reattached the small intestine backward during gastric bypass surgery, leading to complications that ultimately resulted in the death of a 31-year-old Army wife and mother of three.

Why Davis Levin Livingston?

  • Available by phone 24/7 & ready to help.
  • Secured tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
  • Highest malpractice judgment in U.S. history against a military hospital.
  • Includes an experienced medical team including a nursing staff to answer your questions.
  • Mark Davis and Mike Livingston have been recognized as some of the best lawyers in Hawaii.
  • Resources available to advance your expenses; no cost or fees unless Davis Levin Livingston wins your case.

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Helping Families throughout hawaii for over 40 years
  • "Professional, KIND, and understanding"
    They are most professional, KIND, and understanding. Thank you Matt Winter for all your help.
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    Mathew Winter and the whole staff of Davis Levin Livingston guided us every step of the way and made sure we understood everything that was going on. They were always so welcoming and compassionate. Communication was never a problem and emails were answered super fast, especially when we had so many questions. They
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    Truly a wonderful experience with everyone at the firm. I can't thank you enough for helping provide closure for my family and me during this process. The absolute best firm in Hawaii. Compassion and professionalism at its best!
    - Daniel
  • "After doing extensive research I knew that Davis Levin Livingston was the firm for me due to the success they have had in cases like mine."
    After doing extensive research I knew that Davis Levin Livingston was the firm for me due to the success they have had in cases like mine. What surprised me was their personal touch. In the 3
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