{"id":353508,"date":"2017-01-18T17:25:54","date_gmt":"2017-01-18T22:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/recreational-boat-accidents-and-liability.html"},"modified":"2025-08-25T11:48:22","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T16:48:22","slug":"recreational-boat-accidents-and-liability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/recreational-boat-accidents-and-liability.html","title":{"rendered":"Recreational Boat Accidents and Liability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Recreational Boat Accidents and Liability<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Boating accidents can cause devastating injuries or death. Getting compensation can help you with the financial recovery from boating injuries.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

United States waterways are filled with recreational boaters. Boat operators traverse ponds, lakes, rivers, harbors, and seas. Like cars, boats are still dangerous motor vehicles. When something goes wrong, someone can suffer severe harm.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article includes helpful legal information about recreational boat accidents and liability, including which laws apply to your case. You might also need more legal help on a personal injury claim. A local attorney<\/a> can guide you through your options and the legal process.<\/p>\n

How Common Are Boating Accidents?<\/h2>\n

Recreational boat accidents happen more often than you may imagine. They happen to many types of people, including sailors, rowers, swimmers, water-skiers, and other recreational boaters.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0U.S. Coast Guard<\/a> counted the following as a result of recreational boating accidents in 2024:<\/p>\n