Little Rock Boating Accident Lawyers

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Content Reviewed by: A. Parker Trotz

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Content Reviewed by: A. Parker Trotz

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Mr. Trotz has handled injury cases involving auto accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured and many of his clients have sustained traumatic and life-altering injuries.

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Last Date Modified

05/22/2025

Boating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries due to a lack of protection against the force of impact. With the nearby Arkansas River and Lake Maumelle providing ample boating opportunities, the Little Rock area sees its fair share of these accidents.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, there were 61 boating accidents and nine fatalities throughout Arkansas in 2023. Many of these accidents are the result of unsafe or inattentive behavior on the water. NST Law can help you seek fair compensation if you or a loved one has been harmed in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence. Our Little Rock boating accident lawyers are ready to fight for you, starting with a free consultation.

Table Of Contents

What Causes Boating Accidents?
Who Is Responsible for a Boating Accident in Arkansas?
What You Should Do Following a Boat Accident in Little Rock
How a Little Rock Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help
Why Choose Our Firm To Fight for You?
Boating Accident FAQs

What Causes Boating Accidents?

Human error is the cause of most boating accidents. Forms of operator negligence that can cause boat crashes include:

Speeding: Operating a boat at high speeds in crowded or narrow waterways can make it difficult to avoid collisions with other boats, swimmers, and fixed objects.
Boating under the influence: Alcohol and illicit drugs can impair a boater’s judgment and reaction time.
Operating an overcrowded vessel: Packing too many people or objects on a boat can cause it to overturn or sink.
Equipment failure: Neglecting to properly maintain a boat’s equipment can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
Improper lookout: Accidents can occur when boaters fail to watch for obstacles or other vessels.
Lack of training: In 2023, all of Arkansas’ fatal boating accidents involved operators who had no known Boater Education training.

Some boat collisions are caused by environmental factors, such as poor weather conditions or debris in the water. While boat operators can’t control these factors, proper training and good judgment can help prevent these accidents.

Who Is Responsible for a Boating Accident in Arkansas?

If a person’s actions on the water lead to a boating accident, they may be legally responsible for the victim’s injuries and damages. Multiple parties can share responsibility for a boating accident, depending on how the incident occurred, including:

The boat operator, if they were careless, violated boating laws, or lacked proper training
Any passengers who purposely obstructed the operator’s view or distracted them from operating the boat safely
The boat’s manufacturer, if the boat or its parts were faulty
The organization responsible for maintaining the waterway, if it failed to properly warn boaters of hazards

You can also share responsibility in a boating accident. Depending on your actions, you may be partially liable for your injuries under Arkansas’ modified comparative fault laws. In cases where more than one person may share responsibility for the accident, these laws allow you to recover compensation if you’re less than 50 percent at fault.

What You Should Do Following a Boat Accident in Little Rock

Your actions after a boat accident can affect your injury case. Consider the following steps to protect your safety and legal rights.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Arkansas law requires you to stop your boat at the scene of an accident. Once you’ve done so, check for injuries to yourself and others. Call 911 if necessary.

If someone is in the water, only attempt to rescue them if you can do so safely. Also, move the boat out of the way of other traffic if it’s safe to do so.

2. Exchange Information With Other Parties

Write down the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident, including witnesses. Get each boat’s registration number and insurance details.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to the boats. Note the date, time, and location of the accident.

4. Report the Accident

You must report the accident to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or local law enforcement if the collision involved an injury, death, a person’s disappearance, or significant property damage. The law also requires you to provide a written report within 10 days of the occurrence.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Get immediate medical attention even if you don’t feel injured. Some boating injuries take time to develop symptoms. Prompt diagnosis can help prove that the accident caused your injuries.

6. Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have boating insurance, notify your insurer of the accident immediately. Provide basic details about the incident, such as the date and location. Avoid discussing the accident’s cause or your injuries until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

7. Consult a Legal Professional

Contact a boating accident lawyer in Little Rock to discuss your legal rights and options. They can guide you through your next steps and protect you from the insurance company’s tactics.

8. Preserve Evidence

Don’t repair your boat or discard any evidence until all necessary parties have documented it. A knowledgeable attorney can advise you on the right steps to take in preserving evidence for your case.

How a Little Rock Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with the insurance company can be one of the hardest parts of recovering after a boating accident. The at-fault party’s insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible for your losses.

Insurers use a variety of tactics to get you to accept less money than you deserve. Our lawyers can help you seek maximum compensation by:

Explaining your options and developing a legal strategy
Investigating the accident to determine what caused it and who’s liable
Valuing your losses to calculate a fair case value
Gathering evidence, requesting reports from law enforcement, and reviewing records
Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
Representing you in court if negotiations are unsuccessful

Boating accidents involve unique laws and regulations that can be highly complex and confusing. Our experienced lawyers have a deep understanding of these laws and how they may impact your case.

Our Little Rock personal injury team will use our collective expertise to build a strong case for the other party’s liability and fight to recover the full compensation for all your past and future losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, we can also seek wrongful death damages, such as funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Our Firm To Fight for You?

Our team is deeply passionate about serving Little Rock’s community members in times of need. We understand how profoundly your boat accident has impacted your life and strive to get you the resources you need to start moving forward.

Our reputation has earned us the title of The Champions For The Injured. This means you come first when you turn to us for help. We provide personalized service that makes you feel seen and heard while navigating the aftermath of your boating injury.

We’ve received many professional recognitions for our advocacy, including Super Lawyers ratings and inclusion among America’s Most Honored Lawyers. We’ve also received positive testimonials from countless clients, including these:

“Their treatment of me was professional and respectful, and I recommend them to anyone who needs injury Lawyer. Thanks NST.”

“I love Ms. Abby and Steve. They was very nice and helpful with everything. Thank you all so much. I will recommend them to anyone. Again Thank you Abby and Steve.”

“Yes they are The BEST EVER!! Met all my expectations!!”

Thanks to our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you pay us zero out-of-pocket costs for our services. If you or a loved one has been injured on or near a boat in Little Rock, call NST Law today at 800-529-4004 or contact us online for a free consultation.

NST Law Boating Accident Verdicts and Settlements

With over 30 years of experience handling personal injury claims — including boating accident cases — we’ve helped countless victims and their families pursue justice. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts across a wide range of injury matters.

Boating Accident FAQs

Do I Need a Boater Education Card To Go Boating in Little Rock?

Yes, depending on your age. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who is of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must complete an approved AGFC Boating Education Course. You must also carry proof of completion while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas waters.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Boating Accidents in Arkansas?

Arkansas’ statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. That means you must file a boating injury claim within three years of the accident.