Massachusetts
boating accident lawyer for injuries on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters
Collisions, capsizing, and Jet Ski incidents
From the Charles River to Boston Harbor, Cape Cod Bay, and Lake Cochituate, boating season brings crowded waterways—and preventable crashes. Castel & Hall LLP represents passengers and operators injured in collisions, wake and wave incidents, capsizing, and water-sports accidents. Our boating accident lawyer team investigates police and Coast Guard reports, vessel damage, and witness accounts to build a clear narrative of fault under Massachusetts
personal injury law.
Serious harm requires decisive action
Boating crashes can cause fractures, hypothermia, near-drowning injuries, and traumatic brain injury. We pursue compensation for emergency care, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering. If a drowning or collision takes a life, families may bring
wrongful death claims under Massachusetts law, and our team guides them through each step with care.
Negligent operation, BUI, and equipment failure
Operator inexperience, distraction, excessive speed, and boating under the influence all breach the duty of care on the water. Rental companies may be liable for poor instruction or unsafe vessels, and defective components can trigger product liability claims. We identify every responsible party—operator, owner, rental business, and manufacturer—to maximize available coverage.
Boating Accident Lawyers – FAQ
Does “BUI” (boating under the influence) affect liability like DUI?
Yes. Operating a boat while impaired can establish negligence per se. Summer patrols on the Charles, Cape Cod Bay, and area lakes actively enforce BUI.
Is a boat crash a maritime case or a state case?
It depends on navigable waters and circumstances. Many recreational claims proceed under state law; some invoke admiralty jurisdiction. Jurisdiction affects procedures and damages.
Who can be liable besides the operator?
Rental companies, tour operators, event hosts, or product manufacturers (engine failures, life-jacket defects). Maintenance providers may also share fault.
What evidence should be collected?
Harbormaster/Coast Guard reports, GPS tracks, onboard electronics, witness lists, photos of damage/wakes, and weather/wave data.
Do life-jacket rules matter to a claim?
Compliance can affect defenses and damages. For children, failure to provide required PFDs can be significant.
What if I was a passenger on a friend’s boat?
You can still claim against applicable insurance. Document the incident diplomatically; insurance—not friendships—typically resolves payment.
Where your case belongs—and why it matters
Some incidents fall under admiralty jurisdiction if they occur on navigable waters; others proceed in state court. Castel & Hall analyzes venue, insurance, and applicable regulations to position your case for the strongest result, whether the crash occurred off Gloucester, in Plymouth Harbor, or on an inland lake in MetroWest.