Boating Accident Lawyer | Portland, Maine

A day on the water should be relaxing. Whether cruising Casco Bay or fishing along the Fore River, boating is part of the lifestyle here in Portland. But when something goes wrong, such as a crash, fall, or collision, your life can quickly spiral into confusion, pain, and uncertainty.

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you may be facing serious injuries, property damage, and a host of unanswered questions. Who is responsible? How will you pay your medical bills? What steps should you take now?

At Mann Law, we help victims of boating accidents across Maine understand their rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the financial recovery they need. Our experienced team provides the clarity and compassion you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Portland boating accident lawyer.

Your First Priority After a Boating Accident

If you’re involved in a boating accident, what is the first thing you must do? The answer is clear: ensure everyone is safe and call for emergency assistance if needed. Just like in car accidents, health and safety come first.

Under Maine law, the boat’s operator must stop, provide help to anyone injured, and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. If there’s serious injury, death, or property damage above $2,000, you are legally required to file a report with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

After addressing immediate concerns, contacting a lawyer early in the process can make a big difference in protecting your rights and avoiding costly mistakes.

What Causes Most Boating Accidents in Portland?

Boating accidents are more common than most people realize and are often preventable. Human error is behind the majority of crashes on the water. Some of the most common causes include:

• Operator inattention or inexperience,
• Speeding or reckless maneuvers,
• Alcohol or drug use while operating a boat,
• Failure to keep a proper lookout,
• Equipment failure or mechanical issues, and
• Weather conditions or poor visibility.

Unfortunately, many boating operators are unfamiliar with or ignore the laws governing safe boating practices. When someone’s negligence leads to your injuries, you should not have to bear the consequences alone.

Who Is Liable in a Boating Accident?

Determining fault in a boating accident can be complex. Unlike car crashes, these incidents often occur without clear signage, surveillance, or road rules. Still, Maine law requires all boaters to operate their vessels with reasonable care and attention.

Liability may fall on:

• The boat operator who acted carelessly,
• The owner of the vessel who failed to maintain it,
• A rental company that didn’t inspect or repair faulty equipment, or
• A manufacturer if a defect caused the accident.

As your Portland boating accident lawyer, our job is to investigate the cause of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and build a strong case for the compensation you need.

What Type of Report Must You File in a Boating Accident?

Many people don’t realize that boating accidents must be reported, just like car accidents. So, what type of report must be filed in a boating accident?

In Maine, if a person is injured, dies, disappears under suspicious circumstances, or if the crash causes more than $2,000 in damage, the vessel operator must file a Boating Accident Report. This report must be submitted to the Maine Warden Service within 24 hours for serious incidents or within 72 hours for property damage over $2,000.

Failing to file the proper report can delay your insurance claim and potentially lead to legal consequences.

Understanding the Impact of Boating Injuries

Boating injuries are often serious. Slippery surfaces, the force of impact, and delayed emergency response times can all make injuries worse. Common injuries we see in boating cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or being thrown from the boat;
• Back and spinal injuries from sudden impact;
• Broken bones and lacerations;
• Hypothermia or drowning in man-overboard incidents;
• Burns from fires or fuel explosions; and
• Emotional trauma, especially in cases involving children or fatal accidents.

These injuries can require long-term medical care, therapy, and a difficult road to recovery. We work to ensure every piece of your physical, emotional, and financial recovery is accounted for in your claim.

How a Portland Boating Accident Attorney Can Help

After a boating accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s hard to know what to prioritize between insurance issues, injury recovery, and possible legal complexities. That’s where we come in.

As your Portland boating accident attorney, Mann Law will:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly and gather key evidence,
• Communicate with insurers on your behalf,
• Consult with medical professionals and maritime experts to support your claim,
• Calculate a fair compensation amount for your injuries and losses, and
• Handle negotiations or take the case to court if necessary.

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and ensure you always feel supported. You don’t have to do this alone.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Every boating accident is unique, but in many cases, injured individuals can recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment;
• Lost wages or reduced earning ability;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress or trauma;
• Property damage to your vessel or equipment; and
• Long-term disability or disfigurement.

Because boating accidents are less common than car crashes, insurance companies may attempt to downplay your injuries or delay your claim. We won’t let that happen. At Mann Law, we know how to push back and advocate for you.

Why Choose Mann Law for Your Boating Injury Case?

Not all personal injury firms are created equal, and boating accident cases require specific experience, attention, and care. Here’s why clients across Portland choose Mann Law:

• We have over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law;
• Founder Chrissy Mann brings a strategic advantage, having previously worked in insurance defense;
• We treat our clients like family, offering personalized service and direct communication; and
• We are a female-owned firm committed to sophisticated, compassionate representation.

We’re not interested in running up big promises or flashy headlines. We’re here to listen, understand your needs, and help you confidently find a path forward.

Talk to a Portland Boating Accident Lawyer Today

Your next steps matter if you’ve been injured on the water, whether in a boat collision, fall, fire, or other incident. You need someone who will take your story seriously, fight for your rights, and help you get back on steady ground. At Mann Law, we’re here to be your guide, advocate, and steady hand throughout the legal process.

Call today at (207) 709-0900 for a free consultation with a Portland boating accident lawyer. You can also fill out our secure contact form. We’ll answer your questions, review your case, and help you take the next step toward recovery with clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.