Recreational Boating Accident Lawyers in Alabama & Mississippi
Protecting Your Rights After a Boating Injury
When a day on the water turns into a disaster, you need someone in your corner who understands the law—and what’s at stake. At Hedge Copeland Personal Injury Attorneys, we represent individuals and families who’ve suffered serious injuries in recreational boating accidents across Alabama and Mississippi. These types of cases are usually governed by federal maritime law – a specialized area of law that deals with injuries that occur on navigable waterways.
Types of cases include those injured on commercial or recreational fishing vessels, jet skis, parasailing operations, pontoon boats, or any other type of injury that occurs in navigable waterways. Hedge Copeland is located in Mobile, Alabama, and has handled multiple cases involving injuries in these types of cases.
Because we are located near many different waterways, including the Mobile Bay and the rivers that feed into the Bay, as well as the waterways in and around Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, we are often called by locals and tourists to help when someone is injured due to the negligence of boat owners and operators.
We have been handling these types of cases for over 30 years, and have proven results against some of the largest insurance companies in the country.
Common Causes of Recreational Boating Accidents
Boating accidents often result from someone’s careless or reckless actions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Operator inattention or inexperience
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or reckless operation
- Equipment failure or mechanical issues
- Failure to follow navigational rules
- Overloaded vessels or improper passenger distribution
Regardless of the cause, if someone else’s negligence led to your injury, you may have a legal claim.
Types of Injuries that May Occur from a Boating Accident
Injuries from boating incidents can be severe and life-altering. Our boat accident attorneys have experience helping clients who have suffered from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lacerations and burns
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Wrongful death
Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma can take a heavy toll. We’re here to help you recover what you’ve lost.
Steps to Take After a Boating Accident
If you’ve been injured in a recreational boating accident, here are a few immediate steps you can take to protect yourself and your case:
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions could take time to appear.
- Report the accident – File a report with the local law enforcement or marine patrol.
- Document everything – Take photos, gather witness info, and note what happened.
- Avoid speaking to insurers alone – Let your attorney handle communications.
Every detail matters—and the sooner we’re involved, the better we can build your case.
What You May Be Entitled to After an Accident
Our boat accident lawyers will pursue full and fair compensation for your damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
We don’t settle for less than you deserve.
How Hedge Copeland Can Help Your Boating Accident Case
We’re not a volume firm—we’re selective. That means when we take on your case, you’re not just a number. You get our full attention and the benefit of over 60 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury claims.
We understand the unique challenges that come with boating accident cases, including:
- Determining fault on the water
- Understanding maritime and state laws
- Dealing with uninsured or underinsured boat operators
- Navigating injuries that often require extensive medical treatment
You shouldn’t have to figure all that out on your own. Let us handle the legal side while you focus on healing.
Serving Clients Across Alabama and Mississippi
From Mobile Bay to the Gulf Coast and beyond, we represent boating accident victims throughout the region. We know the waterways, we know the laws, and we know how to fight for you.
Consult with Our Boat Accident Attorneys Today
You didn’t ask for this to happen—but you don’t have to face it alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a recreational boating accident, contact Hedge Copeland P.C. today.
We’ll start with a free consultation, review the facts of your case, and walk you through your legal options. No pressure. Just answers—and a plan to move forward.
