Boat and Marine Accident Attorneys in Ohio & Pennsylvania
Serving Clients with Offices in Cleveland, Chardon, Youngstown, and Lorain
Boat crashes and water-related accidents present serious and often life-threatening dangers for operators, passengers, and swimmers alike. At Lowe Trial Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges these cases present—from navigating maritime laws to investigating what happened on the water. We help victims injured in marine and boat accidents recover the compensation they deserve.
Partner Scott Kuboff is a licensed boater with in-depth knowledge of the rules and responsibilities that govern our waterways. Just like drivers must follow the rules of the road, boat operators must follow established laws regarding right of way, passing slower vessels, wake, anchoring, and general vessel operation—rules that often vary depending on the vessel’s size, draft, whether it’s under sail or motorized, and other factors. This firsthand understanding allows us to identify violations and build stronger, more informed cases on behalf of our clients.
Contact us if you or a loved one suffered injury or loss of life in a boat or other marine accident, including:
- Watercraft Collisions
- Capsized Boats
- Ejection from Watercraft
- Drowning
- Struck by Watercraft
- Inadequate Life Preservers Onboard
Contact us today for more legal information on this topic.
How to Get Help
Lowe Trial Lawyers carefully analyze each individual case to provide the best options and solutions. If you or a loved one have experienced a marine or boat injury, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation.
Other types of vehicle crash cases that we handle:
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat & Marine Accidents
Does Ohio require a license to operate a boat?
Ohio requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, to successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course to operate a boat over 10 horsepower. Lack of this certification can be used to prove operator incompetence or negligence.
What is the BUI limit in Ohio?
Under ORC § 1547.11, it is illegal to operate a vessel under the influence. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is .08, the same as for operating a motor vehicle.
Where do I file a claim for an accident on Lake Erie?
Accidents on “navigable waters” like Lake Erie or the Ohio River may fall under Federal Admiralty Jurisdiction, which has different procedural rules than an Ohio state court.
Who is liable for a PWC (Jet Ski) accident in Ohio?
The operator is liable for negligence, but under ORC § 1547.07, the owner of the watercraft can also be held liable if they knowingly permitted an unskilled or intoxicated person to operate it.
