Posted in Maritime law,Personal Injury on April 17, 2025
Boating and fishing seasons are in full swing across Alabama. As temperatures rise and more people enjoy water activities on local lakes and rivers, the risks of boating collisions, boating accident, injuries, and deaths also increase.
This danger is especially high when recreational boaters and high-speed fishing tournament competitors share the same waters. Many professional anglers are sponsored by corporations and are under pressure to move fast and win. That urgency can lead to tragic consequences especially in low visibility or crowded waterways.
Collisions are more likely to occur during early morning “blast offs” at fishing tournaments. Reduced visibility caused by fog, low light, or the sun shining directly into a boater’s eyes can make navigation risky. Combined with the high speed of tournament boats, even a split-second mistake can result in devastating accidents.
Additional factors that increase the risk of boating accidents include holiday boating traffic and overcrowding, alcohol consumption on the water and lack of proper boating lights or safety equipment
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 564 boating deaths in 2022 and 636 in 2023, over 4,000 recreational boating incidents reported each year and more than $63 million in damages caused by boating accidents in 2022 alone (source)
These numbers highlight the importance of knowing your legal options if you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident.
Not Every Law Firm Understands Boating Law
Not all attorneys are equipped to handle maritime law and admiralty cases—the specialized areas that often apply to accidents on Alabama’s navigable waterways.
At Conchin Cole Jordan & Sherrod (CCJS), we bring unique experience and results. Our team understands the complexities of boating accidents, from personal injury claims to issues of federal immunity and negligence.
CCJS Partner Kenny Cole represented a client in a landmark case (Thacker v. TVA) that reached the U.S. Supreme Court and changed the law surrounding boating accidents in Alabama.
The case involved a tragic accident during a fishing tournament when a TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) transmission line was dropped into the Tennessee River. The boat struck the unmarked line, killing one passenger and severely injuring another. Though the case was originally dismissed on the grounds that TVA could not be sued, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously (9–0) that TVA could be held liable. The case settled for an undisclosed amount before trial.
Only 2–3% of cases filed with the Supreme Court are heard. This ruling had a national impact—and was fought by attorneys right here in Alabama.
Why Choose CCJS After a Boating Accident?
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Proven courtroom success, including U.S. Supreme Court litigation
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Deep understanding of boating, maritime, and admiralty law
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Decades of experience protecting Alabama injury victims
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident or lost a loved one due to negligence on the water, don’t trust just any firm. You need results-driven attorneys who know how to navigate complex legal waters.
Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer in Alabama Today
At Conchin Cole Jordan & Sherrod, we’re proud to have shaped the law to protect victims of boating accidents. If you or someone you love has been affected by a boating collision or injury, we’re ready to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. When it comes to boating injuries, experience and results matter.
(256)705-7777