Can You Sue a Rental Company After a Boating Accident?
Boating is a popular way to enjoy Nevada’s lakes and waterways—especially at hotspots like Lake Mead or the Colorado River. Tourists and locals alike often rent boats, jet skis, or other personal watercraft to take in the scenery. But when a boating accident occurs, the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. If the incident involved defective equipment, negligent maintenance, or poor safety instruction, you may be wondering: Can I sue the rental company?
The short answer is: yes, under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know from our Las Vegas Boating Accident Attorneys at Mainor Ellis about pursuing a personal injury claim against a boat rental company.
When Is a Rental Company Liable?
Rental companies that provide recreational equipment like boats and jet skis have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their equipment and to provide customers with adequate instructions. You may have a valid legal claim if the rental company:
- Provided Defective Equipment
If a mechanical failure (e.g., engine malfunction, steering issues, or faulty throttle) caused or contributed to your accident, and the problem was due to a manufacturing defect or poor maintenance, the rental company could be held liable. Companies are expected to regularly inspect and maintain their vessels before renting them out.
- Failed to Maintain Equipment Properly
If it can be shown that the company knew or should have known about the hazard—such as a non-functional lifejacket, a broken navigation light, or worn-out parts—they may be negligent in their duty of care.
- Did Not Provide Adequate Safety Instructions
Boat rental companies must ensure that renters understand how to operate the equipment safely, especially if the customer is inexperienced. Failing to give operational guidance, ignore boating laws, or omit safety warnings may be considered negligence.
What About the Waiver I Signed?
Most boat rental companies require customers to sign a liability waiver before renting their equipment. While these documents may limit certain types of claims, they do not offer blanket immunity—especially if gross negligence or willful misconduct is involved. Courts in Nevada may refuse to enforce waivers in cases where:
- The equipment was knowingly unsafe
- The rental company ignored basic maintenance protocols
- The customer was not informed of specific risks
What to Do After a Boating Accident
If you were injured in a boating accident involving a rental vessel, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document the scene with photos, witness information, and your version of events
- Report the accident to the appropriate authorities
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you consult a lawyer
How Mainor Ellis Can Help
At Mainor Ellis, we understand the complex legal issues surrounding boating accidents in Nevada. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will investigate your case, determine whether the rental company was negligent, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Don’t let a day on the water turn into a lifetime of medical bills and unanswered questions—we’re here to help you hold negligent companies accountable.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-041.html
