Believe it or not, Hampton Roads is one of the most active boating regions on the East Coast.
The Oceanfront, the Chesapeake Bay, the Elizabeth River, the James River, the Lynnhaven River, Sandbridge, and other connecting waterways draw thousands of recreational boaters every year including anglers, jet skiers, kayakers, tubers, and weekend cruisers.
But with so much activity on the water, accidents are an unfortunate reality, and when they happen, the consequences are often life-changing.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, we represent people seriously hurt in boat accidents throughout Hampton Roads and the surrounding waters. We know these waterways, and we know the laws that apply to them.
Our firm’s background in maritime law allows us to handle even the most complex boating injury cases.
Recreational Boat Accidents We Handle
Our attorneys represent clients injured in all types of recreational boating incidents throughout Hampton Roads, including:
- Collisions with other recreational boats and commercial vessels
- Operator negligence, including inattention, inexperience, or reckless operation
- Boating under the influence (BUI) and alcohol-related accidents
- Jet ski and other personal watercraft accidents
- Tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing accidents
- Passengers thrown overboard
- Excessive speed and dangerous wake-related incidents
- Boat fires, explosions, and fuel system failures
- Carbon monoxide poisoning aboard vessels
- Capsizing or flooding due to overloading or poor vessel condition
- Dock, marina, and boarding accidents
- Drowning and near-drowning caused by unsafe conditions
- Wrongful death on the water
- Other types of accidents and injuries caused by negligence
Our Maritime Law Experience Makes the Difference
When you’ve been seriously hurt in a boating accident, choosing an attorney who genuinely understands both personal injury law and maritime law gives you a real advantage.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe earned a Master of Laws degree in Maritime Law (LL.M.) from the Tulane University School of Law, one of the most respected maritime law programs in the country. Mr. Serpe has been recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for over 20 years in both personal injury and maritime law.
Few personal injury attorneys in Hampton Roads can bring this combination of credentials. Mr. Serpe has represented many people injured on the water, handling cases involving both recreational boating accidents and major commercial vessel incidents.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord works alongside Mr. Serpe and brings a thorough, detail-oriented approach to every case she handles. Known for her careful attention to the facts and her direct, responsive communication with clients, Ashley ensures that no aspect of your claim is overlooked. When you work with the Serpe Firm, both attorneys are invested in your outcome.
When you work with the Serpe Firm, you’ll receive:
- Decades of experience with maritime and boating injury cases
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation grounded in maritime law knowledge
- No legal fees unless we win your case
Here’s What Happens After Your Contact Us
Every case is different, but many boating accident cases move through a similar set of stages:
Free Case Evaluation: We review the facts of your accident at no cost or obligation to you. If we believe we can help you, we’ll explain how and what to expect going forward.
Investigating the Accident: Boat accidents are often harder to document than car crashes. We collect evidence like Coast Guard, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and Virginia Marine Police reports, vessel registration records, operator history, and any available photographs or video. In some cases, we may need to work with marine accident reconstruction experts.
Handling the Insurance Companies: Once you hire us, adjusters have to go through us to get to you. Boat owner insurance policies, personal umbrella policies, and other types of coverage can be layered and complicated. We know how to identify all available coverage and push back hard against lowball offers.
Accounting for Your Losses: A fair recovery isn’t limited to the emergency room bill. It includes future medical treatment, lost income, permanent impairment, and the real impact this accident has had on your daily life. We work hard to document the full picture.
Going to Court When Needed: Most cases settle through negotiation. Some need to go before a judge or jury. If the responsible party’s insurer won’t make a fair offer, we prepare for trial while continuing to negotiate.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Boat Accident?
When someone else’s negligence causes a serious boating injury, the financial impact reaches far beyond the initial emergency room visit. A fair recovery should account for everything the accident has taken from you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment or disfigurement
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Virginia Boat Accidents Settlements
- $3.5 MILLION: Boat Accident Causes TBI
- $2.5 MILLION: Drowning Wrongful Death
- $1.5 MILLION: Confidential Accident on the Water
- $1.25 MILLION: Confidential Accident on the Water
- $200 THOUSAND: Elizabeth River Boat Collision
Every case is different and prior results cannot guarantee a similar outcome. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, the available insurance coverage, and how the accident has affected your life specifically. We evaluate every case individually.
What Our Clients Say About Us
“After a major maritime accident on the water, I was awarded a settlement that changed my life and my family’s life, and I thank the law firm for that. Not only during the case, but after as well, the law firm has looked after me. If I had to recommend anyone, I would recommend Richard Serpe.”— Eddie, Norfolk, VA
“Richard was incredibly kind and patient throughout the whole process. He and his team kept us updated every step of the way. The result was more than we expected. My family highly recommends Richard’s firm.” — Google Review
“Mr. Serpe and staff were compassionate, dedicated, and attentive to my situation. Thank you for going to great lengths in assisting me and my family with a favorable outcome.” — Google Review
Common Questions About Boat Accident Cases
Who is responsible for my injuries if I was a passenger on a boat? The boat’s operator and, in many cases, the vessel’s owner can be held responsible for a passenger’s injuries when the accident resulted from negligent operation. If the boat owner was not present but lent the vessel to someone who operated it carelessly, the owner may also share liability under certain circumstances.
What if I was injured on someone else’s boat and we were friends? It can feel awkward to pursue a claim against someone you know. But in most cases, what you’re really doing is making a claim against their boat insurance or homeowner’s umbrella policy — not their personal savings.
What if the accident involved a jet ski? Personal watercraft accidents are handled the same way as other recreational boat accident claims under Virginia law.
How long do I have to file a boating accident claim? In Virginia, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of the accident. However, maritime claims and certain circumstances can affect deadlines, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer for my boat accident? Nothing upfront. We handle boat accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
High Traffic, High Risk on Hampton Roads Waterways
The waterways around Hampton Roads are among the most heavily trafficked in the state. The Chesapeake Bay brings together recreational boaters, commercial shipping, military vessels, and charter fishing operations all sharing the same water.
The Virginia Beach oceanfront draws surfers, jet skiers, parasailers, and fishing charters into close proximity with one another throughout the summer season.
The Elizabeth River runs through the heart of Norfolk and Portsmouth, carrying heavy barge and tugboat traffic alongside weekend pleasure craft. The James River and its tributaries attract anglers, kayakers, and sail boats throughout the warm months.
This mix of vessel types, variable weather, strong tidal currents, and the sheer volume of boats on summer weekends creates real danger for people who are simply out enjoying the water. When an operator is careless, impaired, or inexperienced, or when a boat is poorly maintained, the results can be devastating.
Hampton Roads Boat Accident Lawyers
If you or a family member was hurt in a boating accident in Hampton Roads, on the Chesapeake Bay, the James River, the Elizabeth River, or any surrounding waterway, we are here to help you.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC offers free consultations and never charges legal fees unless we win. Call (757) 233-0009, use our chat, or send us an email to schedule your free case evaluation.
