Maryland Boating
Accident Lawyer
If you were injured due to another person’s careless actions, we understand what you may be going through. As a victim or a surviving family member, you could be suffering with the life-changing repercussions of a serious accident.

Legally Reviewed By:
Adam M. Smallow
September 19, 2025
Assisting Injured Residents & Tourists in Maryland
Because of its close location to the coast and numerous other bodies of water, the state of Maryland is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike who wish to enjoy fishing, recreational activities such as waterskiing, and more. Unfortunately, these activities also bring with them the risk of serious injury. In fact, boats should be thought of as motor vehicles while they are on the water. When they are operated in an unsafe, negligent, or reckless manner, injuries and death may occur. For more information contact our Maryland personal injury lawyer.
Some 2017 statistics on boating accidents in Maryland courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard:
- In 2017, 147 boating accidents were recorded in Maryland, resulting in
- 6 fatalities and 108 injuries.
- An average of 136 boating accidents occurred each year in Maryland from
- 2013 to 2017.
- Alcohol use was a contributing factor in 16 boating accidents in Maryland
- in 2017, resulting in 3 fatalities and 17 injuries.
Get on the road to recovery with competent legal representation and high-quality medical professionals. Contact our Maryland personal injury lawyer today.
Aggressive & Dedicated Legal Representation
Have you been the victim of a boating accident at the hands of another party? If so, you may have cause to take legal action through a personal injury claim for compensation for numerous expenses such as property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Whether you are a long-time resident of the state or a tourist who has been involved in an unfortunate incident while on vacation, our Maryland personal injury lawyer strives to give you the aggressive and dedicated legal representation that you need. He is ready to fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve in your case!
At the Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers, we represent injured clients in all types of boating accident cases, including:
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drowning of boaters, swimmers, or snorkelers
- Jet ski and other personal watercraft crashes
- Injuries at the hands of negligent tour guides, captains, companies, and other parties
A Summary of Maryland Boating Laws
To legally operate a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) in the state of Maryland, you must:
- Obtain a certificate of boating safety education and be at least 16 years old
- Have at least one wearable Type I, II, II, or V personal floatation device
- (PFD) per person on board, and children under the age of 13 must wear
- a PFD at all times while underway
- Title and register your vessel with the Maryland Department of Natural
- Resources (MDNR)
- Obtain and carry a Certificate of Number at all times when operating your vessel
- Never operate a boat or PWC while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Operate your PWC at a speed no greater than 6 knots when within 100 feet
- of another PWC, pier, bridge structure, abutment, or people in the water
- Only operate a PWC during daylight hours; it is prohibited to operate a
- PCW between the hours of sunset and sunrise
- Obey all navigational laws
For more information about Maryland’s boating laws, visit dnr.maryland.gov.
An In-Depth Understanding of Watercraft Laws & Regulations
Boating incidents can create a variety of complexities and challenges when pursuing legal action. From using specialized recovery methods to retrieve evidence in the water to having extensive knowledge of federal maritime laws, it is essential to have a Maryland boat accident attorney who is experienced and well-versed in the unique aspects of watercraft claims. At the Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers, we have the necessary skills, tools, and resources to help you effectively pursue compensation.
Call us now at (410) 449-7900 to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney today.
for a client seriously injured in a high-impact car crash requiring neck surgery.
for a client who required back surgery after a low-impact car accident.
for a client injured in an auto accident where another driver recklessly changed lanes.
Working with Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers was one of the best choices I have made! I can’t recommend this business more. From start to finish my experience with them was nothing but positive. They are very knowledgeable, genuine and caring people that care about their clients. If you’re looking for an injury lawyer, Adam Smallow is the best to go to.
I recommend Mr. Smallow to anyone who needs personal injury and other representation. He has been our family lawyer for many years, probably since the beginning of his firm. His staff is great. He is always there to talk to you personally. He and his staff work their hardest for you to get the best settlement they can. The firm is small in size but big in service. They’re like family. You’ll enjoy working with them.
Michelle Beckwith is an amazing case manager!! Her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to my case made all the difference!! She is responsive to all needs and questions, timely and proactive in her response to me. Adam is caring, concerned, and responsive as well. I would highly recommend this law firm for your personal injury/car accident cases!!!
From day one, Adam Smallow’s team took very good care of me. They explained step-by-step the process that I will be going through. The whole team fought for what I was entitled to. I would absolutely return to this office for any other injuries. I would absolutely recommend his team to anyone. Thank you very much for your hard work!
One of the best law firms I have ever had the pleasure to work with! Adam and the whole team knows what they are doing. They are fast and efficient. From day one, they get your intake information and get you to their team of highly qualified doctors who you need to see to get you back to your normal life! I would recommend any of my friends to Adam and his team!
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