Boating in Arizona: Beautiful—but Risky
Arizona’s lakes—Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Lake Mohave, Saguaro Lake, and Lake Pleasant—offer endless recreation for residents and visitors. But with boating season comes a rise in serious accidents, often caused by negligence, alcohol, or inexperience.
If you’ve been hurt in a boating crash, understanding Arizona boating laws and your rights is essential. The experienced team at Rideout Law Group is here to guide you every step of the way.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Arizona
Boating collisions and injuries often occur when safety rules are ignored or equipment fails. Our firm has handled cases involving:
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI) under A.R.S. §5-395
- Excessive speed or reckless operation
- Failure to yield or maintain a lookout
- Defective equipment or improper maintenance
- Jet ski and wakeboard collisions
- Drowning or propeller injuries
Even one careless moment can lead to devastating results—medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.
Arizona Boating Laws You Should Know
Under state law, operating a boat while intoxicated is treated much like a DUI. Law enforcement agencies such as Arizona Game and Fish and county sheriffs conduct frequent patrols, especially during holidays.
Key facts:
- A BAC of 0.08% or higher constitutes BUI.
- Zero tolerance applies to minors operating a vessel.
- Negligent boating can lead to both civil lawsuits and criminal charges.
If you’re injured—or accused—after a boating crash, you need a law firm that understands both criminal defense and personal injury law.
Where Boating Accidents Happen Most
Our attorneys represent clients injured or charged across all major Arizona waterways, including:
- Lake Havasu – High-traffic waters, frequent patrols, and rental boat accidents.
- Lake Powell – Houseboat crashes and wake collisions in remote areas.
- Lake Mohave – Shared AZ/NV jurisdiction complicates legal proceedings.
- Saguaro Lake – Common site for weekend jet ski accidents near Mesa.
- Lake Pleasant – Frequent BUI and reckless boating arrests.
Wherever your accident occurred, Rideout Law Group offers local insight and strong legal representation.
How Rideout Law Group Helps Boating Accident Victims
Led by Brad Rideout, a former prosecutor and skilled trial attorney, our team combines deep knowledge of Mohave, Maricopa, and Coconino County courts with decades of litigation experience.
Our boating accident legal services include:
- Investigating negligence and determining fault
- Collaborating with marine safety experts and accident reconstructionists
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing claims for medical costs, property loss, and pain & suffering
- Defending clients against BUI or reckless operation charges
Attorneys Carolyn Keist-Gilbert and Steven Eckhardt also bring expertise in both criminal defense and civil litigation—ensuring your rights are protected from every angle.
Serving Arizona’s Boating Communities
Rideout Law Group proudly serves clients across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Kingman, Mesa, and Phoenix, with offices conveniently located in:
- Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Lake Havasu Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 Call Now: (480) 584-3328 | (928) 854-8181
💬 Free Case Review: Contact Rideout Law Group Online
If You’ve Been Hurt on the Water, Don’t Wait
Boating cases often involve complex laws and multiple jurisdictions. Evidence disappears quickly—witnesses leave, boats are repaired, and reports fade. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Whether you’re an injured passenger or facing criminal charges, Rideout Law Group stands ready to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.