Practice Areas Boating Accidents

Injury Lawyer Discusses Boating Accidents in the State of California

An experienced injury lawyer is aware that boating accidents are more common in the State of California than one may think. Additionally, boating accidents can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Many victims find themselves facing severe injuries that require prolonged hospital stays and expensive medical treatment. For the families and victims of these tragic accidents, recovery can be a long and difficult process. The sad truth is that many boating accidents can be prevented. On average, 70 percent of the boating accidents each year can be attributed to operator inattention, inexperience, and the use of excessive speed. If negligence played a role in your accident, contact our law firm to speak with an experienced boating accident attorney. 

When is a Boat Operator Held Liable for a Boating Accident?

If you were injured in a boating accident, whether or not you are entitled to compensation is determined by the same standard as most other personal injury cases. In order to recover damages for your accident, your injury lawyer must be able to show that the other party was behaving in a negligent manner, and that this behavior directly caused your accident. Some examples of negligent behavior include:

•  Operating a vessel at an excessive speed;
• Inattention while operating the vessel, such as failure to watch the water and carefully observe surroundings;
• Allowing non-licensed persons to operate a vessel;
• Operating a vessel in a careless manner in a heavily populated area;
• Leaving a vessel in operation without proper supervision;
• Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance.

Types of Vessels Involved in California Boating Accidents 

You can recover damages for any type of accident that occurred from any watercraft operating on a waterway if the owner or operator of that watercraft behaved in a negligent manner. There are a number of vessels that are frequently used on our waterways in California. These vessels include: motorboats, canoes, kayaks, yachts, rafts, sailboats, and jet skis. If you were injured in an accident that occurred on a waterway, an experienced injury lawyer can discuss the details of your case with you and help you determine whether or not you have a cause of action against the offending party.

What Compensation Will My Boating Accident Lawyer Pursue?

You have the right to sue and recover compensation if your boating accident injury was caused by someone’s negligence. Under California law, it is possible that you can recover compensation for:

•  All past and future medical expenses related to the accident;
• Any disabilities you may have incurred as a result of the accident;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of any future earning capacity;
• 133Pain and suffering.

An experienced boat accident attorney can discuss the individual details of your case with you and determine what compensation, if any, you may be entitled to receive.

Contact Us Today to Speak with a Top Boating Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you retain a boat accident attorney, the more likely your chances of success. For a free initial consultation, contact the Banafshe Law Firm, P.C. today.