Boating accidents can transform a day of leisure on the water into a nightmare of injury and legal complexities. Whether involved in recreational boating accidents or a jet ski mishap, knowing the critical elements of boating safety, maritime law, and the steps to take as boat accident victims are essential.
With miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful bays on the West Coast, it’s no surprise California is a frequent site of boating accidents. According to a report from the California State Parks Department of Boating and Waterways, more than 80,000 vessels are registered in Los Angeles County – the most of any county in the state. Sadly, the county is also the highest in the state for boating injuries and fatalities.
If you were in a boating accident caused by the negligence of boating operators or someone else and you suffered a serious injury, you must consider your rights and options. When the injuries sustained are through no fault of your own, you may have the right to demand compensation from the responsible person or party.
Call Adamson Ahdoot LLP today to arrange a consultation with an experienced boat accident lawyer. We’ll answer your questions and review your case to learn if filing a claim is within your legal options.
Types of Boating Accidents
Recreational boating accidents typically involve private vessels used for leisure accidents, ranging from speedboats and sailboats to kayaks and canoes. Boating accident injury victims often face a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma or even fatal injuries.
Jet skis, or personal watercraft, are particularly prone to accidents due to their high speeds and maneuverability. Because of the lack of protection for the rider, jet ski accidents often result in significant boating accident injuries.
Factors Contributing to Boating Accident Cases
Why do boat accidents happen? According to statistics, several factors can contribute to an accident involving a boat or vessel. Unfortunately, most boating accidents are caused because of gross negligence. According to the California State Parks Department of Boating and Waterways, almost 82% of boat accidents are caused by inexperience or inattention of the boat operator. Operator inattention or negligence often results from riding too close to other boaters and vessels, failing to see other boat owners and vessels, and operating a boat while texting or talking on a phone.
Currently, California does not require a vessel operator to carry a boater card (license) unless he or she is under 40. Reports show that almost 68% of accidents in Los Angeles County involve boaters over 40.
Keep in mind that the state has only recently undergone plans to license all boaters. Before January 2018, the only requirement to operate a boat was to be older than 16. Additionally, a boating education course or a license is not required if you’re a non-resident or operating a rented vessel. As you can imagine, this can create situations where the waters are filled with boat operators who may not know how to safely operate a boat or vessel.
Other causes of a boating accident case include:
- Boating while intoxicated
- Defective safety equipment
- Overcrowded waters
- Excessive speed
- Disobeying boating laws
- Lack of proper safety equipment, such as safety jackets
Common Locations and Injuries of Boating Accidents
In Los Angeles County, boating accidents are most likely to happen in:
- The Long Beach area
- Santa Monica Bay
- The Catalina Island area
- Pyramid Lake
Personal injuries caused by boating accidents include:
- Hypothermia
- Cuts and contusions
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Shock
- Burns
- Internal organ injuries
- Neck injuries
- Wrongful death
- Boating fatalities
You shouldn’t have to suffer because someone else’s harmful actions caused you to get hurt. At our law firm, we’re prepared to fight for you, your future, and your family. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our personal injury lawyers won’t rest till we recover maximum compensation for your boat accident injury.
Legal Implications and Maritime Law
Maritime Law, also known as admiralty law, governs incidents on navigable waters. Boating accident victims may need to navigate complex maritime claims to seek compensation for injuries, property damage, and medical expenses. This can include claims against other boats, operators, and manufacturers.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard plays a crucial role in investigating boating accidents and enforcing safety regulations. They can provide valuable reports and evidence in maritime accident cases, which are essential for your boating accident attorney to create a winning claim.
Establishing a Strong Case with Boating Accident Attorneys
We’re a boutique firm with the experience and expertise of a larger practice. We’ve established relationships with experts and professionals in the legal arena to ensure our client’s cases are not undervalued. Along with these professionals, we’ll establish a strong case with hard evidence proving you need what we’re asking for.
Throughout the years, we’ve secured large settlements for clients suffering from serious injuries and can help you get full and fair funds for:
- Past, present, and future medical treatment bills
- Rehabilitation
- Anxiety and emotional distress
- Physical pain
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost income
- Disability
- Loss of consortium and more.
Winning a Boating Accident Lawsuit and Claim
Navigating the legal landscape following a boating accident can be complex and challenging. This is where the expertise of a boating accident lawyer becomes indispensable.
Boating accident lawyers possess specialized knowledge in maritime law. This expertise allows them to handle boating accident claims effectively, ensuring all legal aspects are covered and the rights of accident victims are protected.
When boating accidents occur, a thorough investigation is crucial to determine the cause and identify responsible parties. Boating accident lawyers conduct comprehensive investigations, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This detailed approach helps establish liability and strengthens your boating accident claim.
Another key element in boating accident lawsuits is proving negligence. Boat accident lawyers analyze the circumstances surrounding the accident to demonstrate the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care. Whether it’s a boat crash due to operator error, lack of proper safety equipment, or violations of maritime regulations, your boating attorney will work to prove negligence.
Consult a Boat Accident Lawyer from Adamson Ahdoot LLP
When the unexpected happens, turn to Adamson Ahdoot LLP’s team of personal injury attorneys. When suffering from an injury, our boat accident attorneys know it can be hard to think of legal matters, but it’s important you act quickly. If too much time passes from when your accident occurred, the state won’t let you file a claim and will stop you from trying to get damages.
For a free consultation to learn how we can get your boating accident claim filed quickly and accurately, call (800) 310-1606 as soon as possible. There’s no charge to call, and we can discuss your case privately, or anywhere it’s convenient for you. Every boat accident lawyer works on a contingent basis, meaning there’s no fee until we win your case.
Call us today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today
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