Boating is a favorite activity of many Californians who love to spend their leisure time on the water, exploring, fishing, and enjoying the company of family and friends. No one is prepared when the fun turns to tragedy and someone else’s negligent act causes an accident that results in a serious injury or death. California is among the states with the highest number of boat owners. With well over 800,000 boats registered in the state, it is inevitable that there will be some boating accident injuries, especially when recreational boaters add alcohol to the equation.
California had 473 boating accidents and 53 fatalities in 2012 according to the California Department of boating and waterways. Drownings and near-drownings, amputations, and head injuries are among the most common injury types.
California boating accidents include those that involve personal water craft —”wave runners” or “jet skis”— which cause a disproportionate number of the state’s boating accidents.
When a boating accident takes place on navigable waters, in the ocean, admiralty and maritime law usually apply. On non-navigable waters, like California’s interior lakes and rivers, California state law applies when making a personal injury claim by Premier Law Group.
CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA
These are some of the most common causes of boating accidents in California for which another party may be held liable:
- Lack of experience operating a boat
- Alcohol use
- Speeding
- Operator distraction
- Ignoring regulations
- Watercraft design defects
- Equipment failure
BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS SAFEGUARD YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
Whether you are recovering from an injury, caring for a family member who has been badly hurt, or grieving the death of someone you loved, having an experienced California boating accident attorney working for you can ease the burden you’re facing and improve the potential outcome of your case. Hiring experienced legal counsel is the best way to ensure that your right to a full and fair recovery is being protected, Click now.