Founder and Managing Partner
Everyone is looking for some fun and excitement this summer, especially after spending most of last year in lockdown during the pandemic. Some people are having the time of their lives at the beach, and others are firing up the grill to entertain guests they haven’t seen in a while. Still, others live life on the wild side, driving their boats out on the lake as the breeze flows through their hair.
Unfortunately, suppose you are out in your boat. Instead of having a great time in the hot California sun, you find yourself in a boating accident. What can a California boat accident lawyer do to help?
Why Do Boating Accidents Happen?
Boating accidents are very prevalent, especially this time of the year. According to a recent study in 2019, 613 people in the United States died in a boating accident, and 2,559 were injured. Although it seems that boating is a relatively safe activity, here are some reasons why a boating accident may occur:
- Reckless actions while driving
- The boat’s engine or steering went bad
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Capsizing
- Bad weather or water conditions
According to U. S. Coast Guard statistics, boating accidents not only cause injuries but may cause millions of dollars in property damage. Although some accidents can’t be prevented, a few ways that boaters can minimize accidents is to be aware of their surroundings, never operate the boat under the influence, and ensure that the boat is maintained and properly equipped.
How Common Are Boat Accidents in California?
There are close to a million registered watercraft in the state of California. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that many people in California love to get out on the water and enjoy their boats. However, with so much traffic on the water during the summer, this increases the risks for boating accidents. Not only are people driving boats at risk for being involved in a boating accident but so are other people on the water including those who are water skiing, jet skiing, and more.
Other common types of watercraft collisions in the local area are parasailing accidents and collisions with other boats, objects, or people. Other boat accidents include boat fires, slip and falls, and SCUBA accidents. While most boat operators in California are very responsible, boating accidents can still occur. Boat accidents may not be as frequent as car accidents, but they are relatively common in California.
How Can an Attorney Help You With Your Boating Accident Case?
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident, a California attorney specializing in boating accidents can help. In most cases, insurance companies deny legitimate claims made by those injured in a boat collision. An excellent California boat accident lawyer will help a client by investigating the details of the boat accident and challenge the denied insurance claims. An experienced attorney specializing in boat accidents will work hard to get clients the justice and the compensation they deserve for lost wages, medical bills, funeral expenses, and more. Contact our office today for a free consultation.