The lure of the Pacific Ocean makes boating a popular leisure activity in California. Unfortunately, if the proper safety precautions aren’t taken, boating can be extremely dangerous. Accidents can happen when a boat collides with another vessel, is overwhelmed by the wake of another boat, hits a wave, crashes into a pier or dock, or strikes a submerged object, rock or land.
If you were injured in a boating accident that was caused by another’s negligent conduct, you may be able to recover compensation. The personal injury law firm of J&Y helps boating accident victims in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Francisco County, Sacramento County, and all of California.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents on California Waterways
Even in the best of weather boating accidents often occur for the following reasons:
- Operator inattention or inebriation
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Operator inexperience
- Collisions with debris or obstacles in the water
- Failure to yield to an oncoming vessel
- Improper passenger or skier behavior
- Improper boat loading
Passengers can also be injured by slipping on the deck, hitting their heads in the low-ceiling indoor area, or falling overboard. In addition, boating accidents can be caused by engine or propeller malfunction that can lead to fire or capsize.
Boat Owners’ Responsibility
In California, boat owners’ are responsible for ensuring that passengers are safe at all times. They must operate the vessel safely and act with reasonable care not to cause injury to passengers or other boaters. A boat owner who fails to meet this responsibility can be held liable.
In addition, safety laws require boat owners to provide all passengers with safety jackets, and to have other safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, navigational lights, throw-able rings, and flares on board. If an accident occurs and injuries are made worse because of a lack of safety equipment, the boat owner or operator may be found negligent.
How the law firm of J&Y Helps Boating Accident Victims
If you are not a professional boater, you can’t be expected to know how to keep yourself safe at all times while on or near a ship. The experienced boating accident attorneys at J&Y can help you if you were injured in a boating accident caused by the negligence of another person. You may be able entitled to damages for medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you were injured or had an accident while on a boat, call our office today at (888) 806-6722 for a free evaluation of your case.