San Diego Boat Accident Lawyers
Boating Accidents : Boat Accidents
If You Are Involved in a Boat Accident, California Law Requires You to Report the Incident to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW). Contact a Lawyer to Help You Through This Process and Get the Money Damages You Are Entitled To.
San Diego's inland waters, San Diego Bay, and Mission Bay offer many of the best boating opportunities and recreational experiences in the United States. In California alone, there are roughly 900,000 vessels registered. Every year many thousands of boaters use San Diego waterways for sailing, power boating, 
water skiing, fishing and hunting. The congestion on our waters and open spaces also means that there is an increased potential for boating and recreational vehicle accidents resulting from negligence and criminal acts.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, the experienced San Diego boat accident lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group can help you seek the damages you are entitled to for your injuries. Contact us at (888) 233-5020 to set up a free consultation.
Most Common Types of Vessels Involved in Accidents
- Open Motorboat (46%)
- Personal Watercraft (22%)
- Closed motorboats (14%)
What is a Boating Accident?
The California Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW) defines a boating accident as:
- The death or disappearance of a person;
- Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid; or
- Property damage exceeding $500 to all vessels, docks and other property involved in the accident, or the complete loss of a vessel.
Types of Recreational Boat Accidents
- Capsizing
- Falling overboard
- Collisions with another vessel or structure
- Fire
- Sinking, flooding
- Explosions
- Disappearance of a vessel or passenger
75% of the total number of fatalities resulted in drowning and a vast majority of those victims-84% -were not wearing life jackets.
10 Boating Safety Tips
- Always wear a life jacket and insist that your crew and guests do the same.
- Never drink alcohol while boating.
- Take a boating safety course.
- Stay in control by taking charge of your safety and that of your passengers.
- Understand and obey boating safety recommendations and navigational rules of navigation before taking to the water, and practice them without fail.
- Operate at a safe speed and always maintain a careful lookout.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Have your vessel checked for safety - for free! The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Vessel Safety Checks at no cost.
- Use a carbon monoxide detector.
- File a float plan. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you always tell a friend or family member where you plan to go and when you'll be back.
If you or someone you love was injured in a boat accident due to someone else's negligence, you are entitled to receive compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If an accident occurs, California law requires vessel operators to report the incident to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW). Our experienced San Diego boating accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group will make sure that you get the compensation you need and deserve. Call us at (888) 233-5020.
Blog for Boat Accidents
- Fiesta Island Boat Accident Leaves Young Girl Injured
- August 9th, 2011
