Every year‚ hundreds of people lose their lives in boat accidents‚ and many more are injured. If you have suffered considerable losses in a sailing‚ power boating‚ or water skiing accident‚ please contact the helpful Carlsbad boat accident lawyers at the Jurewitz. Our legal team is on standby to answer your questions and address your concerns.
According to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW)‚ a boating accident involves the death or disappearance of a person‚ an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid‚ and/or property damage exceeding $500 to all vessels‚ docks‚ and other involved property‚ or the complete loss of a vessel.
First and foremost‚ seek medical attention immediately. Only if you’re able‚ collect personal and contact information from the liable party as well as his/her insurance information. File a police report‚ collect witness statements‚ and retain all important documents. Have a physician draw up a medical report of the extent of your injuries. Take photos of any injuries and property damages that resulted in the accident. Last but not least‚ consult an attorney.
The biggest contributing factors behind boat accidents are operator inattention‚ careless/reckless operation‚ speeding‚ aggressive or reckless passenger behavior‚ inebriated operation‚ and improper lookout. These negligent acts commonly result in floods‚ fires‚ explosions‚ capsizing‚ falling overboard‚ and collisions with other vessels and structures.
Finding the answers to the following questions with help from an experienced boat accident attorney can help you identify the person or entity liable for your damages;
- Was the operator of the vessel drunk at the time of the accident?
- Was the operator driving too fast or in an otherwise reckless or careless fashion?
- Did the operator fail to adjust to certain adverse circumstances and conditions‚ such as choppy waters and low visibility?
- Did the accident occur due to a defective piece of boating equipment? Was the boat itself negligently designed?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident‚ you may have a viable claim or suit against the boat operator or the manufacturer of the boat equipment.
To ensure that you get the compensation you deserve‚ have an attorney conduct a thorough investigation. S/he may retrieve and use cell phone records‚ video records‚ work reports‚ prior accident reports‚ disciplinary action reports‚ and other relevant documentation which could serve to support your claim and help you achieve an optimal case outcome.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a boat accident in which another party was at fault‚ you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses‚ lost wages‚ property damage‚ and pain and suffering. After you report the incident to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW)‚ contact our dedicated Carlsbad accident lawyers at Jurewitz for immediate legal assistance. Our number is (760) 585-4640.