California is home to many great lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. While boating is a great way to enjoy the summer sun, when boaters act carelessly, accidents happen that can cause devastating injuries. Boat accidents often include capsizing, fires onboard, a collision with another vessel, an underwater obstruction, and even slips and falls on deck.
Fortunately, you could recover compensation based on the damages and losses you sustain when you are involved in a watercraft accident due to someone else’s actions or inactions with the help of a trusted local personal injury attorney. Let a Stockton boat accident lawyer from our firm assist you by investigating the cause of the crash, advocating for your best interests, and pursuing the compensation you need to move forward.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
Most boat accident cases occur due to operator negligence, but in some cases, a defective boat part or other factors can cause an accident on the water. Some of the common reasons boat accidents occur include:
- Inadequate training
- Distracted boat operator
- Speeding or reckless boating
- Mechanical failures or defective boat parts
- Inclement weather or poor boating conditions
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
These are just a few of the ways negligent boaters and other failures cause accidents on California waterways. Boat operators have a duty to operate their boats safely, which means following boating rules and prepping their vessels with the appropriate safety equipment. When you believe someone else’s negligent or careless actions contributed to your injury, contact a Stockton boat accident attorney who can review the details of your accident to determine its cause and who can be held liable for damages.
Recoverable Compensation for Boat Accident Injuries
After a collision on the water, boaters and their passengers can sustain a wide range of injuries from tissue damage, whiplash, cuts and bruises, and broken bones to more catastrophic forms of harm like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death. When someone else’s negligence contributes to the accident, the injured person can pursue compensation. A successful lawsuit or settlement with the at-fault party could reimburse for the economic and non-economic losses caused by the event.
Economic damages include those with a set financial cost such as past and future medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include the more subjective losses related to the accident such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and a loss of enjoyment of life. While no amount of money can reverse the physical and emotional pain that follows a boat accident, it can mitigate the financial impact on the injured person and their loved ones. Our trusted Stockton boat wreck attorneys can ensure that any settlement offers adequately reflect the full amount of losses a person has experienced, and if negotiations do not yield the desired result, our team is not afraid to take matters to court.
Liability After a Boat Accident
Determining who is at fault after a boat accident can be complicated. In some circumstances, there could be multiple parties responsible. When the boat operator was negligent and caused the accident, passengers can seek damages from that driver. When the operator of another watercraft caused the accident, liability would fall to them. However, sometimes a third party is at fault, for example when a defective boat part causes an accident, the injured parties could sue the manufacturer for their injuries under a theory of strict liability. It is beneficial to discuss the case with an experienced attorney who can help investigate who bears legal responsibility for the event.
Hire a Stockton Boat Accident Attorney for Trusted Guidance
When someone else’s negligence causes you to sustain injuries in a boat accident, you have legal recourse. Work with a Stockton boat accident lawyer from our firm to evaluate your claim. Consultations are always free, and you will only be charged for our services if we are successful in winning you compensation. We are available at all hours and can come to you or arrange transportation for you if needed. Get in touch today to learn more.
