A California boat accident attorney notes that the crew of a whale-watching boat said a stuck throttle is to blame for a crash that injured at least seven people and sent three of them to local hospitals. When people are injured or killed in boating accidents, the injured party or surviving family members may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of a boat accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated California boat accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Report: Mechanical Malfunction May Have Led to Boat Crash
A mechanical malfunction is the presumed cause of a San Diego, California, boat accident involving a whale-watching ship that sent three to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging in severity. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, further investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and harbor police will determine if the ship’s throttle became stuck in the forward position, as suspected, or if other factors may have contributed to the crash.
While the three passengers who were treated at hospitals suffered back, neck and leg injuries, another four passengers were treated onsite for injuries described as mild to moderate in nature. Witnesses described a harrowing scene where passengers were thrown from furniture, knocked against walls and ordered by crew members to hold on to something securely in preparation for impact. Whether overcrowding was a factor will also likely be revealed pending further investigation into the incident. There were said to be 144 passengers on board at that time of the accident, though it is unclear if this number included crew members. The ship’s capacity was 150 people.
How a California Boat Accident Attorney Can Help
Boating accidents can be caused by operator error or negligence, improper maintenance, or manufacturing errors. People who are injured by negligent boaters may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income or ability to work
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
Boating accidents often present complicated issues, such as determining all potential responsible parties, and negotiating fair and reasonable compensation for injuries and other damages is likewise often difficult. People who have been injured in a boating accident are advised to seek the counsel of a California boat accident attorney.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
