Boating can be exciting and relaxing, and many enjoy the recreational opportunity that it provides in both saltwater and freshwater. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are currently more than 12.1 million vessels registered in the country. However, while boating is one of the most popular forms of entertainment, it is not always safe. Although statistics indicate that the number of deaths, accidents and injuries associated with boating all declined between 2011 and 2012, there were more than 4,500 boating incidents that caused 651 fatalities, 3,000 injuries and $38 million in property damages.
The most common types of vessels involved in boating accidents were cabin motorboats, personal watercraft and motorboats. Additionally, the top five main causes of boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, are:
- Machinery failure
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Excessive speed
- Operator inexperience
Statistics also show that alcohol was the cause in 17 percent of deaths that occurred in boating accidents. If you have been injured in California, you may wish to seek legal counsel from a California boat accident lawyer to determine if you are able to recover damages for your injuries. With the exception of failure of the machinery or components, each one of the most common causes of accidents occur due to negligence by the operator or owner, and those individuals should be held responsible for the accidents that result from their negligence.
A California boat accident lawyer can help you determine if the operator of the vessel acted negligently or irresponsibly or violated any laws that would have caused the incident and the injuries from which you are suffering. If you lost a loved one, a California boat accident lawyer can also help you file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for your loss. While no amount of compensation can bring back a loved one, recovering compensation for burial and funeral expenses, lost income and other damages can help loved ones recover financially so they can focus on recovering in other ways.
Do You Need a California Boat Accident Lawyer?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident and you would like to learn more about pursuing a claim, contact Attorney Group for California today. We can answer your questions and provide you with a free case evaluation to help you determine if you have a claim. We can also connect you with an experienced California boat accident lawyer who can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
