A highlight of California is the number of waterways available to explore by boat. However, this also means that there is a great deal of boat traffic traversing these waterways at any given time, increasing the likelihood of an accident. When a boating accident occurs, the situation can be murkier than that of a car accident when establishing liability. Working with an experienced California boating accident lawyer like the team at Setareh Law can help you determine who is accountable for causing the accident and how to best proceed with a compensation claim.
After all, you can sustain a significant injury in a boating accident, and the trauma can cause you to be hesitant to continue boating in the future. The negligent party that contributed to such a result should be liable for their carelessness, so determining the proper individual or entity responsible for the accident is essential.
Common Causes of California Boating Accidents
Many people incorrectly assume that boating accidents are not as severe as car or truck collisions. However, this could not be further from the truth, as boating accidents can quickly become fatal for those involved. There are many possible reasons a boating accident might occur in any of California’s waterways. Among the most common causes include:
- Boating under the influence
- Speeding
- Reckless maneuvers
- “Swamping” a boat
- Improper anchoring
As is the case with a car accident, individuals involved in boating collisions have a duty to report the incident to the proper authorities immediately. Those who fail to do so can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident just as they would if the collision in question involved a car or truck.
How to Determine Liability in a California Boating Accident
Identifying who is responsible for a California boating accident can be highly complex, which makes it vital to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Liability is not always as apparent as it may initially seem. Like motor vehicle accidents, boating collisions sometimes occur quickly and without warning. Therefore, those involved may make assumptions about what happened, but an investigation is required to uncover all the facts of the situation.
Establishing liability in a boating accident comes down to issues of negligence or recklessness. At Setareh Law, we consider every aspect of the case in helping you navigate the claims process. Our team will look at who was driving the boat, what actions were taken in the moments before and during the collision, and what extenuating circumstances may have contributed to the accident. These are all factors that help determine liability in the incident.
A Skilled California Boating Accident Lawyer Can Assist With the Claim Process
Boating accidents can be scary and life-changing, especially if they result in injuries or emotional distress. One of the reasons that boating accidents are so dangerous is that boats don’t come with many built-in safety mechanisms like cars or trucks do, so you are much more vulnerable to injuries. You are likely relying on the boat manufacturer and the person operating the boat to keep you safe. This is also applicable to other boaters expected to follow boating laws and regulations. When this doesn’t happen and an accident occurs, the responsible party should be held accountable for their careless actions. Setareh Law can help you determine who is liable for a California boating accident and what steps to take to move forward with a claim.
To establish liability and learn what your options might be to pursue compensation, start with a free consultation. Call us at (310) 659-1826 or reach out online to learn how we may be able to assist you. We also speak Spanish.