Common causes of boating accidents on California lakes and off our coastline include:
- Operator inattention or inebriation
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Lack of experience at the helm
- Failure to yield to an oncoming vessel
- Disregarding warning signs or instructions from the Coast Guard or from another maritime authority
- Maintenance failure
- Leaking fuel lines/explosions
- Collisions with debris or obstacles (e.g. rocks, wood, etc.) in the water
- Capsizing or other problems caused by inclement weather
California’s Department of Boating and Waterways puts out an annual report on the statistics of boating and fishing accidents off CA waters (and along the state’s 3,500 miles of shoreline).
Boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and fishing vessels are involved in several hundreds of accidents every year, dozens of which lead to serious injuries, primarily because most accidents involve collisions with other vessels. The second highest cause of boating injuries involve a flooded or swamped boat, where operators were unprepared as far as safety procedures and equipment are concerned; and the third leading cause of boat accidents is grounding.
Boating accidents do not occur randomly. Individuals who fail to wear lifejackets, who travel beyond designated water safe zones, who boat in high traffic areas, who boat while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or prescription medications, or who boat in crafts that don’t meet California’s stringent safety requirements, are all at higher risk.
Whether you’re searching for a way to collect damages for your wrecked motorboat, or you are having trouble negotiating with an insurance adjuster, you can turn to the boating accident attorneys Lewitt Hackman.
For four decades, this San Fernando Valley firm has provided cost-effective, high quality legal services for individuals in the Southern California area. Lewitt Hackman provides superior early-case analysis, utilizes alternative dispute resolution forums if and when necessary, and boasts unparalleled resources to tackle even the most complicated boat accident cases.
Call us at 818.990.2120, or e-mail us for a free consultation.