Summertime offers ample opportunities to enjoy the sun while on a boat, whether it is cruising up and down one of the many rivers or taking a spin around the lake. However, boats are similar to any other motor vehicle and require skill and awareness to operate safely, and of course, there is the added danger of being surrounded by water. That is why every person on board a boat needs to be extra careful.
Many California boating accidents are caused by negligent actions of the operator or passenger and can result in personal injury and property damage. Negligent boat operation includes operating the boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, excessive speed, driving at a reckless speed and failing to maintain the boat. A Sacramento boat accident lawyer can help you navigate through the entire legal process. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC if you or a loved one were involved in a boating accident to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Like car collisions, boating accidents can result in severe injuries to the operator and passengers. However, unlike car crashes, the risk of injury is much greater on a boat due to several factors. For example, boats do not have seatbelts to keep people in place during a collision or when the boat gets rocked by a large wave.
This could lead to broken bones and concussions. More importantly, the water itself presents a serious risk of someone losing their life by drowning. Beyond physical injuries and potential death, survivors may experience extreme emotional trauma from the incident and could develop a fear of the water.
An attorney in Sacramento with experience handling accidents involving water vessels can help victims recover the financial compensation they deserve for their injuries.
An experienced attorney will explain that some of the most common causes of boating collisions in Sacramento relate to the operator’s lack of experience, either in the actual operation of the vessel or in safety training. As a result, the state of California has established rules and regulations governing who is authorized to operate a boat.
For instance, all persons must be at least 16 years old and possess their California Boater Card to operate a motorboat legally. Obtaining a Boater Card requires the individual to complete a state-approved safety course and submit a certificate of completion. Regardless, it remains the boat operator’s responsibility to adhere to the rules to keep everyone on board safe from harm.
There are special reporting requirements for California boating accidents. The California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) requires a written accident report to be submitted within a certain time frame. A report must be submitted to the DBW within 48 hours of a California boating accident if one or more of the following occur:
A report must be submitted within 10 days of the accident if the accident involved a person who died more than 24 hours later or if there is property damage to the vessel exceeding $500.00. Failing to comply with these boating accident reporting requirements may leave a victim without recourse. Do not take any chances. Contact the skilled Sacramento boating collision attorneys at the Law Office of Brian H. Turner in Sacramento.
Boating is a wonderful recreational activity in the summertime. Unfortunately, the party-like atmosphere could cause the operator and other passengers to lose their focus on safety, increasing the risk of an accident and serious injuries. If you have been in such a situation, a Sacramento boat accident lawyer can help.
After a boat accident, victims may be able to recover damages related to the loss of income, pain and suffering, medical treatment and rehabilitation, loss of companionship, and future medical treatment. To get the compensation you deserve, contact the Law Office of Brian H. Turner for a free and confidential consultation with a Sacramento boat accident lawyer. Call 916.229.8800 or reach out online.
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