Boating can be both fun and relaxing, but accidents on the water can lead to serious consequences. From collisions with other vessels to mechanical failures, the results may include severe injuries or even fatalities. Working with a Stockton boat accident lawyer could give you the support necessary to protect your rights and pursue recovery.
An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm can investigate the cause of the crash, work with experts, and negotiate with insurance companies that try to minimize your losses. At the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC, we understand the challenges of boating accidents. We meet clients in their homes when travel is difficult. Our team builds each case with the expectation that it could proceed to trial. This trial-ready approach can lead to stronger settlement offers.
Boating accidents may arise from a variety of situations. Some of the most common causes include:
Each of these factors requires an investigation. Law enforcement or Coast Guard reports, photographs of the scene, and testimony from passengers or bystanders can be important in proving what happened. Our team of boat accident attorneys in Stockton ensures that no detail is overlooked when building your case.
Determining liability in a boat crash can be more complicated than in a car accident. Responsibility for a boating accident can fall on more than one party, such as the operator, the vessel’s owner, a rental company, or even the manufacturer of defective equipment. Proving fault often involves a combination of eyewitness accounts, inspections of the vessel, and analysis of navigation or safety law violations.
California law requires operators to exercise reasonable care on the water, just as drivers must on the road. When someone fails to meet this duty, the court may hold them legally accountable for the injuries that result. By presenting strong evidence of negligence or showing that a defect caused the accident, we could position your case for compensation. Our team of watercraft accident lawyers works closely with Stockton investigators and experts to uncover every detail of what happened, ensuring that no responsible party escapes accountability.
Like other personal injury actions, boating accident claims are subject to strict filing deadlines. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 states that you have two years from the date of the boating accident to bring a lawsuit for personal injury in most cases. However, if the claim involves a government entity—for example, if the crash occurred on public waters under municipal control—you may only have six months to file a notice of claim.
These deadlines make it important to contact a boating injury lawyer in Stockton quickly. By starting right away, we could preserve documentation and question witnesses while events are still vivid to them. We ensure that we meet every procedural requirement. Unfortunately, waiting too long could mean losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Working with a Stockton boat accident lawyer can help you navigate the personal injury process. At the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC, we stand up to insurance companies, prepare cases for trial, and ensure your needs are recognized. If you have been injured in a boating accident, call us today to find out your next steps. We will make sure you know what paths are open and how to best move forward.