Boating accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries or the death of passengers. If carelessness is found to be the cause of an accident aboard a boat, the negligent party may be guilty of a criminal act.
Numerous types of watercrafts can be involved in boating accidents including:
- Barges
- Charter Boats
- Commercial Boats
- Cruise Ships
- Ferries
- Fishing Boats
- Personal Vessels
- Yachts
Many boating accidents occur as a result of the operator’s inexperience or negligent actions. Unfortunately, many accidents of this nature are preventable. Other accidents may be caused by:
- Carelessness
- Collisions
- Explosions
- Fire
- Hazardous Weather Conditions
- Mechanical Failure
- Speeding
- Unsafe Water Conditions
- Use of Alcohol or Drugs
Boating accidents can cause many serious injuries, including brain damage, broken bones, burns, head injuries, as well as, incidents of unnecessary drowning.
A written accident report must be filed with the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Penalties for noncompliance can result in fines and/or imprisonment. Any accident which results in death, disappearance, loss of a vessel, major injury, or property damage over five hundred dollars must be reported to the appropriate authorities.
If you have been injured or a loved one has lost their life to a San Bernardino boating accident, it is time to take action against irresponsible parties. The legal knowledge of boating laws is available at a California firm experienced in handling a wide range of boating accidents. Contact them to discuss the options available for compensation of your injury related expenses. Watercraft injuries often cause lasting physical and emotional effects, loss of income, rehabilitation expenses, unplanned medical expenditures, and other out-of-pocket costs. Call today, expert legal help is available at our directory of local SB lawyers.
