Fresno Boating Accident Attorney
Spending your time on the boat can be a fun pastime for you, your family, and your friends. If you live in Fresno, California, you can enjoy the local lakes or a getaway to the Pacific coast. Unfortunately, with so many boating opportunities in Fresno, people are also more prone to being involved in boating accidents. The more boaters, jet skiers, or swimmers enjoying the water, the higher the risk of dangerous accidents.
A boating accident can occur due to someone else’s negligence, including boat operators, equipment sellers, or manufacturers. If that happens to you, you and your family have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. When a boating accident arises, seeking help from a California boating accident attorney is advisable.
The Most Common Types of Boating Accidents
A boating accident can lead to unexpected costs based on the nature of your accident and the severity of your injuries. The United States Coast Guard noted that 2,511 boating injuries were reported in the U.S. in 2018. The total property damage reached almost $46 million. Moreover, in the United States, the ownership and operation of ships and boats are subject to local, state, federal, and maritime laws. Such factors may be vital when trying to determine liability in a boating accident.
The most common vessels involved in boat accidents are personal watercraft, sailboats, pontoons, yachts, cruise ships, cabin cruisers, inflatable boats, or rented watercraft. Regarding the variety of boating accident cases our Fresno boating accident attorneys handle, they include:
- Alcohol-related boating accidents: drunk driving is one of the leading causes of boating accidents in the United States.
- Boating accidents caused by speeding: boating at an excessive speed not only makes the boat difficult to control, but it increases the chances of injuries or death in the event of an accident.
- Accidents caused by defective types of equipment: a negligent manufacturer can lead to an equipment malfunction and contribute to your boating crash.
- Violations of boating regulations: there are strict laws governing who can operate a boat, where it can be used, and how it must be handled. Failing to obey these rules is illegal and can result in injuries.
Additionally, the California Department of Boating and Waterways states that boating accidents can be caused by:
- Operator inexperience
- Operator inattention
- Overloading and improper loading
- Not wearing safety equipment
- Drug use
- Waves
Getting in touch with one of our California boating accident lawyers can be the difference between obtaining full compensation or getting none. Contact our legal team right away so we can hear your boating accident story.
Boating Safety Tips
Before you’re setting sail, it is crucial for everyone on the boat to follow some safety rules, including:
- Check the weather forecast
- Head for shore right away in stormy weather
- Wear a life jacket
- Keep a safe speed at all times
- Avoid environmental hazards
- Check your boat’s engine and fuel supply
- Learn to swim
- Never operate a boat after drinking alcohol or let anyone operate the boat who has consumed alcohol
- Always carry a first aid kit
- Keep a fire extinguisher on the boat
When Should You Contact a Fresno Boating Accident Attorney?
The road from bodily injury to financial compensation in a boating injury case can be challenging and overwhelming. Your situation may worsen by the financial hardship that accompanies your recovery. If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in a boating accident due to someone’s negligent actions, contact a personal injury attorney from Grossman Law Offices. It may take only a few days before valuable evidence becomes unavailable for your case, so you should take action immediately.
California has a strict statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits. At Grossman Law Offices, our legal team can immediately investigate the cause of your boating accident, identify the accountable parties, handle the insurance companies, and calculate your damages. Once the deadline passes, your boating accident case will be dismissed entirely.
Whatever the circumstance of your accident, you and your family deserve fair compensation for your injuries. However, navigating the legal system yourself is difficult, so get in touch with a skilled personal injury attorney who knows how to deal with boating accident cases.
Why Choose Grossman Law Offices?
When involved in insurance claim settlement negotiations or civil actions, our boating accident attorneys can fight for you. As your legal representation, our team can help you understand your legal options. If you decide to work with our legal team, we can start the boating investigation process immediately by revisiting the site of the boat crash.
When you work with Grossman Law Offices, you can rest assured that we have a vast experience and knowledge in the laws that govern boating accident claims. We’ll fight aggressively to get you the highest possible compensation. Our attorneys look at photos, interview the witness, inspect the boat, or get more information about the other parties involved. We will also gather medical and police reports regarding your boat crash and injuries.
At Grossman Law Offices, we will fight to get you the best compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. Whether your personal injuries occurred due to an accident on the water by boat, jet ski, or other power watercraft, we will provide you with the necessary professional help. Our personal injury lawyers understand California’s complex boating accident cases, so we are here to help 24/7.
