Boating Accidents
Los Angeles Boating Accident Lawyer
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The waters off the West Coast are heavily used by merchant ships, recreational boaters and U.S. Navy vessels. With over 6,400 miles of ocean shoreline and nearly 8,000 square miles of inland water, there are countless opportunities for boating, fishing and other water sports. There are also many opportunities for accidents, injuries and fatalities.
In 2019, there were six accidents involving recreational boaters that were actually reported to the Coast Guard, and only one fatality. According to the Coast Guard, the most common causes of fatal boat accidents among recreational boaters include alcohol, hazardous waters and operator inattention.
Tips for Safe Boating in Southern California
Boat accidents can occur in a variety of situations that include boats ranging from ocean-going commercial and cruise line vessels to small recreational crafts. When referring to a motor vehicle accident we often refer to the “Rules of the Road” in order to determine what each person’s responsibilities were regarding the safe operation of their vehicle.
- Be Weather-wise
- Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
- Use Common Sense
- Designate an Assistant Skipper
- Develop a Float Plan
- Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
- Avoid Alcohol
- Learn to Swim
- Take a Boating Course
- Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
By following these basic safety outlines, drivers can avoid many of the common causes of accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boat accident, the boat operator is responsible for filing an accident report and submitting the report to the applicable state agency, the Coast Guard, or both. If you have suffered injury or someone has been killed, you must report the accident within 48 hours of the accident. If the accident only caused property damage, the report must be filed within 10 days.
Cruise Line Accidents
Cruises are meant to provide a fun and relaxing time for passengers. Unfortunately, just like on any other boat, dangerous accidents can occur on cruise ships as well. Accidents may include slip & fall accidents, boat collisions, “grounding” (the ship bottom making contact with sea floor), onboard illness or food poisoning, inadequate security, and more.
To pursue damages for your injuries on a cruise ship, you will need to first read your ticket and any applicable policies listed there. An attorney can then help determine whether the cruise ship failed to abide by safety standards under cruise ship regulations and/or if they failed to show “due care” under maritime law.
Contact a Los Angeles Boating Accident Lawyer
Your initial consultation is completely free. If you choose to hire our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay us a percentage of what we win in your case. If we don’t recover any compensation, you don’t pay us a dime.
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Recent Testimonials
“Thank you for the compassion & great professional service that I received from your office. If the need arises I will refer anyone who needs representation to your office. Sincerely”
– Linda S. Barrett
“When he told me the settlement on my case I started to cry I was so taken back. I wrote my first yelp review this morning on your company. I’m still in awe. This is my first accident I’ve ever been in …”
– Debbie R
“You did exactly what you said you would do and always kept us in the loop and treated him with the utmost respect.”
– Marilyn and Jack B.
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