Murrieta Boating and Watercraft Accident Lawyers
The water is one of the main attractions of Southern California. From sailing and surfing to kayaking and canoeing to motorboats and jet skis, the Pacific Ocean and the lakes and rivers of Southern California hold endless potential for fun. Although car accidents and other dangers involving land transportation get a lot more publicity, water recreation also carries the risk of serious accidents. People have been injured and even killed in accidents involving boats and personal watercraft. Swimmers in the vicinity of these vessels are also at risk. The Murrietaboating accident lawyers at Gibbs & Fuerst can help you if you have suffered serious injuries in an accident related to boating or other water recreation.
The Dangers of Water Recreation in Southern California
While the chances of a boat colliding with another boat on the water are less than the chances of a car colliding with another car on the road, two-boat collisions are one of the possibilities for water recreation mishaps. More often, only one boat is involved in an accident, and multiple occupants get injured. For example, the boat or jet ski might strike a signpost in the water, or the vessel might capsize. Other times, the accident is the result of a poorly maintained boat, in which the boat takes on water or one of its engine components catches fire. In other cases, adverse weather conditions are the cause of the accident.
Just as in car accidents, alcohol plays a role in a disproportionate number of boating accidents. It is illegal to operate a passenger watercraft while under the influence of alcohol.
Who is Legally Responsible for a Boating Accident?
If you get injured in a boating accident, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party or parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if the person operating the boat was drunk and made an error that caused the boat to crash, you have a case against that person. If the accident happened because the boat was not properly maintained to comply with safety regulations, you have a case against the owner, since they are legally responsible for the boat. If the accident happened because of inadequate signage or because a marina was open when it was not safe to do so, you might have a case against the public or private entity responsible for the area.
Recovering Damages in a Boating Accident Lawsuit
If you file a boating accident lawsuit, you want to get your medical bills covered, as well as the income you lost when you were unable to work while receiving treatment for your injuries. If your injuries are very serious, you might even be able to get noneconomic damages to compensate for your physical and emotional suffering that resulted from the accident.
Contact a Murrieta Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Most personal injury lawsuits reach a settlement without going to trial, however, we will fight for your rights to get what you deserve. For a consultation, contact Gibbs & Fuerstonline or call 951-816-3435 to speak with an attorney about your case.