Riverside Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating is a popular activity that many partake in throughout California’s beautiful waters, but unfortunately some have found themselves in a boating accident with serious injuries or fatalities. Although watercraft accidents may seem uncommon, California’s Boating Safety Reports showed over 500 boating accidents, more than 200 persons injured, and around 50 deaths between 2015 and 2016. The causes attributed to these accidents are linked to operator failures, operator inexperience, hazardous waters, boat malfunction, and many other factors. 

Watercraft injuries are severe and can lead many to life-changing injuries and ailments that require medical attention, treatment, and therapy for years. If you have been involved in a Riverside boating accident, you have the right to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim against those held liable. At Younglove Law Group, we take your case very seriously and are dedicated to helping our clients through the personal injury claim process.

Various factors can result in a boating accident, such as operating under the influence, hazardous water conditions, reckless behavior, and other reasons. There are over 800,000 watercrafts registered in California. Many accidents happen in Southern California’s waterways every year despite the many ways of utilizing a vessel safely. 

Some common types of boating and watercraft accidents may include:

• Collisions with other vessels  
• People falling overboard 
• Crashing into still objects 
• Boat flooding or swamping 
• Boat overturns/capsizing
• People ejected from the boat 
• Other reasons or unknown causes  

Below are some common reasons why boat accidents happen:

• Operating a boat under the influence 
• Speeding/reckless boat maneuvering 
• Inexperienced boating operator 
• Lack of knowledge of waterways and water safety 
• Boating in dangerous water and weather conditions
• Boat or parts malfunction
• Other factors and causes for boating accidents 

Boating accidents are very frightening and unexpected at times. It is imperative to practice boating safety guidelines and watercraft passenger safety to have fun and minimize the occurrence of an accident. Many accidents have occurred due to preventable measures and reasons that boaters ignored. Not all accidents are spontaneous or unpredictable, as many have complete knowledge and control of the water vessel they are operating.

Accidents in the water and with a watercraft may lead to severe injuries with permanent damage or fatalities in some situations. The Coast Guard reports almost 5,000 boating accidents every year in the United States, with over 700 deaths, 3,000 injuries, and $36 million in damages. In addition, the majority of these accidents occurred with a boating operator that had not completed a boating safety course. Operating a watercraft without safety measures and a skill set is dangerous and can result in severe injuries. 

Common injuries in boating and watercraft accidents may include:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries 
• Neck and back injuries 
• Broken or fractured bones 
• Amputations 
• Burn injuries 
• Paralysis 
• Internal bleeding and injuries 
• Drowning 

Factors such as the size of the boat, the number of people on board, the speed of the boat in the accident, and other factors contribute to the severity of injuries an individual may suffer from an accident. Boat accidents happen quickly and leave virtually no time to react or prevent danger. Passengers that do not wear life vests or get ejected off a boat can suffer injuries from impacting the water or still objects where they land. The injuries sustained from these types of accidents are not limited to physical injuries but also affect emotional and mental health.

Depending on the severity of the accident, the necessary treatment for an individual after a boating accident may vary. Since an accident is not limited to physical injuries, there are also damages in emotional and mental health that may result in months or years of needed treatment and therapy. Injured individuals may pile up hospital bills, medical costs, loss of pay from missing workdays, and other financial expenses due to boating injuries. 

Treatment and expenses the injured may need after suffering after boating injuries include:

• Hospital visits/costs 
• Surgeries and lengthy recoveries
• Doctor’s appointments and follow-ups 
• Physical therapy 
• Occupational therapy 
• Mental health counseling/therapy 
• Medical equipment 
• Medication and pain management 
• Additional personal, medical, and situational damages  

Regardless of the severity of a boating accident, many people need immediate medical attention from being in a watercraft accident. There are short and long-term injuries and damages associated with a boating accident, which may be latent. If you have been involved in a Riverside boating accident and sustained injuries due to someone else’s wrongdoing or error, you may qualify to file a claim and be compensated for your suffering and damages.

In California, you may file personal injury claims within two years from the date of the event. It may become stressful to file a personal injury claim without the needed legal advice that can help you maximize the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys at Younglove Law Group are skilled advocates who understand your case and the law and can help you with your accident. 

Parties that may be held liable in your boating accident injuries case can include:

• The boat operator at the time of the accident 
• The owner of the boat 
• Boat manufacturer 
• Company or person leasing the boat
• Other passengers 
• Other boaters or watercraft operators involved 
• Other liable parties 

Hiring experienced attorneys can help your case by finding all the necessary information and evidence to hold the responsible parties liable for your injuries and damages. In the case of a boating accident fatality, a wrongful death lawyer can help you recover compensation for the loss of a loved one. Boating accidents are severe and life-changing events. Every injured individual has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek justice and compensation to aid in their lengthy recovery.

At Younglove Law Group, our attorneys have the skill, experience, and dedication you need throughout your boating accident personal injury case in Riverside. We are available to help you recover the compensation owed to you for the damage and injuries you have sustained. Contact our office by filling out our contact form or call us at (951) 356-9639 to schedule a free consultation.