Los Angeles Boating Accident Attorney

Injured in a Boating Accident in Los Angeles County?

Every year, thousands of Americans are injured in boating accidents, and hundreds die as a result of their injuries. Many of these accidents are caused by the negligence of other boaters, boat manufacturers, or boat rental companies. Victims of these accidents and their families may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When you need to assert your right to compensation following a boating accident, you can depend on the experienced Los Angeles boating accident lawyers at Wisner Baum. We have the resources and talent to take on even the most complex boating accident cases, and we have a proven track record of success.

Contact us online or call (855) 948-5098 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team. We are available to help clients in Los Angeles.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

A boating accident refers to any incident that occurs while operating a watercraft, resulting in damage to property, injury, or loss of life. Boating accidents can happen for various reasons, including operator error, environmental factors, equipment failure, or collisions with other vessels or objects.

Here are some common types of boating accidents:

• Collision: This involves two or more watercraft coming into contact with each other, which can result in damage to both vessels and potential injuries to passengers.
• Capsizing: Capsizing occurs when a boat overturns or flips upside down, often due to rough water conditions, improper weight distribution, or sudden shifts in weight onboard.
• Grounding: Grounding happens when a boat runs aground or becomes stuck on underwater obstacles such as rocks, sandbars, or reefs, potentially causing damage to the vessel's hull and propulsion system.
• Falls Overboard: This type of accident involves a person falling off the boat into the water, which can lead to injuries, drowning, or hypothermia if not promptly rescued.
• Fire or Explosion: Fires or explosions on boats can result from fuel leaks, engine malfunctions, electrical faults, or improper storage of flammable materials, posing serious risks to passengers and causing extensive damage to the vessel.
• Flooding or Swamping: Flooding occurs when water enters the boat, either due to leaks, waves, or heavy rain, causing the vessel to become unstable or sink. Swamping refers to a situation where the boat fills with water, often due to overloading or improper drainage.
• Propeller Strikes: Propeller strikes happen when a person or object comes into contact with the rotating propeller of a boat, leading to severe lacerations, amputations, or fatalities.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can occur on boats with enclosed spaces or poorly ventilated areas where exhaust fumes accumulate, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and even death if not addressed promptly.
• Equipment Failure: Equipment failures, such as engine breakdowns, steering malfunctions, or electrical issues, can cause accidents or leave boaters stranded and in need of assistance.
• Weather-related Incidents: Severe weather conditions, including storms, high winds, and rough seas, can increase the risk of accidents by making navigation difficult and potentially causing boats to capsize, collide, or become stranded.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can occur due to various factors, often involving a combination of human error, environmental conditions, and equipment malfunctions.

Here are some common causes of boating accidents:

• Operator Inexperience or Error: One of the leading causes of boating accidents is operator inexperience or error. This can include insufficient knowledge of navigation rules, lack of proper training in boat handling, or failure to anticipate and respond appropriately to changing conditions on the water.
• Excessive Speed: Operating a boat at excessive speeds can reduce the operator's ability to react to obstacles, other vessels, or changes in the environment, increasing the risk of collisions, capsizing, or loss of control.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making accidents more likely to occur. Alcohol is a contributing factor in a significant number of boating fatalities and injuries each year.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, rough seas, fog, or sudden storms, can create hazardous boating conditions, leading to accidents such as capsizing, swamping, or collisions with other vessels or obstacles.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment, including engines, steering systems, navigational aids, and safety gear, can lead to accidents or mechanical breakdowns while underway, putting occupants at risk.
• Collisions: Collisions with other vessels, stationary objects (such as docks, buoys, or rocks), or submerged obstacles (such as logs or reefs) are common causes of boating accidents, often resulting from navigational errors, distractions, or failure to maintain a proper lookout.
• Reckless or Careless Operation: Operating a boat in a reckless or careless manner, such as engaging in stunts, weaving through traffic, or ignoring navigation rules, significantly increases the risk of accidents and endangers both occupants and others on the water.
• Overloading: Overloading a boat with too many passengers or cargo can affect its stability and buoyancy, increasing the likelihood of capsizing, swamping, or sinking, particularly in rough water conditions.
• Lack of Proper Safety Equipment: Failing to carry and use essential safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and navigation lights, can impede the ability to respond effectively to emergencies and increase the severity of accidents.
• Distractions: Distractions such as talking on the phone, texting, adjusting radio settings, or socializing with passengers can divert the operator's attention from the task of safe boating, increasing the risk of accidents and collisions.

Our Los Angeles Boating Accident Lawyers Can Help

In the aftermath of a boating accident, seeking legal counsel from Wisner Baum can provide invaluable support and guidance. From investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to navigating insurance claims and pursuing compensation for damages, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal process with skill and compassion. With our experienced team by your side, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve as you focus on recovery and moving forward.

To request a free case evaluation, contact us today at (855) 948-5098 today.