Boating accidents in Burbank, California, often happen because people do not take the proper safety precautions when operating their boats. Instead, they are out enjoying their time with friends and family, listening to music, and messing with their cell phones. While boats are meant to be fun, relaxing, and entertaining, a dangerous or deadly boating accident may arise if you do not pay attention and drive carefully.
The boating accident lawyer at Simmrin Law Group is aware of the laws and regulations put in place for boats in California. That said, if you have been hurt in a boating accident in Burbank or surrounding areas, our attorneys are here to inform you of your rights and help you navigate the long and difficult legal process.
How Often Boating Accidents Happen in California
Beautiful lakes, ponds, and oceans surround California. Therefore, people often take advantage of being close to the water by spending time with their friends and loved ones on their boats year-round. However, the truth is that when there are boats, there are accidents.
The California Boater Card Program Report stated that close to 600 boating accidents were reported in California in 2021, leading to close to 300 injuries and 44 deaths. This means there were almost two boating accidents daily in California. The following are some of the types of boating accidents that are typically reported:
- Falling overboard
- Grounding
- Capsizing
- Flooding
- Boat collision
- A person ejected from the boat
- Fires
- Explosions
- Propeller accidents
Common Boating Accident Injuries
Just like motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents are known to cause sudden, permanent, and life-changing injuries. When a person is involved in a boating accident, they will most likely need to undergo years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, surgeries, and therapy. The reason for this is that boating accidents not only cause physical pain and suffering, but they can also cause mental trauma.
Here are the most common boating accident injuries that our clients suffer:
- Head and skull injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Amputations or loss of limbs
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Back or spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
- Cuts or lacerations
- Hypothermia
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Severe bruising
- Drowning
The Causes of Boating Accidents
Even the most careful people are at risk of being involved in a boating accident. However, some factors put people at more risk than others, such as:
- Drinking while operating a boat
- Using drugs while operating a boat
- Faulty or defective boat parts
- Speeding
- Waves and wakes
- Improper maintenance
- Operating the boat in inclement weather
- Operating the boat at night or in the dark
- Distracted driving or failure to pay attention
- Lack of boating experience or education
- Too many passengers on board
- Reckless or careless driving
Who You Can Hold Liable for a Boating Accident in Burbank, CA
While most people assume that the boat’s operator is always liable in a boating accident, this is untrue. Before automatically determining that a boat operator was negligent, other parties may also play a role in your accident. A boating accident attorney in Burbank, CA, from Simmrin Law Group will investigate all parties involved to help you find out who is responsible.
Some of the parties we may consider in our investigation include:
- The operator of the boat
- The passengers
- The manufacturer of the boat
- The owner of the lake, water, or property
- The owner of the boat
At Simmrin Law Group, we take these types of accidents very seriously. Therefore, we will do everything possible to determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for their negligent actions and behavior.
How Burbank Boating Accident Attorneys Prove Negligence in Your Case
When a boating accident occurs in Burbank or other California cities, a boating accident lawyer must prove negligence was a factor that led to the accident. To do this, these four key elements must be presented:
- Duty of Care: The person or party owed you a duty of care, meaning they were required to keep you safe or harm-free.
- Breach: They breached this duty by acting or behaving negligently.
- Causation: The breach directly caused your accident.
- Damages: The accident led to your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
The Types of Losses that Can Be Claimed in a Boating Accident
If you have been injured in a boating accident because of someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover your losses. A boating accident attorney in Burbank will stand up against the individual who caused your injuries and fight aggressively for your right to the compensation you are owed. Our team will sit down with you and help you determine the losses you can claim for this type of suit, which may include:
- Medical expenses, such as surgeries, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Scarring
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Counseling
The Time Limit to File a Boating Accident Claim in Burbank, CA
According to California’s statute of limitations, you must file a lawsuit for your boating injuries two years from the accident date. Even though two years may seem like a long time, these types of cases can become lengthy and complex. Therefore, contacting a boating accident lawyer in Burbank, CA, from Simmrin Law Group is recommended to begin your claim as soon as possible.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact a Burbank Boating Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Whether you were injured in a kayak accident or struck by a boat while riding a jet ski, our attorneys at Simmrin Law Group have what it takes to help you. We will use our experience, skills, and knowledge to evaluate your case, protect your rights, and stand up for the compensation you need and deserve.
If you are ready to schedule your free consultation and learn about the process’s next steps, call our office or fill out our contact form today. We look forward to reviewing your legal rights and options with you soon.