Boaters who are inexperienced may be at a greater risk of suffering serious bodily injury or death during an accident. Being on the open water is inherently dangerous, and those who enjoy boating need to maintain their vessels and remain aware of changing weather conditions; otherwise, they may suffer an injury and need to reach out to a boating accident lawyer in Pasadena. If you want to seek financial compensation for your injuries, then a Pasadena personal injury lawyer can help you learn about the legal options available to you.
The Types of Damages You May Claim in a Boating Accident Case
Every individual accident victim will have different kinds of injuries related to their personal injury lawsuit. The damages you can claim in a civil lawsuit are typically divided into general damages and special damages. General damages refer to losses such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, while special damages refer to losses such as medical bills, property damage, and lost earnings.
After you speak to a boating accident attorney in Pasadena, you may learn that you may also claim punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the defendant for committing conduct that is wanton, willful, or malicious. Punitive damages are also intended to deter the defendant from committing the same harmful conduct in the future.
Sometimes a court will award nominal damages in a civil lawsuit. These types of damages are often awarded in cases in which the defendant cannot prove the liability of the defendant, but the court wants to recognize that the injured party’s rights have been vindicated. If you retain a lawyer, you will likely receive more than nominal damages in your case.
The Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Pasadena, California
Although boating accidents are generally unpredictable, it is also clear that some types of behavior often cause boating accidents. Many accident victims may not realize what caused a boating accident until after the event. The following are some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Pasadena:
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Reckless or careless boat passengers
- Inexperienced boat operators
- Excessive speed
- Boating while intoxicated
- Ignoring no wake zones and boating safety rules
Irresponsible behavior while boating can quickly lead to a serious accident. It is important to focus on safe boating practices to reduce the likelihood of boating accidents. Protecting life and property are two of the most important principles inherent in the American legal system.
The Benefits of Retaining a Pasadena Boating Accident Lawyer
Retaining a boating accident lawyer in Pasadena will help you enforce your legal rights and ensure that you receive exceptional legal representation. If you are seeking monetary compensation for your injuries, then you will need to gather evidence to substantiate your legal claims. An attorney can make sure that you obtain the evidence you need for your case.
You will also be able to take advantage of attorney-client privilege and attorney-client confidentiality. It is necessary for you to speak candidly with your lawyer so you can protect your legal interests. Everything you say to your attorney will remain confidential.
Attorney work product is also an important benefit that can help you when you retain a lawyer. The legal impressions and conclusions made by the attorney regarding your case are protected from being discovered by opposing counsel. This legal protection can help your attorney formulate stronger legal theories that can benefit your case.
What You Should Do After a Boating Accident
Boating accidents often occur in a matter of seconds. Every person involved in a boating accident needs to take specific steps to reduce further injury, death, and property damage. The first thing you should do after a boating accident is contact emergency services by dialing 911.
Second, it is necessary to take photographs or videos of the accident scene, property damage, and physical injuries. Also, you should interview any witnesses who observed the boating accident. Third, seek out medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you believe you suffered only minor injuries.
After you perform these actions, you should seek out a boating accident attorney. Retaining legal counsel will help you solidify your legal claims and enforce your legal rights. You will have a greater likelihood of being respected by opposing counsel if you retain an attorney.
The Most Common Types of Boating Accidents in California
Boaters enjoy exploring different parts of the State of California. However, boating accidents may occur under many different circumstances. The following are some of the most common types of boating accidents in California:
- Operators not adhering to maritime regulations
- Overloading a vessel with cargo
- Lack of safety equipment
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Engine failure
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Falling off the boat
- Accidental drowning
- Fire on board the vessel
- Colliding with sand bars, docks, and other objects
- Colliding with other vessels
It is important to review all safety guidelines issued by the Coast Guard before you go out on the open water. Boating is a fun activity, but it can be extremely dangerous if an operator lacks experience or if environmental conditions become hazardous. Boating accidents often cause serious bodily injury and death.
The Different Parties Which May Be Liable During a Boating Accident
Many different parties may be liable during a boating accident. It is important to ascertain which parties may be responsible for your injuries so you can name them as defendants in a civil lawsuit. The following are some of the most commonly named defendants in boating accident cases:
- The boat manufacturer
- The owner of the vessel
- Cruise operators
- Marina owners
- Boat rental companies
- Boat passengers
- The boat operator
It is possible to list multiple parties as defendants in a civil lawsuit. It is essential that you speak to your attorney regarding the different steps involved in drafting a well-pleaded complaint for your case. Sometimes it can take attorneys a few days or a week to draft a strong complaint, but it is possible to amend a complaint after it is filed.
Boat Insurance in the State of California
Boat owners are not required to buy boating insurance in the State of California. However, borrowers who finance the purchase of a boat may need to purchase boating insurance under the terms of the financing agreement. Owners who purchase boating insurance will be able to pay financial compensation to any person who is injured during a boating accident.
It is also possible to receive compensation under an insurance policy if you suffer injuries during a boating accident. The boater who injures you may not have boating insurance, and therefore your own policy may be the only way you can receive assistance to pay for your medical bills and other costs. Speaking with a Pasadena boating accident lawyer is also a great way to obtain more information about boating insurance policies.
Learning more about boat insurance will help you make a more informed decision regarding your legal rights. Whether or not you possess boat insurance will be an important factor regarding the strategies your lawyer employs during litigation. Insurance is an important element in all cases involving personal injury.
Reach Out to the Simmrin Law Group Today if You Need a Pasadena Boating Accident Attorney
You do not want to wait too long to speak to a boating accident lawyer in Pasadena. If you are searching for legal representation, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our Pasadena boating accident attorneys will help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Litigating a boating accident case can involve maritime laws and other elements not related to other types of accident cases. We have experience working with clients who have suffered injuries during boating accidents in the State of California. Whether you are a water skier or a fishing enthusiast, it is important that you know your legal rights if you suffer injuries during a boating accident.
Our attorneys understand how devastating it can be to experience the physical pain and emotional distress caused by a boating accident. A beautiful day out on the water can quickly become a nightmare. If you need help seeking monetary compensation for your injuries, then reach out to the Simmrin Law Group.