It is such a treat to be able to escape from your daily routine and go sailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding or waterskiing. Boating is a fun sport and hobby, but the truth is that boats are just as dangerous as any other type of motor vehicle. Unfortunately, many do not take their responsibility on the water as seriously as they should.

It is no surprise that with the ocean, rivers and many lakes throughout California, it ranks second in the U.S. for boating accidents. The five primary factors resulting in accidents are operator negligence, inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol. The Operational Boating Statistic report states that in 2009, there were 4,730 boating accidents in the U.S. resulting from operator inattention. California has 900,000 registered vessels.

Any injury that occurs on or is involved with a boat, ferry, Jet Ski or cruise ship is considered a boating accident. Our attorneys have experience navigating the complex legal system involving waterway laws.

State and Federal laws require boat owners and operators to maintain their property. In addition, the law prohibits negligent operation in any way, shape or form. Negligence may take place in many ways including high speeds, alcohol use, driving near swimmers, operating the vessel in unsafe weather and many others. Reckless acts of boat operators can result in the loss of life, bodily harm or damaged property.

Although you cannot control the decisions others make on the water, you can be prepared by wearing a life jacket and doing your part to stay attentive. Also, because of the high number of boating accidents, the California Department of Boating and Waterways offers safety courses and education for beginner and advanced boaters.

Boating accidents are considered personal injuries – attorneys take a similar approach to boating accidents as they do automobile accidents. Preserving evidence from these accidents is extremely important and often crucial.

In the case of death, injury or disappearance, this report must be filed within 48 hours of the accident, or within 10 days in the case of property damage alone. In the case of an accident, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to advocate for your rights.

Our personal injury lawyers are highly experience in waterway laws may be able to assist you in recovering damages for medical bills, personal property, pain and suffering. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers we will be with you each step of the way. We advise that you see specialist to determine the extent of your injuries as many go injuries go undetected initially.

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have experience handling boat accident cases and have tried numerous cases to successful conclusion. Contact us today for your free case consultation. We currently have offices in San Diego, Oceanside, and Newport Beach in Orange County, California.