Four Injured in Newport Beach Boating Accident
Four people were injured in Newport Beach in a boating accident that took place when two boats collided in the harbor. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the injury crash occurred the night of July 14, 2013 in the harbor at 1901 Jamboree Road.
Police say a 25-foot cigarette-type boat was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck the smaller, slower moving boat near the Newport Harbor jetty. One man and three women were transported to hospitals in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo. Their injuries ranged from cuts to breathing difficulties and a possible fracture. One patient also suffered loss of consciousness. The driver of the cigarette-type boat was interviewed by police.
 Boating Accident Statistics
According to a the California Department of Boating and Waterways, there was a total of 56 boating accidents in Orange County as a result of which three people were killed and four were injured. Statewide, 473 boating accidents were reported in which 53 were killed and 247 were injured. The top three causes of boating accidents in California were operator inattention, operator inexperience and speed.
 What Caused This Watercraft Collision?
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused this boating accident in Newport Harbor. Officials say the cigarette boat may have been traveling at a high rate of speed. Was the boat’s operator acting recklessly or was he or she under the influence? Was the operator inexperienced? Was he or she distracted at the time? I trust officials are in the process of looking into precisely what occurred here and why.
 Liability Issues in Boating Accidents
Boating accidents are, in many ways, like traffic accidents. A negligent operator who causes an accident and injuries can be held accountable. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach who has successfully handled claims stemming from boating and watercraft accidents. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.