Los Angeles Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating is as popular as it is dangerous. Whether you're cruising up the Colorado river on your family party boat, racing past the Los Angeles harbor, or wake-boarding behind your buddy's new jet boat in Lake Havasu, it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Los Angeles is conveniently located just to the east of the Pacific Ocean and just west of the Colorado River. Many boaters live in Los Angeles and commute to nearby docks in Marina del Rey, Long Beach and San Pedro. Whether it is on the Pacific Ocean, the Colorado River or one of California's many beautiful lakes, boating is an exhilarating way to beat the heat and enjoy fun and togetherness on the water. However, it is important to remember that boating can get extremely dangerous very quickly. An accident on the water can prove catastrophic or even fatal.

The experienced Los Angeles boat accident lawyers at BISNAR CHASE have a long and successful track record of representing seriously injured victims and their families. We have a 96 percent success rate with our cases. Our team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff are committed to providing the highest level of customer service to our clients and their families.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles boating or watercraft accident, please contact us at 323-238-4683 for a free and comprehensive consultation with our experienced  Los Angeles Personal injury attorneys .

Legal Options for Injured Boaters in Los Angeles

After seeking out medical attention, you may begin to wonder how you will pay for the many damages you have suffered. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you may be able to seek support from the insurance provider of the other boater. It is common, however, for boaters and insurance providers to deny responsibility. If this happens to you, it may be necessary to explore your legal options.

You have the right as the injured victim of a Los Angeles boat accident to appeal the decision of an insurance company and to file a claim in court. For victims of serious injuries, civil litigation against the at-fault boater is often the only way to receive fair compensation.

Top 12 Most Common Boating Accidents

There are many reasons an accident on the water can happen. The highest percentage of water-based accidents is from inattention of the driver. Things can happen and environments can change in the blink of an eye when on the water.

If you aren't paying attention for a fraction of a second, you could miss your turn, run ashore, hit another vessel, water hazard, object or worse, a human being. Here's a list of the Top 15 Most Common types of boating accidents:

• Operator Inattention
• Improper Lookout
• Operator Inexperience
• Excessive Speed
• Machinery Failure
• Alcohol Use
• Navigation Rules Violation
• Force of Wave or Wake
• Hazardous Waters
• Weather
• Sudden Medical Condition or Emergency
• Distracted Operator
• Reckless Driving
• Mechanical Defect
• Stunt driving or controlled maneuvers

Boating Accident Injuries in Los Angeles

Boating or watercraft accidents can result in injuries similar to those suffered in car accidents. However, in these cases, there is the additional danger of drowning. Victims of Los Angeles boating accidents could sustain brain injuries in a high-impact collision, especially when an individual's head hits the interior of a boat.

Victims may sustain severe lacerations and amputations if they come into contact with a propeller or other sharp objects. Unless the victim is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, there is the potential risk of drowning as well. These types of serious, life-changing injuries can occur at a moment's notice. Therefore, it is important for all boat operators and passengers to exercise safe riding habits.

5 Ways to Be Proactive

It is possible to seek monetary compensation for all financial and non financial losses suffered in an accident. First, you should consider the medical costs that you have incurred as a result of the accident and injuries.

• Calculate not only the immediate treatment costs, but also the future medical bills that you may incur including the cost of rehabilitation services, medical devices and prescription drugs.

• You can also pursue support for your lost wages and your loss of earning potential if your long-term injuries will affect your ability to earn wages in the future.

• There are also non-economic losses that may be included in a claim. For example, victims of severe injuries can seek support for their physical pain and mental anguish.

• It is advisable to keep a journal of your day-to-day struggles since your injuries occurred.

• Create a log of the activities you are not able to perform because of your injuries. You are entitled to receive compensation for all the losses you have sustained as a result of the injuries you suffered.

Types of vehicles covered

There are many types of accidents that can occur on the water. Whether you're enjoying a lake, the ocean, rivers, inlets, bays or even large ponds, creeks or streams. Vehicles that are typically involved in water-based accidents consist of:

• Motorized Boats
• Inboard Engines
• Outboard Engines
• Sailboats
• Personal Watercraft's
• Jet Skis
• Seadoos
• Kayaks
• River Boats
• Jet Boats
• Commercial Boats
• Fishing Boats
• Dive Boats
• Submersibles
• Pontoons
• Ferries
• Hydrofoils
• Oil Tankers
• Patrol Boats
• Row Boats
• Trawlers
• Steam Boats
• Yachts
• Charter Boats

If you own a watercraft, vessel or boat, you should regularly perform routine maintenance to ensure it is properly functioning. Making sure your boat does not have any current or outstanding recalls, defects or issues that could result in a boating accident.

There are a number of things to check and make sure are not in need of repair. If repair or maintenance is needed, it is better to have completed it before you head out on the water.

Here is a general list of important items to check:

• Batteries
• Electrical System
• Fuel System
• Corrosion Prevention
• Navigation Lights
• Through-hulls
• Bilge Pumps
• Safety Equipment
• Personal flotation devices (PFD's)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ground Tackle (Anchors, etc.)
• Stoves
• Bathrooms

Checkout the entire detailed Semi-Annual Boating Maintenance Checklist for more details.

Boating Accident Prevention

First and foremost, everyone who is on a boat must wear a life jacket. Even individuals who are simply coasting at a low rate of speed should wear a life jacket so that they are protected in the event of an accident or a collision. Wearing a jacket will help keep you afloat in the event of a crash even if you lose consciousness.

It is advisable for anyone who wants to operate a boat to take a boating safety course. A refresher course can help even the most experienced boater avoid a crash. When behind the controls, make sure you only travel at a speed that is safe for the conditions on the water and that you're capable of. When there are multiple boats nearby, slow down. When the wind and rain pick up, dock your boat until the weather improves.

When it is safe to boat, make sure you have a spotter. It can be easy to over look small watercraft and swimmers. Your spotter should help you survey the surrounding area. Get rid of all distractions when you are operating a boat or watercraft. Put away your phone. Make sure you are not under the influence while boating and look out for other boaters who are behaving erratically.

Can you get a DUI on a boat?

Yes. The same rules apply whether you are intoxicated and driving a car, boat, motorcycle or personal watercraft. If you're at or above a blood-alcohol concentration, or BAC of .08%, penalties, fines and punishment include:

• Thousands of dollars in fines and penalties
• License restriction or suspension
• Treatment programs and workshops

Second, third and more time offenders are subject to much more intense punishment and fines. Learn more about DUI penalty specifics, and information on if anyone is injured or killed in the process Here.

(http://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/dui-laws-state/penalties-dui-california.htm#)

Involved in a DUI accident?

If you have been involved or have lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, let Bisnar Chase experienced team of lawyers be there for you and your family. We have over 35 years of experience and a 96 percent success rate.

If you are involved in a boating accident, it is important that you quickly determine if anyone has been hurt. If any injuries have been suffered, the authorities must be notified. Get the victims out of the water and wait for emergency services. You should exchange information with any other boaters involved and get the contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Witnesses are very important and will benefit your case.

Before you begin to forget important details, write down everything you remember about the collision. It is also important that you get prompt medical attention and document your injuries.

After all of the information is recorded and necessary actions are taken, contact Bisnar Chase for immediate assistance.

Top quality litigation and legal representation

Bisnar Chase is passionate about our clients. Since 1978, John Bisnar built the practice with one goal in mind; the best legal care possible for his clients. Bisnar Chase has helped over 12,000 clients and won over $500 Million in verdicts and settlements. If you are seeking qualified and caring Los Angeles boating attorneys, please contact our office to speak with one of our Los Angeles boat accident lawyers. To communicate with attorney immediately, call 323-238-4683 for a  Free consultation.