Boating Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Boating accidents are often complex legal issues. Often, negligent actions by an operator or dangerous weather conditions cause injury to others. Not only do local and state laws come into play, but maritime laws may be applicable as well. Should you suffer an injury, contact a Los Angeles boat accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. At The Ryan Law Group, our boat accident lawyers offer free consultations.
The Ryan Law Group of Southern California specializes in personal injury cases. Our dedicated legal team is experienced in helping victims recover damages that arise from the negligent actions of others. We also specialize in product liability claims and premises liability. Our lawyers are available to review the facts and circumstances of your injuries to help you determine the best course of action.
Why Choose The Ryan Law Group for Your Boat Accident Claim?
- Our lawyers always put the client first. We provide comprehensive legal services, industry experts and one-on-one care through every phase of a case.
- We have secured multimillion-dollar results. Our record of positive results includes obtaining one of the largest medical malpractice settlements in Orange County’s history.
- Our Los Angeles boat accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay unless your attorney wins your case.
Types of Boating Accidents
Whether you’re the victim of negligent actions, such as a failure to comply with safety regulations or carry the proper required equipment, our boat accident lawyers in Los Angeles have the experience and knowledge to understand and help with your claim. We will review all the information available to determine if you might have a valid case entitling you to compensation for your losses.
Another common cause of maritime accidents is boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In this type of accident, the operator of the boat is liable for any injuries and damages caused by their reckless behavior. Our boat accident attorneys have extensive experience fighting for innocent victims who have been hurt in accidents involving intoxicated boaters.
The decision to operate a boat in dangerous weather conditions can also have a devastating effect. Boating collisions and passengers being injured while going overboard are also common types of boating accidents.
Factors To Consider in a California Boating Accident Case
There are many factors that must be reviewed by our boating accident lawyers to determine the extent of the claim. The afflicted party may have significant medical expenses and experience a negative emotional impact, the effects of which may be felt long after completing medical treatment. Lost time, opportunity, and wages affect many of those involved in boating accidents. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will evaluate these factors while reviewing your claim.
Many times, the boat operator will fail to properly maintain the boat, resulting in a boating accident where others are seriously injured. While it may not be the intention of the boater to cause damage, it’s their responsibility to ensure that they are properly licensed and up to date with regulations and maintenance required for safe operation. Motors and propellers must be inspected and maintained regularly. Failure to repair a vessel due to lack of time or money is not a valid reason to put lives at risk.
While boating can certainly be an enjoyable pastime, there are risks involved. Observing safety measures, maritime laws, and all other regulations is critical. The emergency services response time is often much slower in a boating accident, as there are typically not as many people nearby who can respond quickly. The longer someone has to wait for treatment, the greater their risk of serious injury.
Who Is Liable for Boating Accidents?
Liability is the legal term for financial responsibility for an accident and the damages that it causes. In a boating accident case in Los Angeles, the liable party may be responsible for paying for injured victims’ medical bills, property damage and other losses. Before a victim can financially recover, however, he or she must determine the defendant and prove his or her liability. Liability for a boating accident in LA County could go to many different parties:
- The boat’s operator. The operator of a boat could be liable for an accident if he or she committed a careless or reckless act, such as boating under the influence, failing to check the weather or speeding.
- The boat’s owner. The owner of a boat could be liable for an accident that results from poor maintenance of the vessel. If a boat sinks due to a poorly repaired leak, for example, the owner of the vessel could bear liability for the accident.
- The boat’s manufacturer. If the boat contained a product defect that caused the accident, such as a faulty electrical system that causes a fire, the manufacturer or distributor of the product could bear liability.
If you are not sure who to hold legally responsible for your boating accident, hire a Los Angeles boat accident lawyer to investigate for you. An attorney can return to the scene of the accident, gather eyewitness statements, analyze photographs, hire subject-matter experts and take other steps to determine fault for the collision. Then, your lawyer can help you gather evidence to go up against the liable party or parties.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Los Angeles Boating Accident Claims?
If you wish to pursue financial compensation for a boating accident in Los Angeles, you must act quickly. All personal injury cases have a time limit of two years in the State of California. This is California’s statute of limitations, and it only has a few exceptions. One exception is the discovery rule.
If you do not discover your injuries until days after your boating accident, the clock will not start ticking until the date of injury discovery. Another exception is if you wish to file a wrongful death claim, in which case you will have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file, not necessarily the date of the boating accident. The best way to protect your right to file is to act quickly to consult with a local boat accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA.
Compensation for Boating Accident Victims in California
Although a financial award may not make everything right again after a devastating boating accident in Los Angeles, an award from the defendant could allow you and your family to pay the bills and finally move forward.
It is important, however, to make sure you obtain a fair amount from the defendant’s insurance company. Insurance companies often try to devalue claims to save money. With a lawyer by your side, you can fight for maximum compensation. Available damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and capacity to earn in the future
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Property damage
- Disability expenses
- Lost quality of life
- Legal fees and other financial costs
- Punitive damages
The exact value of your boating accident case will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries and how long your injuries will foreseeably impact your life. A boating accident attorney can review the specifics of your case to give you an accurate estimate of what it may be worth. Then, your lawyer can help you demand a fair and full financial award from an insurance company.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Boat Accident Lawyer
The Ryan Law Group has the knowledge and experience to handle boating accident claims and other personal injury matters. We will work diligently on your case to ensure the best possible outcome. You have the legal right to recover just compensation for injuries sustained through no fault of your own, as well as damages for pain and suffering. The Ryan Law Group will take the time to review your claim and give you a realistic perspective and timeline regarding your unique circumstances. Contact our Los Angeles boat accident attorneys to discuss your case in a free consultation.