Every year, hundreds of people are killed in boating accidents, and thousands more are injured. Many of those accident victims are right here in Los Angeles. A boat accident can occur on any type of watercraft, whether it is a privately-owned boat, a ferry, cruise ship, or any other type of vessel. Boat accidents are very common in Los Angeles, as California has more registered boat owners than any other state in the country. If you or someone you love has been injured in a boat accident caused by the negligent actions of someone else, our Los Angeles boat accident lawyer can help you file your claim.
What Causes Boat Accidents in Los Angeles?The vast majority of boat accidents are entirely preventable. Most crashes are the result of inexperienced or inattentive boat operators. Some people simply do not understand the dangers associated with operating a vessel. Fatal boat accidents are usually caused by vessels capsizing, crashes with other types of watercraft, and passengers falling overboard.
It is not uncommon for impaired boating to be a factor in boat crashes. According to the United States Coast Guard, boat operators that have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .10 or more are 10 times more likely to be killed in a crash than a boat operator that had not consumed alcohol. Two-thirds of fatality victims were passengers when an impaired boat operator was a factor.
Do You Have to Report Boat Accidents in Los Angeles?Under California’s boating laws, boat operators are required to report any accident. Boat operators must provide their name, contact information, and vessel registration numbers to anyone else involved in the crash, and to any injured individual. All boat operators must also provide a report in writing to the California Department of Boating and Waterways if the accident caused:
If an accident resulted in injury, death, or disappearance of a person, a report must be filed within 48 hours of the crash. If an accident only resulted in property damage, the report must be filed within 10 days. A boating accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help ensure that you take action within the necessary amount of time.
Boating Laws in Los AngelesBoat operators in Los Angeles and throughout the state must comply with many state, federal, and maritime laws. Under state law, boat operators cannot speed excessively, boat while impaired, or otherwise operate their vessel in a negligent manner. State law also prohibits boat passengers from sitting on the bow or any other place where they are at an increased risk of falling overboard.
Under the Federal Boat Safety Act in 1971, all vessels must be equipped with certain safety equipment approved by the United States Coast Guard. This includes personal flotation devices, gas ventilation devices, fire extinguishers, flame arresters, sound producing devices, and visual distress signals.
A Boat Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Can Advise on Your CaseIf you have been injured in a crash, our Los Angeles boat accident attorney at Brod Law Firm can provide the legal advice you need. Attorney Brod has helped many people recover the damages they deserve after a crash, and he will put that experience to work for you, too. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.