If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a boating accident, contact GJEL for a FREE case review. Our boat accident lawyer team is committed to helping families and we will do everything possible to hold wrongdoers responsible.

GJEL handles serious injury and wrongful death cases from boating accidents throughout California.

$13,600,000 Trial for wrongful death boating accident View Case

Talk to a California Boat Accident Lawyer – You May Be Entitled to Compensation for:

  • Lost wages from injuries or death
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Funeral expenses
  • & more

We will fight for you at no out-of-pocket cost to you. You won’t pay unless and until we win your case. Contact a boat accident lawyer at GJEL today to find out if you have a case.

Contact Us

GJEL Is An Award-Winning Personal Injury Law Firm

GJEL is one of California’s highest-rated boat accident law firms and we have recovered over $950 Million dollars for our clients while maintaining a 99% success rate. We specialize in helping victims who have been seriously injured or killed in boating and watercraft accidents throughout California.

BOAT ACCIDENT LAWYERs 1
At GJEL we give every case the personal attention it deserves. We are boat accident experts

What You Should Do After A Boat Accident

At the Scene

Contact the nearest Coast Guard or state marine police station to file a report of the incident. Get names, contact information, and insurance information from any other boaters involved, and take photos of the accident scene. These reports and photos will preserve information and help with any subsequent settlement or litigation.

After a boat accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury appears minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries may not become apparent until days or even weeks after an accident.

After the Accident

If you have been involved in a boating accident, you will need to consult a boat injury lawyer who will be able to advise you on the best course of action. You should also gather as much documentation as you can on your injuries and related expenses.

Be careful what you say to other third parties. Insurance adjusters and attorneys have a vested interest in minimizing your damages and paying as little as possible on your claim. It is best to let an experienced attorney handle their questions and requests.

Types of Cases We Handle

At GJEL, we handle all types of boating accidents. Here are a few of the more common accidents we see:

– Boating accidents at work-related functions
– Charter Boat and SCUBA Accidents
– Boat Fires
– Slip and Falls

While some boats may seem safer than others, a cabin cruiser is just as susceptible to an accident as a sailboat. This is because the weather on the water can be unpredictable.

If you were injured on a boat you should talk to an attorney right away.

Boating Injury Lawyers at GJEL are standing by ready to help in your time of need!

California Boating Accidents Are Common

Whether you are enjoying time on a privately owned boat, riding a personal watercraft such as a jet ski, or taking a ferry to work you are at risk for serious boating injuries.

While boating can be a fun activity, sometimes accidents happen.

Although boat operators and owners have a duty to exercise the highest degree of care in order to prevent injuries to others, injuries still frequently occur as the result of negligence or carelessness.

Some of the most common boat accidents are the following:

  • Slip and fall due to a wet surface
  • Multiple boat collisions
  • Boat sinking or tipping
  • Boat fires
  • Falling off a boat
  • Death

Many accidents that take place on watercraft are the result of a reckless or inexperienced operator or some type of boat malfunction.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, contact GJEL Boat Accident Attorneys today for a free case review. We have recovered over $10 million dollars for clients who have been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of a boat operator or owner.

Top Causes of Boat Accidents in California

In 2021, there were 593 reported boating accidents in California, resulting in 256 injuries and 44 fatalities. Here are some of the most common reasons for boating accidents.

Intoxication

Over one-third of all boating accidents involve a boat driver who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. California has strict BUI (boating under the influence) laws, but they are often ignored. A boat accident attorney can get you the compensation you deserve for injuries caused by intoxicated boaters.

Unsafe Speed

Boating too fast for water conditions can lead to serious boat accidents. Other boats can be overturned in wakes caused by a reckless boater, or passengers can be injured when a boat slams into submerged rocks at high speeds or is unable to stop before hitting another watercraft.

Careless and Reckless Operation of a Boat

Many injuries happen due to operator negligence. Recreational boats are required to carry fire extinguishers and life vests and to have horns and visual signals. Captains must watch for other boats and swimmers in the water. A boat accident attorney can help you hold negligent owners responsible for their carelessness.

Inexperienced Boat Driver

Boat operators must understand the water rules. They must be able to handle emergency situations and they must know how to drive and steer a boat. Without that knowledge, an inexperienced boater becomes a hazard to passengers and to other boaters. Operator inexperience is the third leading cause of boat accidents.

Boat Passenger Carelessness or Recklessness

While boating accidents are most frequently caused by operator error, passengers can also be found guilty of reckless, criminal, or negligent behavior. A passenger who assaults another passenger or interferes with the boat’s operation can be held liable for their actions should they lead to injuries or accidents.

Bad Weather

When you are out on the water, the weather can be unpredictable. Operators need to stay alert for weather changes and pay attention to forecasts and Coast Guard warnings of dangerous weather. conditions. If they do not, they put their craft and passengers at serious risk of injury or death.

Boat Accident Statistics Across the US

A man enjoying a boat ride in a California lake

There are approximately 13 million boats and watercrafts registered in the U.S., many of which should be equipped with Coast Guard-approved safety devices, such as:

  • Personal floatation devices of varying sizes for adults and children
  • Sound-producing devices, such as a horn, whistle, or bell
  • Working radio to make distress calls in the event of an emergency
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Visual distress signals such as lights or orange flags
  • Ventilation on gasoline-powered boats

These and other safety devices are important for boaters of all ages and skill levels because they may save lives by preventing accidents and serious injuries. Unfortunately, 800 people are killed and over 8,000 people suffer injuries due to involvement in boating accidents every year.

Types of Damage in a Boat Accident Lawsuit

Boating accidents can be traumatic, life-changing events. If you were involved in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence or misbehavior, you are eligible for compensation for your losses. Here are some of the damages that you can claim in a boat accident lawsuit.

Costs of Past and Future Medical Treatment

Slips and falls, near-drowning, propeller wounds, or other injuries from a boating accident can lead to high medical bills and ongoing medical expenses. If your boat accident attorney can prove in a lawsuit that the other party or parties were totally at fault in the incident, you can expect full compensation for any past or future medical treatment needed for your injuries. This includes not only doctor and hospital expenses but also rehabilitation, therapy, and necessary medical devices.

Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Boating accidents can leave you with chronic pain and mental trauma. If the injuries you sustained were severe and caused you to experience extreme pain and emotional suffering, or if you lost a loved one due to a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced boat accident lawyer can ensure that you are made whole for grief, anxiety, and sleepless nights caused by someone else’s carelessness.

Lost Wages

A boating accident may leave you unable to work for a lengthy period or leave you unable to perform your previous job. If you lose wages or your ability to work is impacted as a result of a negligent boater, you deserve to be compensated for your financial losses, lost benefits, missed promotions, and other damages to your earning potential. A skilled boating accident attorney can tally your wage losses and build a strong case for your lost wage claims.

Damage to Property

If your boat is damaged in a boating accident where the other party was at fault, you are entitled to compensation for the fair market value of your boat or for the cost of any necessary repairs. You may also raise a claim for personal property that was damaged, lost, or destroyed in the boating accident. Your boat accident lawyer can help you tally up your property losses and file reimbursement claims with the proper people.

Talk to a Boat Accident Attorney at GJEL

We invite you to call 1-855-508-9565 or email lawfirm@gjel.com to speak with an experienced boating accident attorney at GJEL if you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident. We provide free consultations, and we’re paid only when we win your claim. You’ll pay no fees if we don’t obtain a verdict or settlement for you.

Please visit the Contact Us page to find our local office nearest you. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

If you or someone you know was injured in a boat accident, contact GJEL today for a no-obligation free case review at (925) 471-8225.

CALIFORNIA OFFICE LOCATIONS NEAR YOU

GJEL LAW FIRM RESOURCES

  • How long does it take to get money from a personal injury settlement?
    CA Personal Injury Settlement: Waiting for Your Check (GJEL Accident Attorneys) Typical Timeline: 6 Weeks After Settlement Acceptance. Breakdown of Processing Steps: Ensure Smooth & Fast Payment. Free Consultation: Know Your Rights & Get You Paid Quickly. Read the full article for a California personal injury attorney’s in-depth explanation of the typical timeframe for receiving your settlement check after a personal injury case. Learn how GJEL Accident Attorneys prioritizes efficient communication and keeps you informed throughout the process. After the case is settled it could be six weeks. How long it takes to get a settlement for your personal injury claim depends heavily on the facts of the case. You will usually receive your settlement payment from a personal injury within six weeks after you have accepted a settlement. Whether you were injured in a car accident, truck accident or other type of accident the settlement timeline is usually the same if there was a serious injury. This is due to a number of factors and may vary from one case to another. This is just an average on how long it will take to get paid after your case is finished but varies depending on a number of factors. Here are the things that typically have to happen before you receive your settlement check: Paying Out Victim Expenses From The Settlement Depending on the nature of the claim, there may be medical bills or vehicle repair bills to be paid, or to be reimbursed if the plaintiff has already paid these costs. If invoices or statements have already been collected and are up-to-date with no further bills to be included, the attorney will confirm final amounts to be paid to each creditor or medical provider, and checks will be issued accordingly. Paying The Attorney Fees Next, comes the attorney fee, along with court costs and filing fees. Your attorney will pay the legal costs and issue himself the agreed-upon fee for legal representation. A statement of services may need to be prepared that itemizes the actual work performed by the attorney, along with associated costs, if required, for postage, copies, travel, etc. The Most Important Part For the Victim Comes Last: Victim Compensation Payout After all related bills, fees, expenses, and costs connected to the settlement have been paid, the law firm will issue a check to the plaintiff in the residual amount. It may take a few days for the other checks to be processed, followed by the last one for the client. Sometimes the check will be picked up at the law firm, or it may be mailed via postal service, along with the final legal fee statement and a copy of the final settlement agreement, which the plaintiff would have signed at the conclusion of settlement negotiations. Since most law offices are handling several cases at any given time, processing a settlement usually takes a few weeks. After months or perhaps years of legal proceedings, most clients will patiently await the finalization of their claim. If you are wondering, how long does it take to get money from a settlement, you can call the lawyer’s office for verification. Most likely, the cash settlement will arrive within six weeks. Can I get an advance on my personal injury settlement? If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering a personal injury lawsuit, you may be wondering if you can get an advance on your settlement. While some law firms do offer this option, it’s important to understand the risks before you agree to it. One thing to consider is that personal injury lawsuits can be unpredictable. Even if you have a strong case, there’s no guarantee that you’ll win. If you lose your case, you’ll be responsible for paying back any advance you received, which could put you in a difficult financial position. Additionally, the terms of a personal injury advance may not be favorable. Some law firms charge high fees or interest rates for advances, which can eat into your settlement or even exceed the amount you receive. There are other options available if you need financial assistance while you’re waiting for your personal injury settlement. For example, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with your medical providers or borrow money from friends or family. You may also be able to get a loan or line of credit based on the expected settlement of your case, but be sure to shop around and compare offers to get the best terms. In summary, while it may be tempting to get an advance on your personal injury settlement, it’s important to weigh the risks and consider other options before making a decision. The personal injury claims process is usually a long process and you can view the timeline for personal injury cases here. Frequently Asked Wrongful Death Case Questions Q: How long does it take to get lawsuit money? A: The entire lawsuit process can take years, but it usually takes up to six weeks to receive your payment after the lawsuit. The full duration of a settlement varies depending on the complexity of the case and negotiations involved. Factors such as gathering evidence, negotiations, and any potential trial can influence the timeframe. It is recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney for a more accurate estimate. Q: What is the typical wrongful death settlement amount? A: The amount will vary depending on the factors of the case. You can review the typical wrongful death settlements here. Q: How long does it take to get a settlement check from a car accident? After you have settled it can take up to six weeks before you receive the check. Q: How long does it take for an insurance company to pay out a settlement? After the settlement is agreed they have up to 85 days to pay. Q: How long after discovery is settlement check received? It can take two to four months after the discovery process. The facts of your case will affect…
  • How Long Can I Wait to File a Lawsuit?
    If you’ve been injured due to negligence, then you are entitled to receive compensation from the guilty party. However, the State of California imposes a strict deadline known as a statue of limitations that limits the amount of time following an accident in which you are allowed to file a claim.
  • If I’m on Medicaid, can they take my entire recovery?
    When you sustain a personal injury because of another party’s negligence, you will likely need medical treatment and will have ongoing healthcare needs related to the injury. For residents of Northern California who rely on Medicaid (or Medi-Cal, in California) for healthcare, you can continue to anticipate that your injury-related treatment will be covered. In other words, you will not be responsible for paying the upfront costs associated with your recovery.
  • How is loss of earnings calculated if I’m self employed?
    How do courts calculate loss of earnings for self-employed plaintiffs in car accident and other personal injury cases? This can be actually a fairly complex issue. If you work for an employer, it’s pretty simple. If you’re out for two months your employer fills out a form that says what you would have earned, but if you’re self-employed and you have your own business then it gets a little tricky and the reason it gets tricky is because your earnings probably vary.
  • What is uninsured motorist coverage [UM/UIM]?
    If you live in California and you are involved in a car accident, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for it. However, drivers rarely pay for accidents that they cause out of pocket – instead, they turn to their auto insurance liability policies to pay for damages.
  • California Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
    When an accident occurs in California, whether an automobile accident or an accident such as a slip and fall on someone else’s property, the way that injuries are almost always paid for is through liability insurance. Because California is an at-fault state, the insurance company of the person whose negligence caused the accident and related injuries is responsible for paying for the injured party’s damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can a Boat Accident Attorney Help Me?

A boat accident lawyer can help you determine the parties responsible for the accident. They gather medical records, accident reports, and other evidence supporting your claim. Then, they will negotiate with insurance carriers to win a just settlement for your injuries, or litigate your case in court should that prove necessary. Boat accident attorneys know the applicable statutes and can guide you through the legal maze until your case is settled.

Who’s Responsible for Boat Accidents in California?

The party or parties who caused the boating accident can be held liable for damages based on the degree to which their negligence or inaction contributed to the accident. Multiple people may be responsible for a boat accident, and each may owe you compensation for your pain and suffering. Your GJEL boat accident attorney has experience in these claims and can hold these entities responsible for your pain and suffering due to a watercraft accident.

Is there a Statute of Limitations on Boat Accident Lawsuits?

How long can you wait to file a lawsuit? California has a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. If your accident happened in navigable waters (waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or that are or have been used to transport interstate or foreign commerce), it is subject to Admiralty law and has a three-year limit. A boating accident attorney can help determine which statute applies to your case.

How Often Does a Boat Accident Happen in the US?

There are approximately 13 million recreational boats and watercraft (boats used primarily for leisure purposes) registered in the United States. In 2021, 658 people died as a result of boating accidents and 2,641 people were injured. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should contact a boat accident lawyer with experience in these types of claims.

What Makes Boat Accidents so Dangerous?

Boat accidents are especially dangerous because emergency medical assistance is not readily available on the water. If the boat operator is injured or incapacitated, there may not be anyone else on board who can summon help or drive the boat to shore. Boating accidents are serious and if you’ve been hurt in a boating accident you should consult a boating accident injury lawyer who knows how to secure your rights and see that you are properly compensated.

Can I Claim for My Injuries if I Was Drunk as a Passenger on the Boat?

Many recreational boat rides and boating accidents involve alcohol. You still have the right to file a boat injury claim if you were drinking so long as you were not the primary cause of the accident or injury. But your drunkenness may lead to a court finding you partially liable for your injuries and reducing your compensation. A boat injury attorney will be able to assess your situation and determine whether or not you have a viable compensation claim.

Recent Accidents

September 2019: Santa Cruz California