In 2016, California had a reported 588 boating accidents. It was an increase that saw the state reach its highest mark since 2009, when 627 boating accidents were reported. California features 840 miles of beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. The state is also home to more than 3,000 lakes. The plentiful amount of water combined with California’s weather offers residents the chance to spend a lot of time on boats. Unfortunately, boating accidents do occur and can leave those involved with serious injuries or even dead.
What Should You do if You are in a Boat Accident?
One of the most important things to know when you are in a boating accident is where the boat’s propeller is. Due to the speed in which a propeller can rotate, it could cause major injuries, including severing body parts. If you fall in the water during a boat accident, it is important to locate the engine and avoid it.
It is important that a boat operator and passengers wear life jackets while the boat. This may sound silly if you know how to swim, but when you fall in the water after a boat accident, you could be unconscious or disoriented. A life jacket could save your life until you regain consciousness.
Drinking Laws are in Effect on Water, too
Just like on land, operators of boats must adhere alcohol consumption and driving laws. It is a common misconception that drinking and driving a boat is not illegal, but that could not be further from the truth. Alcohol-related boating accidents occur nearly twice as often as non-alcohol-related boating accidents. Not only are drunk boating operators open to being sued and held liable for an accident, they are also open to being arrested.
What Causes a Boating Accident?
The most common reason a boating accident occurs is the inexperience of the boat’s driver. A lack of education and experience on the water makes newer boat operators more likely to crash. Drivers can also be distracted by other passengers, food, or music while operating the watercraft.
A second common reason is the passengers on board. Whether drinking or being loud, passengers can be distracting to the driver. Their movements onboard can also cause accidents to occur.
It is not always the fault of the people on onboard the boat when an accident occurs. The weather can play a major factor in boating accidents. Fog, rain, or high winds can cause drivers to lose control of their boats. To prevent boating accidents, it is advised that boat drivers gain as much experience from boating and sailing classes as possible.
Strassburg, Gilmore and Wei can Help
The law firm of Strassburg, Gilmore and Wei can provide you with legal guidance when it comes to catastrophic injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Located in Pasadena, California, Strassburg,
Gilmore and Wei, Attorneys at Law, is available to give you insight on difficult matters. Visit our webpage to see how we can help you. If you have any questions, contact us and let our experienced attorneys in catastrophic injury and wrongful death go to work for you.