Boating Accidents

Assertive Legal Advocacy For Boat Accidents

Boating in and around Newport Beach is a favorite pastime and something you have worked hard to enjoy. Owning a boat is like having a vacation every day. But if you or someone you love has been hurt in a maritime accident, life can abruptly change. If you were harmed to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of John Rapillo, we can offer knowledgeable guidance and strive to recover damages. John Rapillo will work tenaciously for you.

Common Causes Of Boating Crashes

Although the cause of boating accidents in California vary widely, the following are the most common factors involved in boating accidents:

• Inattention of the boat operator
• Boat operator driving at an excessive speed
• Inexperience of the boat operator
• Behaviors of passengers or skiers
• Failure of machinery
• Inclement weather
• Wakes
• Boat operator acting carelessly or recklessly
• Hazardous waters
• Overloaded boat
• Improper anchoring
• Spilled fuel ignites
• Boat operator with restricted vision
• Boat operators making a sharp turn
• Drug or alcohol use by boat operator
• Heavily congested waters

Typical Damages Collected Following A Boating Accident Injury

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your boating accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages, which are meant to cover such expenses as:

• Hospital bills
• Ambulance services
• ER services
• Physician expenses
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitation costs

You may also be entitled to pain and suffering damages following your accident, as well as lost wages (past, present and future) depending on whether your injuries will ever allow you to return to work. Punitive damages are awarded when a defendant has acted in a particularly callous, malicious or grossly negligent manner. Punitive damages are meant as a punishment to the defendant as well as a deterrent to others. A skilled personal injury attorney can determine what damages you are entitled to receive following your boating accident. It can be a real relief to allow someone else to take responsibility for the legal aspects of your boating accident, giving you time to recover from your injuries.

Some Reasons Why California Boat Accidents Are High

Despite the fact that states which require boater education have a lower rate of fatal accidents, several bills to implement boater education in the state of California have failed. According to a 2013 report by NBC, the state of California is the second worst in the nation as far as the number of boating accidents is concerned. Further, the Golden State actually allows those as young as 12 to operate a boat. In fact, California was one of only five states that required no boater education at all. Many associate this lack of boater education requirement with the fact there were 2,775 boating accidents in the state between the years of 2007 and 2012.

Only Florida had more boating accidents during that time period, with 3,800. Experts in the field believe that while a certain number of boating accidents are due to alcohol or drug impairment, the primary reason for the accidents is lack of boating education — the fact that so few boaters know even the most basic rules of boating safety.

Schedule A Free Consultation With John Rapillo Today

You have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim for damages, so do not hesitate. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, call the Law Offices of John Rapillo for help. We have more than 35 years of legal experience and have seen, firsthand, the impact a meaningful settlement can have on accident victims. We will review your case, explain your rights and answer the questions you have. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to worry about legal fees until we win. Call 949-675-5060 or use our email contact form to reach out today.