A relaxing day out on the waters of the California coast can quickly turn tragic when a boating accident occurs. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an event, a Fresno boating accident lawyer at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is prepared to help you pursue compensation.
Following a boating accident, you can be left to deal with serious injuries, long-term medical needs, and other financial and emotional losses. Our team is here to provide the guidance and legal support necessary to get your (or your loved one’s) life back on track.
How Our Fresno Boating Accident Attorneys Can Help You Seek Compensation
Cases involving boat accidents often require careful investigations and a deep understanding of California maritime law. To that end, our Fresno, California, boating accident attorneys work diligently to gather substantial evidence, interview any witnesses, and build a case on your behalf.
We can assist with each of the following steps in the legal process:
- Investigating the cause of your accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling any communication with insurance companies
- Determining all current and future damages
- Preparing your case for negotiation or trial
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand that the aftermath of a boating accident can be an overwhelming and confusing moment in your life. With that in mind, our goal is to help you shoulder the legal burden and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Looking for a Boating Accident Lawyer Near You?
Finding a qualified boating accident attorney after being seriously injured is essential. Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers more than meets that expectation, as we have been serving the city of Fresno and its surrounding communities for decades.
Our deep roots and background in personal injury law make us trusted allies for accident victims. We’re proud of our track record and dedication to our clients, so if you are looking for legal help near you, know that our team is ready to assist you and answer any questions you might have.
Different Types of Watercraft Accident Cases We Handle
There are many different types of boating accidents, each involving a unique set of challenges. Thankfully, whether your accident involved a personal watercraft or a large vessel, we have the skills and resources to investigate your claim thoroughly and help fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has experience handling many types of watercraft cases beyond standard boats, including the following:
Speedboats
Speedboats are designed for quick movement across the water, but their high speeds make accidents more likely and dangerous. Collisions with other boats, fixed objects, or unexpected debris can cause severe injuries and property damage.
Jet Skis
Jet skis are small, nimble, and popular recreational vehicles. But much like speedboats, their high speeds and tricky maneuverability can lead to accidents when operators are inattentive, act recklessly, or are simply inexperienced. These incidents often result in collisions or ejections that can cause significant harm.
Deck Boats
Deck boats are regularly used for social gatherings and other leisurely activities. Overcrowding, improper weight distribution, or a lack of proper safety equipment can turn a fun outing into a hazardous situation, though, greatly increasing the likelihood of capsizing and other mishaps in the process.
Paddleboats
While paddleboats do not use a motor and thus move far more slowly, they still introduce certain risks. Accidents can occur in areas with a lot of traffic or when strong currents or inclement weather take hold, potentially leading to capsizing and collisions.
Yachts
Yachts are large vessels that usually require a professional crew. Accidents involving these kinds of watercraft may include onboard injuries and collisions with other vessels, often leading to various legal disputes over liability.
Kayaks
Kayaks are often used to explore rivers and lakes. However, given their distinctive shape and size, they are vulnerable to capsizing, especially in rough waters or when the weather starts to change.
Canoes
Paddlers are at greater risk if they are not properly trained, lack experience, or do not properly use safety gear.
Pontoon Boats
Lastly, though pontoon boats are designed for comfort and relaxation, they can still be involved in serious accidents. Collisions, grounding incidents, or equipment failures can lead to injuries, especially when safety precautions are overlooked.
Steps to Take After a Boating Accident in Fresno
The moments after a boating accident are critical. Follow these steps to help protect your health and strengthen your legal case:
- Get to Safety: Ensure everyone involved is out of any immediate danger
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked up by a medical professional as soon as possible
- Report the Accident: California law requires that certain boating accidents be reported to the State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
- Document Everything: Take photos and video of the accident scene, injuries, and any property damage
- Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details from those who have seen the accident, if any
- Avoid Making Statements: Do not admit fault or make any detailed statements to insurance companies without assistance from an attorney
Sticking to these actions can significantly improve your chances of receiving compensation.
Common Safety Concerns With Watercraft
Boating safety requires diligence and awareness. When boaters fail to meet responsibilities, the risk of accidents rises dramatically. Many of these circumstances are, therefore, preventable when safety guidelines are followed.
Nevertheless, there are still some common recurring concerns you should consider, such as the following:
Wear a Life Jacket
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in boating accidents. According to the California ABC’s of Boating guidebook, every person onboard a vessel should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Avoid Alcohol
Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both illegal and highly dangerous, as such substances impair judgment and slow reaction times. The penalties for boating while intoxicated are similar to those for driving under the influence on land.
Equipment Failures
Boats require regular maintenance and upkeep. Equipment failures, such as engine problems or broken steering components, can quickly escalate into emergencies on the water.
Take a Boating Safety Course
California law encourages all boaters to take a safety course covering essential topics like navigation, emergency procedures, and current boating laws. Courses are widely available through organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the California Division of Boating and Waterways.
Excessive Speed
Like on land, speeding on the water reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Boat operators should always obey set speed limits and slow down accordingly based on other factors, such as weather and traffic conditions.
Operator Error
Many accidents occur because of simple mistakes, such as a failure to yield to other craft, misjudging distances, or failing to focus on surroundings.
Adverse Weather Conditions
The weather can change rapidly, especially on larger bodies of water. Always check the forecast before heading out and prepare to return to shore quickly if conditions start to worsen.
Don’t Wait. Call Us Quickly. Statute of Limitations for Boating Accident Claims in California
California has a strict time limit, called the statute of limitations, for filing personal injury claims, including those caused by boating accidents. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim for personal injury. Missing that deadline can result in losing your ability to pursue compensation, no matter how strong of a case you may have.
There are some exceptions, such as if a government entity is involved, but these can shorten the timeline to as little as six months. Therefore, contacting a boat accident lawyer as soon as possible is the best thing you can do to protect your rights.
What You Should Not Do in Case of a Boating Accident
Just as there are essential steps you should take if you’ve been in a boating accident, there are also steps you should take to avoid them altogether. These include the following:
- Never leave the scene before ensuring everyone’s safety and reporting the incident as required by law
- Do not downplay your injuries or skip out on medical treatment
- Do not provide detailed statements to your insurer without first consulting a boat accident attorney
- Avoid posting about your accident on social media; these posts could be used against you later
Being mindful of these mistakes can protect your health, rights, and ability to seek compensation.
ABCs of California Boating Guidebook
Published by the Division of Boating and Waterways, the 2024 ABCs of California Boating Guidebook is helpful for new and experienced boaters alike. It covers essential topics such as boating laws, equipment requirements, navigation rules, and the different safety procedures for vessels, including personal watercraft. It also highlights essential steps to take if you are involved in an accident and clarifies your legal duties while on the water.
Some critical sections of the guidebook include the following:
- Laws and penalties for boating under the influence
- Life jacket requirements by age and type of vessel
- Explanations of navigation markers and buoys
- Proper towing procedures for water skis and wakeboards
- Registration and titling regulations for various vessels
- Environmental protection guidelines to prevent water contamination
- Procedures for reporting accidents and hazardous incidents
- Boater education card requirements
- Emergency guidance (steps to handle capsizing, fires, and person-overboard scenarios)
Helpful illustrations and charts are also included to clarify navigation rules and different safety procedures. By familiarizing yourself with all of the detailed information in the guidebook, you can better protect yourself, your passengers, and others on California’s waterways.
We Handle All Types of Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, burns, and lacerations. All of these may require ongoing medical treatment and long-term care.
Our legal team understands both the medical and emotional toll these accidents take. It’s why we work tirelessly to build strong cases for our clients that reflect the full extent of their injuries and to get the compensation they deserve.
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to Speak With a Fresno Boating Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we are committed to helping boating accident victims hold negligent individuals accountable. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and trial lawyers who will fight for the compensation you need to advance your life. We offer free consultations, meaning you won’t pay any fees unless we secure compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, don’t wait. Contact us today and speak with an experienced watercraft accident lawyer.
Fresno Boating Accident Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
What Steps Do I Take After I’ve Been in a Boating Accident?
First, ensure that everyone is safe and see a doctor for injuries. Report the accident to the appropriate authorities and gather as much evidence at the scene of the incident as you can, including photos, video, and witness information.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Boating Accident?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and similar kinds of damages. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the compensation you can pursue.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Boating Accident Claim?
While not legally required, hiring a watercraft accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries. They will know how to handle all the legal complexities of your case and fight for your best interests.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Boating Accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even in cases where you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will likely be reduced depending on the percentage of fault.
