California Boating Accident: When and How To File A Lawsuit
Being that California houses so many lakes, islands, and coasts, it’s no wonder that boating accidents happen often. Out of all types of boating accidents, those involving personal watercraft are the most popular. Nevertheless, every now and then an accident will involve a commercial vessel such as a ferry boat or cruise ship.
Ayuda California is backed by the most reputable and knowledgeable California boating accident law firm in the state. With a team of experienced boating accident lawyers, we have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for injury victims. If you’re looking for an aggressive law firm that will fight for you, look no further than Ayuda California.
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Commercial Boat Accident Liability
The majority of boat accidents involving commercial vessels are covered by maritime law. This means that the victims have a right to sue the vessel operator, owner or manufacturer for negligence or reckless behavior. For example, if the operator was negligent in their duties by failing to maintain the vessel or not paying attention (leading to an injury-causing accident), this could be grounds for a lawsuit.
On the other hand, if the negligence of another boater causes an accident, liability will depend on who acted recklessly and what damages were caused. A maritime lawyer can assist victims in filing a claim against the other boater and seeking maximum monetary compensation.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
There are several common causes of boating accidents in California, including:
- Poor weather conditions
- Lack of safety equipment and/or training
- Negligence on the part of the vessel operator
- Reckless driving or operation of a boat
- Alcohol consumption
- Mechancal malfunction or failure
- Overload of passengers
- Improperly stowed cargo
- Hidden dangers in the water
When it comes to filing a lawsuit, many victims are unaware of their rights or what steps they should take. This is why Ayuda California is here to help.
When Can You File A Lawsuit For A California Boating Accident?
In the state of California, you are allowed to file a claim within two years after the accident occurred. The statute of limitations is in place to ensure that victims get their fair day in court and don’t end up being taken advantage of by large corporations or insurance companies. Commercial vessels can be difficult to sue, as they often have more resources than the victim, so it’s important to seek legal counsel before proceeding with a lawsuit.
Additionally, if a property was damaged or destroyed in the accident, the victim can file a claim for reimbursement for their losses. This means that if a jet ski or fishing boat was destroyed due to the accident, the victim can seek compensation for the damages.
What Damages Can You Claim For A California Boating Accident vs. A Commercial Vessel?
Depending on the type of accident and the severity of the damages, victims can claim various types of damages. When it comes to boating accidents involving a personal watercraft or recreational vessel, victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
For commercial vessels, the damages may be more extensive depending on the circumstances of the accident. In addition to lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, victims can also sue for punitive damages or wrongful death if somebody had died as a result.
The settlement value of these damages will vary depending on the specifics of the incident, but an experienced maritime lawyer can help maximize the compensation amount.
Injuries From Accidents vs. Commercial Boats
Personal injury claims involving commercial vessels may be more complicated than those involving recreational boating accidents. Since the victims are suing a large corporation or vessel owner, they will need to prove that the accident was caused by negligence or recklessness on the part of the operator.
Injuries that result from these types of accidents can include broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord damage, drowning, and more. In some cases, the vessel operator may be liable for punitive damages in addition to the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
At Ayuda California, we have a team of experienced boat accident lawyers that can help you fight for your rights after an accident involving a commercial vessel. We understand the complexity of these cases and we are dedicated to helping victims recover maximum compensation for their losses.
How Ayuda California Can Help Boat Accident Victims
At Ayuda California, we are dedicated to helping victims of boat accidents recover the compensation they deserve. Our team of experienced maritime lawyers can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time. We understand that no amount of money can make up for what happened, but it can help relieve some of the financial burden caused by the accident.
Call us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your boat accident case! We are here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have and provide you with the legal representation necessary to maximize your settlement.
Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience negotiating high settlements with insurance companies, often reaching the policy limit. You don’t have to go through this alone, let us fight for your rights.
