If you suffered injuries in a boating accident, contact our injury law firm to evaluate your case. An experienced California boat accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase has the skill, knowledge, and resources to hold negligent watercraft operators and defective boat manufacturers accountable.
Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your boating accident to determine the financial compensation you may be entitled to. With almost 50 years of winning in California courtrooms, we may be able to help you, too.
Boaters and weather are often a factor in these accidents. Lack of training, negligence, and stormy weather cause thousands of boat accidents annually.
Our lawyers will investigate the evidence in your case and assess your potential financial compensation. We don’t care whether your case is large or small and will work on your behalf to get maximum compensation.
During your free consultation, we will discuss
- Our experience and expertise in boating accidents
- Explain the legal process to you
- Discuss compensation
- Explain fees and costs
- Review evidence and documentation
- Discuss trial vs. settlement
- Provide client references if needed
Contact our experienced legal team at 800-561-4887 for a free consultation and a comprehensive case evaluation.
Why Choose Bisnar Chase as Your Legal Team?
- Over $1 billion won
- 99% success rate
- Legal advocacy and extensive expertise
- Thorough investigations and injury assessments
- Our injury attorneys are all trial lawyers
- We negotiate medical expenses
- We request medical liens
- Courtroom and litigation representation
- Over 47 years in California, serving only plaintiffs
- Five locations to find an injury attorney near you
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- No fee if we don’t win
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California Boat Accident Lawyers
Finding the Best Boat Accident Lawyer Near You
California has no shortage of personal injury attorneys, but finding the right one for your accident is paramount in getting the best financial settlement. Our law firm has represented injured plaintiffs in California for almost 50 years and won 99% of our cases.
We have experienced trial lawyers familiar with all California courts and defense attorneys and have built a solid reputation for winning complex cases.
Call one of our experienced California boat accident lawyers for a free consultation. Call 800-561-4887 today.
Questions to Ask a Boat Accident Attorney
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if they win your case. At Bisnar Chase, we also shield you from liability until the case is settled by advancing all costs and working to get your medical and hospital bills placed into a medical lien. We also negotiate with the creditors (hospital, doctor’s office, auto repair, etc.) to reduce the fees so that you keep more of your settlement.
Immediately after a boating accident, you should follow as many of these steps as possible to ensure your safety and protect your rights.
- Seek immediate medical care.
- If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Take statements from witnesses to the boat crash.
- Notify insurance companies of the accident.
- Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Consult with a maritime accident lawyer.
A successful personal injury claim will be determined by the type of lawyer you hire and their experience in boating accidents.
- Find a lawyer specializing in maritime law.
- Review their track record and experience in boat crash cases.
- Knowledge of all maritime laws that apply to your claim.
- Legal reputation and reviews.
- Their access to legal resources (experts, investigators).
- Their ability to communicate effectively.
- What is their fee structure?
- Do they offer a free consultation?
- Are they well respected in the legal community?
- Knowledge of local courts, defense teams, and judges.
- Ask what challenges they foresee in your case.
Boat Accidents Injuries and Fatalities
Thousands of people are injured each year in boat and other watercraft accidents. Whether the boating collisions occur on speedboats, sailboats, jet skis, party boats, cruise ships, or privately owned vessels, they can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Determining fault and liability in watercraft accidents can be challenging and complex.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating crash, please get in touch with an experienced California personal injury lawyer at Bisnar Chase today to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Victims and their families would be well advised to learn about their legal rights in such cases. Owners and operators are responsible for piloting the craft safely and lawfully and ensuring passengers’ safety at all times.
Factors Causing Boat Accidents
Boating injuries usually occur because of a reckless or careless operator operating the vessel under the influence, a boat malfunction, or an inexperienced operator.
Many factors come into play for boating accident attorneys in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Oakland, California, such as the weather conditions on the waterways and the Bay, whether operator error is involved, and at what reckless level boaters behave.
Pursuing Recovery for Victims
We determine the level of property damage and liability issues before working on pursuing a recovery for victims, especially those suffering from spinal cord injuries or other severe disabilities. We will negotiate settlements with defense lawyers and boat claims with insurance companies, considering the costs of medical treatment and other emergency services provided.
Boat accidents typically yield substantial settlements so long as the size of the event, level of fault, and specifics surrounding it are legitimate and provable by an experienced lawyer. Boating accident attorneys know that laws with the common sense of safety are essential for accident prevention. We also emphasize the need to know the duty of care and what actions are necessary in each case.
Tragic Long Beach Boat Crash Kills Local Man
A yacht crashed into the Alamitos Bay Jetty in Long Beach on July 3, 2024. The accident resulted in one fatality and ten injuries, with three people critically hurt.
FOX 11 obtained cell phone footage of the aftermath, which depicts the boat sinking and the passengers’ rescue from the wreckage. Witnesses described chaotic scenes with injured people on the rocks. The deceased, a man in his 50s, worked in real estate. Authorities believe speed was a factor and are investigating the incident alongside the U.S. Coast Guard.
Boat Propeller Injuries and Fatalities
A propeller is a rotating device that converts the kinetic energy of an engine into forward motion. Boat propellers can cause major injury. A boat propeller can fail in several ways. The most common failure is when the blade tips are damaged or bent due to impact with another object, such as another boat or a person.
There are also other causes of propeller failure, including vibration and wear. Propellers can also fail due to corrosion. Corrosion is caused by saltwater exposure and can occur in unprotected areas of the propeller shaft, such as the hub where it connects to the shaft housing.
A boat propeller’s defects or wear and tear can harm your passengers. Also, keeping all passengers and others away from the boat propeller reduces the risk of injury. Boat propeller injuries are very severe and often fatal because of the power and blades. Recently, a man was killed while attempting to rescue his fiancée in Florida.
California Watercraft Accident Statistics
As of March 30, 2026, the most recent nationwide U.S. recreational boating accident statistics are from the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics report (the 66th annual edition, published June 24, 2025).
- 3,887 reported recreational boating incidents (up 1.1% from 3,844 in 2023).
- 556 deaths (down 1.4% from 564 in 2023; the fewest fatalities in more than 50 years of record-keeping).
- 2,170 injuries (up 2.1% from 2,126 in 2023).
- Approximately $88 million in property damage (exact figure: $88,319,135.32).
- Fatality rate: 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels (a 2% decrease from 4.9 in 2023). There were 11,674,073 registered recreational vessels in 2024 (up 1.1% from 2023).
- Drowning was the known cause of death in 76% of fatal incidents.
- 87% of drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD/life jacket) (where usage was known).
- 4 out of every 5 people who drowned were on vessels less than 21 feet long.
- Alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal incidents, involved in 20% of deaths (92 deaths).
- Only 19% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had a nationally approved boating safety education certificate; 69% had received no boating safety instruction.
Top 10 known primary contributing factors (by number of incidents):
- Operator inattention (551 incidents, 42 deaths)
- Improper lookout (464 incidents, 24 deaths)
- Operator inexperience (436 incidents, 42 deaths)
- Machinery failure (289 incidents, 13 deaths)
- Navigation rules violation (288 incidents, 17 deaths)
- Excessive speed (279 incidents, 26 deaths)
- Alcohol use (244 incidents, 92 deaths)
- Weather (188 incidents, 55 deaths)
- Hazardous waters (172 incidents, 53 deaths)
- Force of wave/wake (122 incidents, 5 deaths)
- There are close to 1,000,000 watercraft registered in the State of California, including pleasure boats, sailboats, powerboats, and personal watercraft such as jet skis. California also has the second-highest watercraft accident rate in the United States.
- The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, personal injuries on board, sinking, and boat disappearances.
- Division of Boating and Waterways Reports: The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) publishes annual reports detailing recreational boating accident statistics in California. These reports include data on accidents, fatalities, and injuries.
- Common causes of boating accidents in California include operator inattention, excessive speed, and alcohol consumption.
- On average, there are about 480 boating accidents annually in California, leading to approximately 40 fatalities and numerous injuries.
- A recent high-profile incident involved a speedboat crashing into a jetty in Southern California, resulting in one death and ten injuries. This highlights ongoing safety concerns and the importance of strict adherence to boating regulations.
Most Common Vessel Types Involved
- Open motorboats: 47% of incidents; highest percentage of deaths (46%).
- Personal watercraft: 19% of incidents.
- Cabin motorboats: 14% of incidents.
- Paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards): 26% of deaths.
California Maritime Laws
California has extensive maritime laws to ensure safety on its waterways. California’s abundance of lakes, rivers, and beaches has prompted the state to implement extensive safety measures for boaters, swimmers, and the public.
- Every child under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the boat is underway unless they are in an enclosed cabin or restrained by a harness on a sailboat.
- All boats 16 feet or more in length (except canoes and kayaks) must carry one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) life jacket for each passenger.
- Boater Education. As of January 1, 2018, boaters 20 and older must carry a California Boater Card.
- By 2025, all boat operators must carry a California Boater Card demonstrating completion of a state-approved boating safety course.
- Operating Age. If a person at least 18 years old supervises them, children aged 12 to 15 may operate a vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more.
- To operate a vessel independently, individuals must be 16 or older and have a California boater card.
- Speed and Navigation. Boats must adhere to speed limits and specific navigation rules to ensure safety and minimize collisions.
- Safety Equipment. Vessels must have appropriate safety equipment, such as navigation lights, fire extinguishers, and sound-producing devices (e.g., whistles or horns), depending on their size and type.
- Boating Under the Influence. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Strict penalties are enforced to deter BUI violations.
These regulations are designed to reduce risks and ensure the safety of all individuals on California’s waterways. For comprehensive guidance, the Division of Boating and Waterways provides detailed information and resources on safety practices and legal requirements.
Call a California boating accident attorney at 800-561-4887 right now if you’re not sure if your case counts as an injured plaintiff case with cause.
Fun But Dangerous Activities -Practice Safety
Taking family and friends out on the water can be a great way to relax, enjoy action sports, and have fun. As most people know, water can make things much slipperier, harder to control, and more dangerous.
Action sports and activities usually involve speed, the use of equipment (skis, rafts, boards, etc.), and the need for open water.
When the environment becomes restrictive, if the maneuverability or driving of the watercraft is neglected or misused, or if alcohol is involved, an extremely hazardous and potentially deadly situation is created.
To ensure the utmost safety in your boating and watersport activities, follow these steps:
- Never consume alcohol while driving. You can get a DUI just as easily on a boat as you can in a vehicle.
- Don’t allow intoxicated individuals to even ride on the watercraft. Intoxicated individuals do not have a good sense of judgment, function, or perception, and can pose a danger not only to themselves but also to other passengers and pedestrians in and out of the water.
- Always make sure the captain or driver of the boat or watercraft is always at attention, not driving recklessly and following all safety precautions, rules, laws, and speed limits.
- Never drive a boat or watercraft at night without properly illuminated navigation lights on the bow, stern, starboard, and port sides.
- Don’t allow or encourage dangerous stunts or activities while the boat is in motion, in place, or at all.
You should contact one of our attorneys specializing in boat injury cases in California if you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident. For immediate assistance, call 800-561-4887.
Alcohol and Boating - A Dangerous Mix
Many times, boating activities like the Fourth of July, a bachelor’s party, a guys’ fishing trip, or just a Sunday of fishing include alcoholic beverages on board. When alcoholic substances are involved, the risk of accidents, injuries, and death is greatly increased.
Although people tend to believe drinking alcohol and driving boats is acceptable, you can still get a DUI as easily on a boat, vessel, or watercraft as you can in a vehicle because the same rules apply.
If you are caught driving a boat, watercraft, or vessel while intoxicated by drugs and or alcohol, you may be arrested, fined thousands of dollars, additional penalties, AA workshops, community service, suspension of your license, and more.
For more information on DUI laws, DUI charges, and driving laws, visit www.drivinglaws.org/
Types of Boating Accidents
The majority of California boating accidents involve a collision with another vessel. Some of the other most common types of watercraft accidents include:
- Flooding
- Skier mishaps
- Grounding
- Sinking
- Falls overboard
- Capsizing
- Crashes with submerged objects
- Collisions with fixed objects
Causes of Boat Crashes
The Department of Boating and Waterways reports that operator inattention is the most common cause of California boating accidents. Operator inexperience and excessive speed are the second and third most common causes.
- Weather and water conditions
- Improper loading and overloading
- Operator error and lack of experience
- Excessive speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Mechanical failures
- Lack of safety equipment
The top three causes of California boat accidents involve operator negligence. In such cases, the at-fault boat operator can be held accountable for the victims’ injuries, damages, and losses.
Operators are not solely responsible for all boating accidents. Machinery failure is responsible for nine percent of all crashes. When a defective boat part causes an injury accident, holding the manufacturer accountable for the victim’s losses may be possible.
Victims of mechanical malfunctions would be well advised to preserve their boats for a thorough inspection by a qualified expert.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one, call a California boat accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase for a free consultation. Call 800-561-4887 today.
California Boating Laws
California boat owners and operators are required to follow state and federal laws regarding the maintenance and operation of their vessels.
Similar to car drivers, boat operators are prohibited from driving recklessly or negligently, which may endanger others. Operators must also not drive near or through areas designated for swimmers, surfers, or bodyboarders.
All California boat operators must have enough life jackets and fire extinguishers onboard. They must also display navigation lights, fix fuel leaks, and ensure proper ventilation.
It is also vital for all boat operators to remain completely sober. Impaired driving is a particularly common cause of boating accidents. Many boat operators make the mistake of thinking they are allowed to drive drunk because they are on the water. This is a tragic error that leads to many fatalities each year.
If you have questions about boating laws in your case, call a California boat accident lawyer for a free case evaluation of your evidence.
Contact a Top-Rated California Boat Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a watercraft accident, it may be possible for you to seek compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
You must act quickly so that the incident can be investigated appropriately before evidence is lost. Similar to car accidents, the authorities should be notified whenever someone has been injured in a California boat accident. It is also advisable to:
- Write down specific details regarding how and where the crash occurred.
- Take photos of the damaged boat and of the injuries suffered.
- Collect contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
- Get your side of the story into the official report.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
Depending on the cause of the accident, you may be able to seek financial support for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Our California legal services provide professional guidance and support for the plaintiff parties involved. We ensure that documents, claims, contracts, and any other legal needs are handled meticulously to maximize the value and amount of compensation based on your specific circumstances. We help you make informed decisions and effectively manage your case to secure the money you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced California boat accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase today to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
