Our Riverside Boat Accident Lawyers are highly experienced and have established a 99% Success Rate with our settlements and cases. We have won over $800 million for our clients and carry over 45 years of experience.
Riverside County’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a vast number of rivers and lakes makes boating and jet skiing a favorite pastime for Inland Empire natives.
Boating and watercraft accidents are common in Southern California’s waterways and we hear about at least one fatality or injury involving boating or water sports in Riverside County each year.
Watercraft accidents may be caused by various factors, from boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to reckless operation or dangerous behavior. Suppose you have been injured in a boating or watercraft accident. In that case, you must understand your legal rights and the best way to do this is to seek legal counsel who specializes in boating accidents in California.
The skilled Riverside personal injury lawyers at Bisnar Chase are here to provide you with the resources you need to make an informed decision about pursuing your rights.
Please contact us for a free, no-cost consultation and case evaluation for your case review. If you are entitled to compensation, our Riverside boat accident lawyer will help you take legal action against the at-fault party, and you only pay when we win.
Boating Accident Riverside California
How Much is a Riverside Boat Accident Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the amount of loss you suffered. Boating accident claims can range from a few thousand dollars to a seven or eight-figure settlement or verdict.
All of the attorneys at Bisnar Chase are trial lawyers with decades of combined experience in handling complex cases and litigation. We are not paid unless we win your case, so we are highly motivated to get you the best compensation for your injuries.
An experienced boat accident lawyer in Riverside, like those at Bisnar Chase, will fight for you, advance the costs in your personal injury case, and work to reduce your medical bills and expenses so that you keep more of what we recover.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
California personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you get paid. There is no up-front cost to you if we take on your boat accident case. Upon finalizing the case, the law firm will receive approximately 33% of what it won; the rest goes to the injured plaintiff.
What is the maximum contingency fee in California?
The maximum contingency fee in California is 40% of the total amount recovered for most personal injury cases. However, there are some exceptions. For example, the maximum contingency fee for medical malpractice cases is 33 1/3%.
Specific max limits on contingency fees in California:
Personal injury cases: 40%
Medical malpractice cases: 33 1/3%
Products liability cases: 40%
Wrongful death cases: 40%
Consumer protection cases: 20%
Top 9 Boating Accident Prevention and Safety
There is little you can do to control the behavior of other boaters, but you can reduce your chances of being injured in a watercraft or boating accident by practicing safe habits.
- The first rule is to never get on the water when you are intoxicated.
- Never get in a boat when you know that the operator may be impaired. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved.
- Studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.
- Be weather-wise. Always check local weather conditions before you get on the water.
- If you notice darkening clouds, rough winds, choppy waves or sudden drops in temperature, it is best to play it safe by getting off the water.
- Have a comprehensive pre-departure checklist to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten. Use common sense. Operate at safe speed.
- Slow down especially in crowded areas. Be alert at all times and steer clear of larger vessels. Be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids.
- Make sure everyone on your vessel is wearing a life jacket.
- It is always a good idea to take a boating course. It is important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can take a course at a local community college or utilize Online tutorials.
The U.S. Coast Guard provides a free vessel check. Make use of it. They will provide a specialist to check your boat and offer helpful boating safety tips and recommendations.
What To Do Right After a Boating Accident
- Check for injuries. The first priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
- Move the boat(s) to a safe location. If the boat is still in operation, move it to a safe location away from other boats and swimmers. Before you do this, and if it’s safe, take photos and video of the accident scene before moving the boats so you don’t lose evidence.
- Exchange information with the other boaters involved. Get the names, addresses, and insurance information of the other boaters involved in the accident. This information will be important if you need to file a claim later.
- Take pictures and video of the damage. Document your injuries and the damages to the boat(s). This will be crucial evidence in your case.
- File a police report with the authorities. In most cases, you must file a statement with the authorities after a boating accident. This report will help investigate the accident’s cause and determine who is at fault.
- Seek follow-up medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is essential to seek medical attention after a boating accident. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact an experienced boat accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and represent you in the personal injury claim.
- Do not admit fault to the other boater, insurance, or the authorities. This can be used against you to reduce your compensation. Wait and discuss the details with your attorney.
- Keep a copy of all records related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, and insurance information.
Injuries Suffered in Riverside Watercraft Accidents
Injuries suffered in a boating accident can be devastating. Boats and personal watercraft do not have seat belts or airbags, so passengers can get thrown into the water in even a low-speed collision.
The most dangerous scenarios, however, involve reckless boat operators who are traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the collision.
Some of the injuries suffered in boating accidents include:
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal trauma
- Burn injuries
- Drowning
- Amputation
Short- and Long-Term Damages From Boat Accidents
Immediately after a boating, watercraft accident, victims will, in the majority of cases, need medical attention. Those who have suffered severe injuries may need surgery or even lengthy hospitalization. These victims may lose income as a result of missing work while healing. We see these same types of injuries in swimming pool accidents as well.
Boating accident victims may also need costly rehabilitation services to regain strength and mobility or cosmetic surgery to repair scars.
If the symptoms are severe, it may be a struggle to return to normalcy and the victim’s family may feel burdened with their new responsibilities. In other words, a boating accident can turn the life of the victim and the victim’s family completely upside down.
This is why it is important for victims to understand their legal rights and options. Our top-rated boat accident attorneys in Riverside have decades of experience and are familiar with all California courts.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a California Boat Accident?
Similar to car and truck accidents, boating accident liability comes down to who was responsible for the accident and whether negligence was a contributing factor in the crash.
Boaters or watercraft operators who are drunk, distracted, speeding or careless may be held accountable for the damages they cause. Similarly, boat owners can be held accountable for accidents that result from their failure to inspect and maintain the vessels.
In cases where a defective boat, boating part or watercraft causes or contributes to the incident, the manufacturer of the watercraft, boat or faulty party can also be held liable.
Victims of boating accidents may seek financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
The family of a deceased boating accident victim can also seek support for their loss by filing a wrongful death claim.
Contact a Riverside Boat Accident Lawyer
Injured victims of boating or watercraft accidents should carefully document all of their damages and losses.
An experienced Riverside boating accident lawyer, such as the skilled attorneys at Bisnar Chase, who have successfully handled similar cases, will be able to guide you through the complex proceedings and help ensure that they are fairly and fully compensated for their losses.
If you have been injured, call us today at 951-530-3711 for your free case review and consultation.
