If you suffer injuries in a watercraft accident, our California boating accident lawyers can help you seek financial compensation for the losses others caused you. Boating accident laws can be more complex than those for a simple car accident, but our over 40 years of experience affords you the legal insight you need.
Turn to Meissner Law Firm now for a free case review. Let our California personal injury lawyers determine who should be paying for your losses.
Why Choose Us at Meissner Law Firm?
Meissner Law Firm has built a reputation for getting results for victims. When a boating, jet ski, or other watercraft accident occurs, proving fault and holding insurance companies accountable is essential, but challenging.
For over four decades, our legal team has handled thousands of cases. We help our clients get results and have recovered hundreds of millions in damages for victims. We never charge you anything upfront for our services, but we can promise you will always receive personalized, fair treatment from our entire team. Request a case review now to learn more about your rights.
Who Is Liable in a California Boating Accident?
A boating accident may be more complex than other types of personal injury matters. We must consider numerous statutory frameworks, the various parties who could be liable, and the insurance coverage available. Liability in a California boating accident depends on what caused the incident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Operator mistakes due to reckless behavior or lack of attention, often the responsibility of the operator
- Boating under the influence, which is a violation of California Harbors and Navigation Code § 655, and creates liability for the operator
- Poor maintenance and upkeep of the watercraft, often the fault of the owner
- Defective equipment, including fuel system fires, propeller defects, or failures of the bilge pump, some of which could be attributed to the manufacturer
- Marine and dock-related negligence, often the result of the owner or operator’s oversights
Violations of safety laws put victims at risk for serious injuries. As your California boating accident lawyers, we will investigate your accident comprehensively to determine who should pay for your losses. Expect us to be aggressive in pursuing fair treatment.
What Compensation Can I Recover from a California Boating Accident?
Victims of boating accidents may pursue economic and non-economic damages they incurred as a result of the negligence of another person or business. Some of the most common forms of loss include:
- Medical costs from the incident through recovery
- Loss of wages and earnings
- Loss of earning capacity if experiencing prolonged injuries
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
We evaluate every type of loss you suffered and demonstrate the value of them to the insurance company of the responsible party. We negotiate aggressively to preserve your maximum claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Boating Accident Claim in California?
The deadline for filing a California boating accident lawsuit depends on the circumstances of the case and the law that applies. In many California personal injury cases, an injured person generally has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, boating accidents that fall under federal maritime law may be subject to a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury or death claims.
Other deadlines may apply depending on who was involved and where the accident occurred. For example, claims against a California public entity may require an administrative claim to be presented within six months. Because boating cases can involve both state and federal law, injured individuals should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine the applicable deadline.
Call Our California Boating Accident Lawyers Today
Do not just guess at what your rights are. Instead, hire our California boating accident lawyers to get the critical information you need. Trust Meissner Law Firm with your case. Request a free consultation now.