Boating Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Boating accidents often involve unique legal challenges due to the application of maritime law, which can complicate the claims process. Determining liability may require navigating specific rules and regulations that differ from standard personal injury cases.

At Vaziri Law, LLP, our boating accident lawyers in Los Angeles bring over 200 years of combined experience to these types of cases, giving us insight into the complexities maritime law can bring to a case.

Our team works to recover compensation for clients injured in boating accidents caused by operator negligence, unsafe conditions, or poorly maintained vessels. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles today to discuss your case during a free consultation.

Why Choose Vaziri Law, LLP as Your Los Angeles Boat Accident Lawyer

Our legal firm has been helping injured clients seek justice since 2006, bringing over 200 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, showcasing our ability to handle high-value claims, including those related to boating accidents.

While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our extensive experience demonstrates our dedication to achieving meaningful results for our clients.

Experience Handling Boating Accidents

We understand the devastating consequences that victims and their families face following a boating accident. Our skilled attorney, Siamak Vaziri, has experience handling cases involving maritime law, a complex practice area unlike any other.

Our Los Angeles boating accident lawyer guides clients through the legal process with compassion and determination. We strive to hold those responsible for causing harm accountable for their actions.

How Our Los Angeles Boat Accident Attorneys Assist With Your Claim

Maritime law is a specialized area of law that governs boating accidents and other incidents occurring on navigable waters. It has its own distinct rules and regulations that differ significantly from land-based personal injury laws.

For example, liability rules under maritime law often depend on the circumstances of the accident, the type of vessel involved, and whether it occurred in federal or state waters.

Additionally, maritime cases may involve the Jones Act, admiralty jurisdiction, or limitations of liability statutes, which can complicate claims for injured parties unfamiliar with these laws. Depending on status (e.g., seaman vs. passenger) and where the accident occurred, federal maritime law may apply; the Jones Act applies to seamen; passengers’ claims are typically general maritime negligence. Vessel owners may invoke the federal Limitation of Liability Act.

Our experienced Los Angeles boat accident attorneys understand the complexities of maritime law and how they impact your claim. We identify how these regulations apply to your case and work diligently to build a strong legal strategy.

Investigating the Cause of the Accident

A thorough investigation is key to pursuing a successful claim. Our team gathers evidence, such as eyewitness statements, accident reports, and photographs of the incident, to establish the facts.

Our boat accident attorneys in Los Angeles may also work with accident reconstruction experts to understand exactly how the collision or incident occurred.

We document every detail to strengthen your case and demonstrate negligence, whether the cause was operator inattention, excessive speed, alcohol use, or unsafe conditions.

Assessing the Full Extent of Your Damages

Boating accidents often result in significant injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or even fatalities. Beyond immediate medical expenses, injured parties may face long-term rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Our Los Angeles boat accident lawyers carefully assess all damages, including economic and non-economic losses, to pursue fair compensation. We provide compassionate legal assistance to families filing wrongful death claims and seek justice for their loved ones.

Handling Insurance Companies and Negotiations

Dealing with insurance companies, especially in maritime cases, can be overwhelming. Insurers may dispute liability or try to minimize payouts by shifting blame to you or lowballing settlement offers.

Our Los Angeles boating accident attorneys handle all communication and negotiations with insurers so that you do not accept a settlement that does not fairly cover your losses.

Representation in Court If Necessary

While most personal injury cases settle out of court, our team is prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys know how to present compelling arguments in court, whether your case involves maritime law along with California state law.

The Prevalence of Boating Accidents in Southern California

Southern California’s waterways are some of the busiest in the nation, which contributes to higher accident risk. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics, California recorded 387 boating accidents, resulting in 42 accident fatalities.

These numbers show that California consistently ranks high in boating-related incidents, with many of these accidents occurring in popular areas.

Negligence-Based Causes of Boating Accidents

The high volume of vessels in Southern California increases the risk of accidents caused by factors like operator inattention, speeding, alcohol use, and inexperienced boaters.

Understanding these common causes is vital to improving safety and holding negligent parties accountable on our waterways.

Operator Error Leading to Accidents

The responsibility for safe navigation on the Pacific Ocean and beyond often falls squarely on boat operators. It’s like being in charge of a car; if you’re not paying attention or you’re unsure how to drive it properly, risks immediately increase.

A momentary lapse in judgment or a simple mistake while driving a boat can be enough to cause chaos on waterways. In fact, many accidents involving personal watercraft don’t just happen; they’re caused by human error.

This could mean anything from speeding across waves without care to misjudging distances when docking. Whether someone is at the helm for their first time or they’ve been boating since childhood doesn’t matter much if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Fixed Objects and Vessel Collisions

Striking docks or other anchored obstacles is akin to hitting concrete walls: it does serious damage both physically and financially, and sometimes tragically results in death as well. Vessels crossing paths unexpectedly can also lead to crashes.

Personal Watercraft Risks Involving Jet Skis

Jet skis are deceptively powerful, which means they need expert handling, too.

Without enough experience or while under the influence of alcohol, riders may find themselves facing far graver situations than merely falling off. They can collide with boats, swimmers, or stationary objects, just as negligent boat operators can.

FAQs Our Los Angeles Boating Accident Attorneys Can Answer

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

In California, most personal injury attorneys, including boating accident lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict they recover for you. If they don’t win your case, you don’t pay any legal fees.

Contingency fees are calculated as a percentage of the recovery and can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including whether litigation is required.

This arrangement allows injured victims to access quality legal representation without any upfront costs or financial risk.

How Do You Respond to a Boating Accident?

After a boating accident, your priority is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries and call for medical assistance if needed. Alert the authorities immediately, as required by law, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.

Exchange contact, insurance, and vessel registration information with the other parties involved. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, injuries, and any damages to preserve evidence. Make notes about the incident, such as weather conditions or potential hazards.

Contact a boating accident lawyer in Los Angeles with Vaziri Law, LLP to help protect your legal rights and pursue compensation if necessary.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Boating Accident in California?

You must report certain boating accidents to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW).

• Within 48 hours: If the accident involves a death within 24 hours, a person’s disappearance under circumstances indicating death or injury, or an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
• Within 10 days: If the accident involves only property damage meeting the reporting threshold, a complete loss of a vessel, or a death occurring more than 24 hours after the accident.

You must report if combined damage to vessels and other property exceeds $500, or if any vessel is a complete loss. 

Failing to report an accident within the required timeframes could lead to fines or legal complications, so act quickly to comply with these requirements.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Boating Accident?

Potential boating accident damages can include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation costs.

You may also seek compensation for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life due to your injuries.

In some cases, you may also be able to recover property damages for repairs to your boat or other belongings. Our experienced Los Angeles boating accident lawyer can determine the types of compensation you may recover.

Let Our Boating Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles Help

At Vaziri Law, LLP, our boat accident attorneys in Los Angeles have helped victims recover over $1 billion in compensation since 2006.  

While our past results demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes, please note that past performance does not guarantee future results, as every case is unique. However, we are committed to bringing the same level of care, diligence, and determination to every claim we handle.

Contact us for help from our experienced personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles. We offer free consultations to help you explore your legal options.