Sacramento Boating Accident Lawyer

Californians enjoy outdoor activities, especially if they involve the ocean. Boating can be a year-round activity for many Californians. Although boating can be fun, it does not come without risks. In 2016, there were 588 boating accidents in California. Being injured in a boating accident can be tremendously traumatic.

A Sacramento boating accident lawyer can examine your case, determine where the fault for the accident lies, and provide an accurate estimate of the value of a fair settlement. The Law Offices of JG Winter has attorneys with the experience and knowledge needed to help you through the process of filing your claim.

What to Do after a Boating Accident

Any kind of accident can be overwhelming. There is the stress of the initial shock of the accident, and then comes the realization that you are injured. For some people, being prepared can help them in the event of an accident. If you are in a boating accident, here are some helpful tips to remember:

• Seek medical attention as soon as you can 
• Report the accident to the California Department of Boating and Waterways
• Obtain registration/insurance information from the boat operator
• Write down witness information
• Document the events 
• Take photos 
• Contact an attorney

The Law Offices of JG Winter can help you gather the necessary information and evidence to pursue a boating accident claim. Proving negligence and liability can be complicated in a boating accident claim. Our attorneys will help you determine fault and guide you through the complex legal process.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Often, boating accidents are avoidable. These types of accidents typically are the result of someone’s negligence. The most common causes of boat accidents in Sacramento include:

• Untrained or inexperienced boat operators
• Operating the boat under the influence 
• Speeding or boating recklessly 
• Exceeding passenger limits for watercraft
• Violation of safety rules

If you sustained injuries in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault party. A Sacramento boating accident attorney can look over your case to help determine who was at fault and how much your settlement claim is worth.

Common Boating Accident Injuries 

Due to the nature of boating, injuries sustained because of a boat accident are often severe. Most boaters are not restrained or seated at all times; therefore, this opens up the possibility for injuries in the event of an accident. There is a high probability that a boater will impact the hard surfaces of the boat or fall overboard. The brutal nature of these impacts can have dire consequences. Common boating accident injuries include:

• Broken or dislocated bones
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding 
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Near-drowning causing brain trauma 

Some boating accident victims may experience mental or emotional trauma, including PTSD, because of the entire experience. A person may sustain life-altering injuries from a boat accident, significantly impacting their mental health as well.