Laguna Niguel Boat Accident Lawyer

Boat accidents can occur in a number of different contexts, from recreational to commercial. With Laguna Niguel’s close proximity to the ocean and other bodies of water, many locals and vacationers engage in boating activities frequently. However, you could be gravely injured or even killed by a negligent defendant’s actions while operating a boat or other watercraft such as a jet ski. A Laguna Niguel boat accident lawyer could offer their services to analyze and present your case. Understand your rights and pursue compensation to the furthest extent possible with the aid of a dedicated personal injury attorney.

Primary Causes of Boating Accidents

An injury caused by a boat can happen for any number of reasons. When a boat operator uses their vehicle in a negligent manner, serious harm can result. Determining the cause of the accident is a critical part of a successful claim. Without establishing the cause of the accident, a claim cannot be successful. Potential causes of a boating accident include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or drug-related accidents
  • Speeding and reckless operation
  • Violations of boating regulations
  • Ejection injuries from personal watercraft
  • Equipment or boat defects
  • Propeller injuries
  • Improper training by operators
  • Lack of safety equipment
  • Drowning accidents

These serious infractions by boat operators can lead to severe injuries. An injured plaintiff should seek the advice of a Laguna Niguel boat injury attorney after this type of incident.

When Boats Are Considered “Common Carriers”

Many boat accidents might occur while the boat is considered a common carrier, which is a legal designation that imposes a greater duty of care on the operator and the owner of the boat. Many ferries, harbor cruises, cruise ships, or others that transport multiple passengers may be obligated to follow this heightened standard imposed by California Civil Code § 2100.

This situation commonly occurs when a boat is for hire. The captains for “booze cruises” or other hired ships may have the duty to use the utmost care and diligence in order to ensure the safety of their passengers. The heightened standard imposed under state law may be of great assistance in proving a claim against a negligent boat operator or their employer.

Compensation in Boating Accident Claims

A successful boating accident lawsuit may result in substantial compensatory damages for the injured plaintiff. Compensatory damages entail both economic and non-economic damages designed to make the plaintiff whole again, as if the accident had never occurred. These recompenses are meant to compensate the injured parties for what they have endured physically, emotionally, and financially. In a successful personal injury claim, a plaintiff might be entitled to any or all of the following:

  • Property damage compensation
  • Repayment of medical bills
  • Costs of rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages (in applicable cases)

When properly established by the legal standard of proof, a plaintiff could be entitled to these types of monetary damages. The help of a boat accident lawyer in Laguna Niguel is a key component of a successful boat accident claim.

Allow a Laguna Niguel Boat Accident Attorney to Represent Your Interests

Your case is subject to its own unique set of facts. These facts and all surrounding circumstances of your case must be carefully analyzed and applied to the appropriate law. Doing so could greatly improve your chances of a successful claim and an award of damages. To file your claim, a Laguna Niguel boat accident lawyer could guide you through the process and advocate for you in a court of law. Call now to set up a consultation.